COURSE CURRICULUM

The Childhood and Special Education program provides a comprehensive and structured curriculum designed to prepare students for effective teaching in elementary classrooms and special education settings. The core courses, totaling 51 credits, cover essential areas such as foundations of education and teaching as a profession, helping students understand the role and responsibilities of educators. Courses in educational psychology, development, and assessment focus on how children learn and how to evaluate their progress, while specialized training in special education equips students to support diverse learners with varying needs. Additional coursework in literacy, STEM instruction, and social studies ensures a well-rounded approach to teaching key subjects, while instructional methods and curriculum development courses help students design effective lesson plans and classroom strategies. Alongside the core, students complete 30 credits in concentration courses across elementary subjects such as science, social studies, English language arts, mathematics, and fine arts, with at least 15 credits at the upper-division level to ensure advanced subject knowledge. The program also includes arts and sciences electives, allowing students to broaden their academic experience. A significant component of the program is the 18 credits of fieldwork and student teaching, where students gain hands-on classroom experience working with children in Grades 1–6 as well as special education populations across all grade levels. These real-world experiences help build confidence and practical teaching skills under professional supervision. To remain in the program, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.85. Overall, the program combines academic knowledge, subject expertise, and extensive practical training to prepare graduates for successful and impactful teaching careers.