The mission of the Special Education Program is to prepare knowledgeable educators who understand child development and variations in student abilities, skills, and maturation; and who use that knowledge to plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs based on individual student needs, family input, and current research. Students interested in becoming special education teachers or expanding their knowledge and skills related to children with disabilities have several program options through Western Carolina University.

The Undergraduate Program in Special Education actively engages students in the study of exceptionalities and effective instructional strategies for students with disabilities. Students who complete this program enter the teaching profession with a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) degree and an A level North Carolina license to teach children with mild to moderate disabilities in Kindergarten through 12th grade.

The Graduate Program in Special Education emphasizes the development of teaching skills and applied research to improve instructional programs for students with disabilities. Students with undergraduate degrees in special education can pursue the Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) degree and earn master's (M) level licensure in a chosen area of expertise. Students with undergraduate degrees in areas other than education can work toward the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree and earn both their initial (A) and master's (M) level licensures.

The Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Licensure Program is available at either the undergraduate or graduate level. In these four courses students 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.

For more information on the Special Education Program, please contact us.

The 2008 Jay M.Robinson e-Teaching Award for an online teacher who represents the best the university offers was awarded to Sharon Dole of human services. “Dr. Dole was selected on the basis of excellence in online instructional design, exceptional course organization and enduring, imaginative engagement with her students,” said Carter. “Dr. Dole employed a rich variety of techniques for course delivery, and led her scholars to the highest standards of academic performance.”