Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education
Professionals and students in Communication Sciences and Special Education focus on meeting the needs of all people who might benefit from a range of approaches to teaching, learning, or communication. Our work is guided by the four strategic principles of the Mary Frances Early College of Education, which include high quality research, instruction, and outreach and inclusion and belonging for all people. We welcome all inquiries from students, professionals, community members, and families.
Academic programs in communication sciences and disorders, special education, birth through kindergarten programs, American Sign Language, and other specialties reflect our fundamental belief that all people should be as independent as they can possibly be.
Research
We value high-quality research that generates new knowledge and we value the best possible applications of current knowledge.
Service
Through the UGA Speech and Hearing Clinic, the Applied Behavior Analysis Clinic, and other outreach activities, we share our expertise with those who may benefit from it.
Concentrations
- American Sign Language
The department’s outstanding American Sign Language (ASL) instructors include native users of sign language with expertise in linguistics, deaf culture, and the teaching of ASL as a second language.
- Applied Behavior Analysis
Students completing this degree are prepared to apply for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Exam and pursue careers in school, clinical, or consultative settings, serving individuals with developmental disabilities.
- Communication Sciences and Disorders
Degree and certificate programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders prepare students to be future leaders in speech-language pathology, audiology, and related areas.
- Special Education
Our special education degree programs offer opportunities for students to work in general curriculum, adapted curriculum, and birth through kindergarten areas.
Degree Programs
Double Dawgs
Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degrees
- BSEd in Special Education (General Curriculum) / MEd in Special Education (General Curriculum, Non-Thesis)
Through this Double Dawgs pathway, you will receive an advanced degree in special education-general curriculum and be eligible for certification in special education in general curriculum.
- BSFCS in Human Development and Family Sciences / MAT in Special Education (Birth Through Kindergarten)
Gain an understanding of human lives, family dynamics, and communities, then specialize in the development of children in their earliest years with this Double Dawgs pathway.
- BSEd in Special Education (Adapted Curriculum) / MEd in Special Education (Adapted Curriculum - Autism)
Through this Double Dawgs pathway, you will receive an advanced degree in special education-adapted curriculum and be eligible for certification in special education in adapted curriculum.
- BSEd in Special Education (Adapted Curriculum) / MEd in Special Education (Birth Through Kindergarten with Endorsement in Preschool Special Education)
Through this Double Dawgs pathway, you will receive an advanced degree in special education-birth through kindergarten and a preschool special education endorsement to support the needs of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families.
Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd)
- BSEd in Special Education – General Curriculum (Online)
This online program in general curriculum prepares you to teach students with high-incidence disabilities in grades preschool through 12th grade.
- BSEd in Special Education (Adapted Curriculum and Autism)
Adapted curriculum prepares you to teach students with low-incidence disabilities in grades preschool through 12th grade.
- BSEd in Special Education (General Curriculum)
General curriculum prepares you to teach students with high-incidence disabilities in grades preschool through 12th grade.
- BSEd in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Gain a foundation in speech, language, and hearing in this program suited for those wishing to pursue careers as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist.
- BSEd in Special Education (Educational Studies)
Educational Studies prepares you for career options that support individuals with disabilities. This program does not lead to certification eligibility.
Minors
Master of Education (MEd)
- MEd in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Prepare for a career as a speech-language pathologist in a school, hospital, or other setting with the M.Ed. in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
- MEd in Special Education (Adapted Curriculum and Autism)
- MEd in Special Education (Birth Through Kindergarten/Preschool Special Education)
- MEd in Special Education - General Curriculum (Online)
The M.Ed. in Special Education is for students entering the master’s program who have completed undergraduate training in a teacher education field and who have a teaching certificate. Choose from one of three areas of emphasis.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
- MAT in Special Education (Birth Through Kindergarten/Preschool Special Education)
- MAT in Special Education - Adapted Curriculum and Autism (Online)
- MAT in Special Education (General Curriculum, Online)
The MAT in Special Education leads to initial certification for students who hold undergraduate degrees in other fields and who do not hold a teaching certification. Choose from one of three areas of emphasis.
Master of Arts (MA)
- MA in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Prepare for a career as a speech-language pathologist in a school, hospital, or other setting with the M.Ed. in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
- MA in Education (Special Education)
The MA Education-Special Education program is generally pursued by those who want to pursue an EdS or PhD. This is the only one of our master’s level degrees that requires a thesis. This program of study is focused on applied research and evidence-based instruction and provides students the opportunity to participate in mentored research, completing a master’s thesis.
