“I chose Western because I wanted a small school that was big enough to have a lot of options for study and extracurricular activities. Here you have the benefits of a university in a small community setting, and you can find something to do no matter what your interests are.”
Karen
Special Education Alumni, minor in art
Across their program, students complete courses for their major, a chosen concentration, the professional education sequence, and electives.
Through their courses, students learn to effectively identify and assess various disabilities, teach children and adolescents with learning challenges, and manage classrooms.Students also practice new skills in course-related field experiences, build interpersonal strengths through community-based service learning activities, and tie it all together in a year-long internship their senior year.
Students who complete the program earn a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) degree and are eligible for North Carolina licensure in the General Curriculum. Teachers with this license are prepared to teach students with mild to moderate disabilities, kindergarten through 12th grade.
Students who complete the adapted curriculum concentration are eligible for an add-on license which allows them to work with students with severe to profound intellectual disabilities, grades kindergarten through 13th grade.
Helpful Resources
B.S.Ed. Program Checklist - (PDF file)
A suggested course plan for special education majors to follow that will help keep you on track.
Concentration Choices - (PDF file)
The four concentrations and a list of the courses under each
Course Descriptions (select "SPED" prefix)
Service Learning Description - (PDF file)
Every special education major is required to complete 50 hours of community service.
Service Documentation and Service Log - (PDF file)
Keep the original copies, making copies of each when you need them.
Field Experience Evaluation - (PDF file)
Your professional behavior will be assessed at different times during your program.
Application for Internship I / Practicum in Special Education - (PDF file)
Must be completed and turned in before entering the Internship I phase.
B.S.Ed. Program Portfolio - (PDF file)
All SPED majors prepare portfolios containing work samples from specific education courses.
Teacher Work Sample Portfolio - (PDF file)
One of the requirements for graduation completed during Internship II.