COURSE CURRICULUM

The University of North Texas Special Education program prepares future educators to effectively support children and youth with disabilities through comprehensive coursework, hands-on experiences and strengths-based teaching practices. Students develop the critical knowledge and professional skills needed to identify individual learner strengths and needs while adapting curriculum and instruction to support diverse learning styles and abilities. The program emphasizes culturally responsive and inclusive educational approaches that encourage future teachers to focus on possibilities, growth and student potential rather than limitations. Coursework and field experiences help students learn how to create supportive learning environments, apply evidence-based instructional methods and collaborate positively with parents, families and educational professionals to improve outcomes for students across their lifespan. Students gain practical teaching experience at the elementary, middle and high school levels in a variety of educational settings including inclusion classrooms, pull-out instruction programs and self-contained special education classrooms. Extensive field experiences allow future educators to build confidence and professional competence before entering the workforce. The curriculum includes courses such as Educational Assessment and Evaluation of Exceptional Learners, Advanced Educational Strategies for Exceptional Learners, Classroom and Behavioral Management Strategies for Exceptional Learners, Strategies to Support Diverse Learners in General Education, Transition Education and Services for Exceptional Learners, and Educational Aspects of Exceptional Learners. Graduates are prepared for careers as special education teachers, administrators, adult education teachers, vocational rehabilitation counselors, behavioral analysts, therapeutic recreation specialists, art therapists and teachers or interpreters for individuals with hearing impairments. UNT’s program combines academic preparation, practical classroom experience and compassionate educational philosophy to prepare professionals who can advocate for and empower learners with disabilities in schools and communities.