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Special Education Programs

Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, Literacy & Special Education

The Watson College of Education prepares special education teachers at both the undergraduate and graduate level. We offer a bachelor’s degree program (BA), a Master of Arts in Teaching program (MAT) and a graduate level Residency Licensure Certificate program for individuals who would like to teach learners with disabilities at any grade level from Kindergarten through grade 12.

Students in any program can select from two concentrations: Special Education: General Curriculum or Special Education: Adapted Curriculum. The general curriculum program prepares special educators to teach individuals with mild to moderate disabilities, and the adapted curriculum program prepares special educators to teach learners with significant intellectual and multiple disabilities.

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Bachelor of Arts in Special Education: General Curriculum This program provides a pathway for undergraduates who would like to teach individuals with mild to moderate disabilities. The program leads to NC Special Education (K-12) teacher certification. View Program Page
Bachelor of Arts in Special Education: Adapted Curriculum This program provides a pathway for undergraduates who would like to teach learners with significant intellectual and multiple disabilities. The program leads to NC Special Education (K-12) teacher certification.
Master of Arts in Teaching, Special Education Specialization This program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in any field and would like to teach individuals with disabilities. You can earn a master’s degree and NC Special Education (K-12) teacher certification. View Program Page
Special Education, Residency Licensure WCE offers a graduate certificate program for non-certified teachers serving as lead teachers in special education settings. The program is designed to lead to NC Special Education teaching certification (K-12). View Program Page
Applied Behavior Analysis Minor Open to UNCW students enrolled in any field of study, this minor will help you enhance your skills to serve individuals with special needs. View Program Page

Learn More!

About Our Programs

Our bachelor's and master's programs are offered in a cohort model to provide a strong community of support for future teachers. Other distinctive features include small class sizes, dedicated faculty with expertise in special education, field experiences in NC public schools and a full-time internship during the final semester.

In partnership with the Psychology Department in UNCW’s College of Science and Engineering, we also offer an Applied Behavior Analysis and Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities Minor.