Special Education

Make a difference everyday with a degree in Special Education from USCA

You can make a positive impact in the lives of students with disabilities every day with a bachelor’s degree in special education.

At the University of South Carolina Aiken, our special education degree uses evidence-based approaches to prepare you for teaching special education in a K–12 setting. We include rigorous coursework, practicum experiences, and service opportunities.

At USCA, you’ll also learn from the best: Our School of Education is recognized as a top school by Colleges of Distinction. Our special education degree also meets the content standards established for special education programs by the Council for Exceptional Children, known for its rigorous standards.

Program Highlights

USCA’s special education degree is designed to help you become an effective and confident educator for students of all learning abilities. You’ll succeed and grow with:

• Extensive hands-on experiences. USCA offers special education majors several opportunities to work directly with students, both as part of your coursework and through extracurriculars. Choose from several education-related organizations or clubs, including the Council for Exceptional Children student group, to add to the practicum opportunities in your coursework.
• A highly accredited program. Our Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education has been accredited by the South Carolina Department of Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Council for Exceptional Children. These accreditations recognize the high standards we hold for our special education major and the success of our graduates.
• Faculty with K–12 expertise. All the faculty who teach our special education major courses are experienced K–12 educators with advanced degrees. Their real-world experience means they combine theory and research with practical advice so you can succeed in today’s classrooms.
• Impactful practicum opportunities. All special education majors complete a full semester of student teaching. In addition to time in the classroom, as a special education student you’ll practice teaching special education in one-on-one settings, including a course in which you deliver individualized lessons to a K–12 learner.

Course Highlights

Our Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education takes an evidence-based approach to behavior management, social skills development, academic instruction, and assessments. We also highly value experiences outside the classroom.

Courses in the special education major include:

• Planning Effective Instruction for Students with Disabilities. Practice writing inclusive lesson plans.
• Teaching Reading to Students with Disabilities. Plan and teach reading lessons to a single student.
• Secondary Methods and Transition. Practice writing Individualized education plans.
• Practicum in High and Low Incidence Disabilities. Spend a minimum of six weekly hours working with students and completing a teaching portfolio.