Dec 17, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Special Education, BA


Program Description


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 .

Program Requirements


Freshman Year


First Semester


Credit Hours: 15

Second Semester


Credit Hours: 16

Sophomore Year


First Semester


Credit Hours: 16

Second Semester


Credit Hours: 16-18

Junior Year


Senior Year


Total Credits: 120-122


Footnotes


1 Students must complete through the 2020 level in a modern language. See Modern Languages Requirement at Clemson University statement in Academic Regulations .

2 See General Education Requirements . Biological and physical sciences must be represented.

3 See General Education Requirements .

4 Select ENGL 2120 , ENGL 2130 , ENGL 2140 , or ENGL 2150 .

5 EDLT 4600 , EDSP 3750 , and EDSP 3760  must be taken concurrently during the fall semester of junior year.

6 EDEL 4510 , EDEL 4870 , EDSP 3730 , EDSP 4900 , and EDSP 4910  must be taken concurrently during the spring semester of the junior year.

7 EDSP 4920 , EDSP 4930 , EDSP 4940 , EDSP 4960 , and EDSP 4970  must be taken concurrently during the fall semester of the senior year.

8 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 12 credits of elective coursework to be substituted in lieu of the nine 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. Students must consult with their faculty advisor to select courses to meet the 12-credit elective requirement.

NOTES:

  1. A grade of C or higher is required in the following courses: EDF 3340 , EDLT 4600 , EDEL 3100 , EDEL 4510 , EDEL 4870 , EDSP 3700 , EDSP 3730 , EDSP 3750 , EDSP 3760 , EDSP 4900 , EDSP 4910 , EDSP 4920 , EDSP 4930 , EDSP 4940 , EDSP 4950 , EDSP 4970 .

  2. A grade of B or higher is required in the following courses EDSP 4960  and EDSP 4980 .