Master of Science (MS)
- MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
Earn your M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis with didactic instruction and applied experiences.
Educational Specialist (EdS)
- EdS in Education (Communication Sciences and Disorders)
If you are a professional speech-language pathologist with a master’s degree, the Ed.S. degree allows you to upgrade your professional skills.
- EdS in Education (Special Education)
Pursue advanced studies in special education in one of five emphasis areas through our educational specialist program, tailored to your background and goals.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- PhD in Special Education
The PhD in Special Education provides students with core and tailored coursework in evidenced-based practices, research, and college teaching/supervision in preparation for careers in academic, research, and clinical settings.
- PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders
Earn the highest level of academic achievement in the field of communication sciences and disorders through specialized study in your area of interest.
Non-Degree Programs
Certificate Programs
- Certificate in Dyslexia (Online)
The Certificate in Dyslexia parallels the Dyslexia Endorsement program but is designed for teachers, clinicians, researchers, or other interested individuals who reside outside of Georgia or who do not currently have nor will seek professional licensure from Georgia’s Professional Standards Committee.
Endorsement/Certificate Programs
- Dyslexia Endorsement and Certificate
The 15-hour online Dyslexia Endorsement provides teachers, clinicians, and specialists with specific knowledge related to reading and language development.
- Preschool Special Education Endorsement and Certificate
The special education preschool endorsement is a three-course sequence (9 semester hours) with applied field experiences.
Featured Faculty Videos
Additional Faculty Videos
Support Our Programs
Donate to a Specific Unit/ProgramScholarships, Awards, and Other Funding Opportunities
There are many scholarships and funding opportunities offered by the Mary Frances Early College of Education. These include both College-wide scholarships and those specific to individual programs and departments. Visit the College’s Scholarships and Other Funding Sources webpage to learn more and to apply.
In addition, the following CSSE Department awards were made possible through the support of generous donors but do not have an application process:
Student Organizations
Audiology Dogs (AudDogs)
Audiology Dogs (AudDogs) focuses on connecting undergraduates with the world of audiology. At our meetings, differing people from the audiology world come to speak and answer your questions! AudDogs also raises money for the speech and hearing clinic and advocates for UGA students with hearing loss.
Faculty Advisor: Alison Morrison
BrainIAC
BrainIAC, or Brain Injury Awareness Club, is a volunteer-led student organization to help spread awareness of acquired brain injuries. We provide support, resources, and education about concussion and proper management in order to better academic and functional outcomes following concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). We raise funds for individuals affected by brain injury and hold discussion-focused meetings surrounding current best practices in rehabilitation. This group is for anyone who has experienced brain injury or is interested in learning more about it and supporting the community!
Faculty Advisors: Ainsley Vergara , Sally Ann Nichols
CommunicAID+Nation
CommunicAID Nation was founded as a non-profit organization in Atlanta in 2012 as a means to provide resources and support for individuals with communication needs. By offering access to direct and affordable services, providing financial assistance, and by supplying assistive technology devices, CommunicAID Nation enables individuals with communication disorders to access the world around them.
We encourage people to find their voice and we advocate within the community and local government to create change. We feel strongly that everyone deserves to be heard.
Faculty Advisors: Laura Nichols , Ainsley Vergara
Minorities in Communication Sciences and Disorders (M-CMSD)
M-CMSD strives to uplift and empower minority voices through community and advocacy to create diverse, inclusive, and culturally responsive spaces. We welcome all–minorities and allies!
Faculty Advisor: Nina Santus
Minorities in Communication Sciences and Disorders website
National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA)
We provide students in the fields of human communication sciences and disorders an opportunity to share ideas in assessment and treatment; provide information; provide community service and social interaction.
Faculty Advisors: Nancy Dellaria , Nina Santus
National Student Speech Language Hearing Association website
Latest News
- A lifetime of support: How CABER uses science and service to help people thrive
For over 10 years, the Center for Autism and Behavioral Education Research has provided service and support for people living with developmental disabilities.
- Amazing Student: Tommy Thrasher
Tommy Thrasher (M.A.T. ’25) and the world of special education are inextricably bound. In fact, his experience with individualized education programs and specialized instruction began long before joining the M.A.T. program at UGA.
- Summer course prepares graduate students to work with alternative communication devices
The intensive course provides hands-on experience with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to graduate students in the College’s communication sciences and disorders program.