Bachelor of Science in Special Education (SPED)
The Department of Specialized Education Services offers a licensure program in special education. Students completing this program are eligible for initial licensure in Special Education: General Curriculum K–12.
This program provides undergraduate teacher candidates clinical and field-based experiences across educational settings. Throughout their course of study, students apply their knowledge and skills in classrooms to be prepared for a career in education. The program culminates in a student teaching placement in inclusive educational context.
Example Careers:
Special Education Teacher, Inclusive Education Specialist, Resource Teacher, Case Manager
Designed For
This program is for students who value and support the dignity and rights of all individuals and seek a professional role in education. The primary goal of the SPEL Program is to prepare professionals for diverse roles in working with individuals with and without disabilities across the lifespan in a variety of inclusive educational and community environments.
Career Opportunities
Upon completion of the SPED Program, graduates are eligible to apply for teacher licensure in Special Education K-12: General Curriculum. With this license, graduates are prepared to be Special Education Teachers.
Research Opportunities
Students engage in inquiry through the conceptualization and implementation of an intervention research project. Students study the use of evidence-based pedagogical, instructional, curricular, and positive behavioral strategies in order to facilitate positive student outcomes.
Program of Study
Once students are admitted to the teacher education program in the fall semester of their sophomore year, they are ready to begin the required education courses in the following spring semester.
Minimum Program Requirements
The 127-semester-hour licensure program in special education follows the admission guidelines of the School of Education teacher programs including: (a) a minimum passing score established by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction on the Professional Assessment for Beginning Teachers (Praxis I); (b) recommendations from the Departments of Specialized Education Services and Teacher Education and Higher Education; and (c) completion of at least 12 semester credit hours at UNC Greensboro.
Additional departmental requirements include (a) a grade of C or better in either TED 250 or SES 250 and (b) completion of all courses needed to fulfill the UNC Greensboro general education requirements (GEC).
A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for admission.