Program Requirements
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education prepares students to teach individuals with mild disabilities in grades P-12. The curriculum is designed to meet the competencies outlined by the Council for Exceptional Children for beginning special education teachers. Students completing the program receive instruction and practical experiences that lead to Multi-Categorical Special Education Licensure in South Carolina. Once admitted to the professional level, candidates must maintain a 2.75 GPA in order to advance through the professional level coursework sequence. To be recommended for certification, candidates must earn a C or higher in all education courses at the professional level and a B or higher in EDSP 4960 and EDSP 4980 .
Total Semester Hours: 123
1 Students must complete through 2020 in a modern language. See Modern Languages Requirement at Clemson University statement in Academic Regulations .
2 See General Education Requirements . Eight credit hours must be in a sequence. Biological and physical sciences must be represented. PHSC 1070 , PHSC 1080 , and BIOL 1090 are recommended.
3 ENGL 2120 , ENGL 2130 , ENGL 2140 , or ENGL 2150 .
4 See General Education Requirements .
5 HIST 1010 , HIST 1020 , HIST 1720 , HIST 1730 , or HIST 1930 .
6 EDLT 4600 and EDSP 3720 and EDSP 3740 must be taken concurrently during the fall semester of junior year.
7 EDEL 4510 and EDEL 4870 , EDSP 3730 , EDSP 3750 , and EDSP 4910 must be taken concurrently during the spring semester of the junior year.
8 EDSP 4900 , EDSP 4920 , EDSP 4930 , EDSP 4940 , EDSP 4960 , and EDSP 4970 must be taken concurrently during the fall semester of the senior year.
9 Completion of one of the following emphasis areas is required:
(1) Teacher Certification Emphasis Area - Students completing the coursework for the Teacher Certification Emphasis Area must complete the following coursework and meet all requirements for enrollment in professional courses, apply for directed teaching/teaching internship, and meet all requirements for recommendation for initial licensure as stated in the Undergraduate Catalog under Teacher Education Programs. The following courses must be taken the spring semester of the senior year.
(2) Non-Certification Emphasis Area - Individual students who have a minimum of 90 semester credit hours, have senior status in the degree program, and do not complete student teaching/internship and capstone requirements may be recommended by the faculty for the Non-Certification option. Students in the Non-Certification Emphasis Area will not meet the South Carolina Department of Education requirements for initial teacher certification. The Non-Certification option allows 15 credits of elective coursework to be substituted in lieu of the 12 credits of student teaching (EDSP 4980 ) and three-credit capstone course (EDSP 4950 ). In consultation with and based on the recommendation of their faculty advisor, students may initiate the formal change for the Non-Certification Emphasis Area through the Change of Academic Program Form approved by the faculty advisor and department chair. It is recommended that students consult with their faculty advisor to select courses to meet the 15-credit elective requirement.
