Elementary and Special Education

Kathleen Burriss, Interim Chair

Alexander, Bass, Black, Boulware, Calder, Craig-Unkefer, Ellerman, Fain, Hitchcock, Huddleston, Khan, Lim, Means, Rice, Ridgley, Tharp, Winters

Courses in the Department of Elementary and Special Education are designed to meet the professional needs of students preparing to teach at the elementary or middle school levels and to improve the teaching competencies of those presently employed as teachers. Programs in the department lead to the Bachelor of Science with majors in Interdisciplinary Studies, Special Education, or Early Childhood Education (Prek-3). Students majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies must select a teaching level of grades K–6 or 4–8. Special Education majors may choose between Modified Program, K–12 (for individuals with mild/moderate disabilities) or Comprehensive Program, K–12 (for individuals with severe/profound disabilities). A minor in Special Education is also available.

Students who wish to major in Interdisciplinary Studies but not pursue licensure are required to check with the Department of Elementary and Special Education to develop an appropriate course of study. Students should consult with their assigned advisors before each registration.

Graduate Study

The department offers at the graduate level the Master of Education degree with majors in Curriculum and Instruction (concentrations in Early Childhood Education, Elementary School Education, and Middle School Education), Literacy, and Special Education (concentrations in Mildly/Moderately Disabled, Preschool Disabled, Severely/Profoundly Disabled, and Vision Disabilities). Graduate minors are available in Curriculum and Instruction, Reading, and Special Education. The Specialist in Education degree is offered with a major in Curriculum and Instruction and with a concentration in Elementary Education. Details may be found in the Graduate Catalog.