Bachelor of Science in Special Education
Do you feel called to teach? Do you seek a fulfilling career you are excited about, a career through which you make a real difference in the lives of people with special needs?
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in special education is designed to prepare students for rewarding careers as special education teachers. The program combines rigorous academic coursework with hands-on early field experiences and a year-long internship to empower future teachers with the knowledge and skills to effectively teach K-12 students with disabilities.
Students may choose one of two focus areas, which will lead to recommendation for licensure to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in:
- Adapted curriculum: The AC concentration prepares you to work with children with more significant cognitive disabilities who are pursuing an adapted curriculum.
- General curriculum: The GC concentration prepares you to work with children with disabilities who are ultimately pursuing a high school diploma and are studying in the general education curriculum.
Get started on your special education bachelor’s degree
Take the next step toward earning your bachelor’s degree in special education. We have the resources to answer all your questions and help you get started.
Why study special education at ECU?
The special education program area works in partnership with the educational community in the development of the professional special educators. You will learn about disability characteristics for students with high-incidence disabilities, research-based instructional strategies and methods, and assessment practices designed to provide ongoing formative data for effective student learning. That extensive educational experience means you will be empowered with the theory and the practice that will make you an expert in your field.
Enjoy peer support and field-based experiences
The special education program at East Carolina offers a rich combination of mentoring and course work coupled with extensive field-based practices to prepare you to teach students with special learning needs.
Scholarship opportunities
Every year, the College of Education gives out more than $1 million in scholarship funding. ECU is also a North Carolina Teaching Fellows affiliated university, allowing eligible students to receive up to $40,000 in forgivable loans.
Learn from award-winning faculty
At ECU, you’ll receive a thorough understanding of becoming a teacher in the special education setting while developing your knowledge and skills in the content area you desire to teach. You will work closely with faculty, master teachers and university supervisors.
Courses you will take in the special education program
At ECU, you’ll receive a thorough understanding of becoming a teacher in the special education setting while developing your knowledge and skills in the content area you desire to teach.
You’ll explore the latest techniques on teaching and learning, immerse yourself in the classroom environment through a semester-long internship, and evaluate assessment and engagement:
- Designing Accessible Learning Environments
- Instructional Methods for Students with Disabilities
- IEPs and Beyond: Rights, Collaboration, Advocacy
- Reading and Writing for Students with Disabilities
View more information and courses on Course Catalog
What can you do with your bachelor’s in special education?
Your completion of our bachelor’s in special education prepares you to enter the classroom, ready to instruct the next generation. After passing licensure exams, you will hold a valid A-level license in North Carolina.
Potential Career Paths
- Special education teacher
- Exceptional children (EC) teacher
- Resource teacher
- Intervention specialist
- Student support specialist
- Disability services coordinator
- Vocational rehabilitation specialist
Institutional and Professional Licensure Disclosures for Enrolled and Prospective Students
ECU degree programs satisfy the professional licensure and/or certification requirements in North Carolina and prepare students to sit for these exams. However, requirements in other states may be different.
If you are considering a degree program that may, would, could or potentially lead to a professional license and/or certification, please note that at this time ECU may or may not be able to advise whether a program meets requirements outside of North Carolina. Prior to enrolling in a degree program, please discuss this important topic with your program of interest.