Program Overview
This Special Education major prepares students for teaching students with exceptional learning needs. The program includes 77 credits of coursework, including general education, professional education, and special education core courses. Students also complete 20 credits of field-based experiences. Graduates are eligible for special education licensure in Tennessee and may pursue licensure in other states with categorical certification requirements by consulting with their advisors.
Program Outline
Outline:
General Education Requirements
41-42 credits
Major Specific courses listed in General Education Requirements:
- EDFN 2310
Total Requirements for Special Education Major
77 credits
Grade Requirement:
Must have earned a grade of “C” or higher in all courses included in the major.
Professional Education Requirements
15 credits
- EDFN 2400 - Foundations for the Profession of Teaching (3 credits)
- EDFN 3301 - Issues in Education (3 credits)
- EDFN 3310 - Educational Psychology (3 credits)
- READ 3050 - Foundations of Literacy (3 credits)
- SPED 2300 - Exceptional Learners in Schools and Communities (3 credits)
Special Education Major Core
42 credits
- SPED 3300 - Instructional Planning for Students with Exceptional Learning Needs (3 credits)
- SPED 3400 - Classroom Environment and Behavior Management (3 credits)
- SPED 3445 - Medical Aspects and Applications of Assistive Technology (3 credits)
- SPED 4302 - Family and Professional Partnerships (3 credits)
- SPED 4367 - Systematic Instruction for Functional and Academic Programming (3 credits)
- SPED 4467 - Teaching Math to Students with Mild/Moderate Exceptional Learning Needs (3 credits)
- SPED 4497 - Teaching and Learning Strategies for Exceptional Learning Needs (3 credits)
- SPED 4587 - Access to the General Curriculum for Students with Significant Disabilities (3 credits)
- SPED 4750 - Instructional and Transitional Services for Students with Disabilities (3 credits)
- SPED 4755 - Assessment and Programming for Students with Exceptional Learning Needs (3 credits)
- SPED 4757 - Evidence-Based Instruction in Reading and Language Arts (3 credits)
- SPED 4767 - Advanced Strategies for Behavioral Interventions (3 credits)
- MATH 1410 - Number Concepts for Teachers (3 credits)
- MATH 1420 - Geometry Concepts for Teachers (3 credits)
Field-based Experiences
20 credits
- SPED 4425 - Pre-Residency: The First 6-weeks of School (1 credit)
- SPED 4710 - Residency I in Special Education (5 credits)
- SPED 4825 - Preclinical Experience in Special Education (1 credit) (Take 2 times for a total of 2 credits)
- SPED 4580 - Residency II Field Experience in Special Education (9 credits)
Careers:
Special Education Licensure:
In Tennessee, special education licensure programs are non-categorical covering intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, orthopedic impairments and emotional disturbance. Students planning to teach in those states requiring categorical certification should meet with their advisor(s) to plan their programs according to the certification/licensure requirements of those states.
