Western Carolina University’s program in academically or intellectually gifted (AIG) is available at either the undergraduate or graduate level. In the courses you will learn techniques for screening, identifying, and evaluating gifted learners; explore models and methods for differentiating instruction; learn how to promote creativity and problem solving; and learn how to advocate for gifted students regardless of issues of gender, disability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and language. The two different course sequences meet the state requirements for add-on AIG licensure.

The four required courses in each sequence are delivered entirely online, through a combination of synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous instruction, enhanced by various interactive Internet-based learning applications. Courses are designed and taught by regular WCU faculty. In addition to your online coursework, you must fulfill a one-week on-campus field experience. That experience, Cullowhee Creativity Camp, is held on the WCU campus in June. You can make arrangements to stay on the WCU campus during that week.

If the program is completed at the graduate level, you may be able to apply the credits earned to the MAED with gifted emphasis. However, enrollment in the licensure program does not guarantee admission to the graduate school.

Admission
To be considered for admission to the undergraduate AIG licensure program, you must hold or be eligible for a North Carolina license. To be considered for the graduate program, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and a current “A” or “M” level license in any area.

Requirements
The program requires 12 student credit hours of study (four courses), which you can complete in four semesters, including summer. The program consists of the following courses:
Introduction to Gifted Education
Methods and Models of Gifted Education
Creative Thinking and Problem Solving
Differentiation of Instruction for Gifted Learners

Tuition and fees
Additional costs may involve textbooks, high speed Internet access, subscription to TaskStream, and headphones.

Residency
A One-week on-campus summer residency is required by the NC Department of Public Instruction for licensure. Cullowhee Creativity Camp is held on the WCU – Cullowhee campus in June of each year.  You can make arrangements to stay on the WCU campus during that week.

Western Carolina University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (http://www.sacscoc.org/) to award bachelor's, master's, education specialist, and doctor's degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Western Carolina University.