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 begin with diversity, equity, and inclusion for all people and also include high quality research, instruction, and outreach. 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.
- 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)
With this training, you will be prepared to provide evidence-based practices in special education and support other educators in providing appropriate interventions for students with high-incidence disabilities.
- 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 is structured to endow teacher candidates with the necessary skills to assess, plan, and monitor the progress of persons with high incidence disabilities in grades preschool through 12th grade.
- BSEd in Special Education (Adapted Curriculum and Autism)
Focus on severe disabilities, mild disabilities, or early childhood in our clinically rich program.
- BSEd in Special Education (General Curriculum)
Focus on severe disabilities, mild disabilities, or early childhood in our clinically rich program.
- 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)
Use your degree to support advocacy for those with disabilities and influence policies around disabilities.
Master of Education (MEd)
- MEd in Special Education (General Curriculum)
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.
- MEd in Special Education (Adapted Curriculum and Autism)
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.
- MEd in Special Education (Birth Through Kindergarten/Preschool Special Education)
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.
- 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.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
- MAT in Special Education (Adapted Curriculum and Autism)
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.
- 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.
- MAT in Special Education (Birth Through Kindergarten/Preschool Special Education)
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 master's degree programs in special education prepare teachers to design and implement curricula for individuals with disabilities in a variety of settings.
Master of Science (MS)
- MS in Applied Behavior Analysis
Earn your MS 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 EdS 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.
- EdS in Education (Applied Behavior Analysis)
Pursue advanced studies in special education through our EdS in Education with an Applied Behavior Analysis area of emphasis, designed for candidates who already hold a master's degree.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- PhD in Special Education
Build on your experience in special education with a Ph.D. program individualized to your goals in adapted or general curriculum or elementary education.
- 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
Endorsements
- Dyslexia Endorsement
The 15-hour online Dyslexia Endorsement provides teachers, clinicians, and specialists with specific knowledge related to reading and language development.
- Preschool Special Education Endorsement
The special education preschool endorsement is a three-course sequence (9 semester hours) with embedded field experiences.
Scholarships
In addition to the following departmental scholarships, learn more about additional opportunities for financial assistance on our financial aid page .
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
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
- Staff Advisor: Domane’k Blake
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
Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC)
This professional organization promotes the advancement and education of all individuals with exceptional traits.
Faculty Advisor: Allison U. Nealy
Latest News
- Clinical professor selected for inaugural cohort of CTL Fellows for Transformative Teaching Program
Allison Nealy was selected as a 2023-24 Fellow for Transformative Teaching in the University of Georgia’s Center for Teaching and Learning Fellows for Transformative Teaching Program.
- Amazing Student: Tyler-Curtis Elliott
Tyler-Curtis Elliott (B.A. ’20, B.S.Ed. ’20, M.Ed. ’22, Ph.D. ’25) researches the application of behavior analysis in schools and shares knowledge of the field in a variety of ways.
- Lecturer makes connections through language
Brian Leffler teaches ASL and educates about Deaf culture and identity.