Special Education

Program Overview

The undergraduate program in Special Education resides in the Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education (CSSE) within the College of Education (COE) at UGA. The program results in a BS.Ed. in Special Education, with an emphasis in teacher preparation in the areas of moderate and severe developmental disabilities such as intellectual disabilities (mental retardation) and autism or Birth through 5.

Upon satisfactory completion of the program–of–study, the Special Education Program recommends to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission that a graduate be awarded a clear renewable teaching (T) certificate in “Special Education Adapted Curriculum –Consultative” (P–12) for students in adapted Curriculum emphasis or Birth through 5 with a preschool Special Education endorsement. The state of Georgia awards the certificate to an applicant based upon this recommendation and passing of the appropriate “Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators” (GACE) tests.

Master (MAT, M.Ed. and M.A.) degree programs in special education prepare teachers to have advanced competencies in the areas of assessment, positive behavioral supports and specialized instructional methods. Competency in these areas is obtained through didactic and field experiences. Students may focus on behavioral disorders, early childhood special education, learning disabilities, mental retardation and autism. Programs of study are offered in mild disabilities (General Curriculum) or moderate/severe disabilities (Adaptive). All programs are approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission for State Teaching Certification and use the Council for Exceptional Children's (CEC) standards for special education teachers.

The educational specialist program in special education is a post master degree program. It provides a competency based approach to advanced study for those preparing for leadership positions in applied settings. Although the EDS degree may become the final degree for many individuals, obtaining this degree does not preclude the EDS graduate from later becoming a candidate for the Ph.D. degree. Coursework and resident credit used to satisfy the EDS degree, however, cannot be used to satisfy the requirements of a doctoral degree. Students may seek certification in behavior disorders, learning disabilities, mental retardation, special education administration, or early childhood special education.

The doctoral program in special education is available to a limited number of students who show promise of becoming leaders in the field of special education. It emphasizes a competency–based approach that is product–based. Doctoral students are prepared for college instruction, research, and school and/or clinical practice.