Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed) – Special Education

Overview

Earn your Bachelor of Science in Education – Special Education online from the University of Georgia’s Mary Frances Early College of Education. Our two-year program is designed for Georgia residents seeking their teaching certification in Special Education General Curriculum (P-12) and will prepare you to teach in special education settings designed to meet the needs of students with high-incidence disabilities (for example, learning disabilities and behavioral disorders). 

The Special Education Online Program admits a new cohort of students once per academic year for a fall semester matriculation.  

This program also has an optional Double Dawgs Pathway, allowing eligible students to earn an accelerated Master’s in Special Education General Curriculum online.  

UGA’s online Bachelor of Science in Education – Special Education program is ranked #13 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for Best Online Bachelor’s programs.

Accreditations

The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Georgia also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Admissions

Minimum Eligibility Criteria for the Bachelor of Science in Education – Special Education

• Overall minimum GPA of 2.80 
• Completion of 60 transferable college credit hours 

• Completion of all Core Areas I – VI. Visit our Transfer Equivalency Search to see how your coursework transfers to UGA.
  • For information regarding transfer credit eligibility, visit the COE Transfer page 
• Grade of C or better in EDUC 2110, EDUC 2120, and EDUC (EPSY) 2130

How to Apply 

The Special Education Online Program requires TWO separate application processes: 

1: Apply to UGA as a Transfer Student. Submit the UGA Transfer Application online. For the Office of Admissions to consider your application for transfer, you must have at least 60 transferable credit hours and a 2.8 GPA from an accredited school. This will determine your eligibility for admission into UGA. Official transcripts of all college coursework to date must be submitted as part of your UGA transfer admissions application. Application fee: $70 

2: Apply to the Special Education Online Program. Submit your application to the Special Education Online Program through the Mary Frances Early College of Education Major Application. With the MFE COE Major Application, you must submit unofficial copies of your transcripts. 

*** Applicants must be accepted to BOTH the Special Education program and the University of Georgia, as they are two separate processes. If you have any questions regarding the transferability of courses, please contact our Transfer Specialist, Emily Robinson, at egr2013@uga.edu. 

Application Deadlines 

The Special Education Online Program admits a new cohort of students once per academic year (August). 

Application deadline for Fall Admission: 2nd Friday in July **

**Applications will be considered until program capacity is met

Cost

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates and student fees may change each year.

Based on the 2024-25 credit-hour cost, a person who had completed this program at the recommended pace would have paid $25,498 in tuition. Reference this sheet to identify the current credit hour rate for your program of interest.

Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year’s tuition. 

Fees for those students enrolled in exclusively online programs are $411 per semester. 

Potential additional costs include:

• Textbooks
• Exam proctoring fees
• Technology upgrades 

The complete cost of attendance can be found at https://osfa.uga.edu/costs/.

Financial Aid

Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for information about financial assistance.

Corporate Assistance

Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.

Military Assistance

Active-duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.

University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see Tuition Assistance (refer to the Distance Learning section). 

Technology Requirements

• Computer with current operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Additional peripherals such as webcam, headphones, and microphone are required.
• High-speed internet access.

Curriculum

Program Structure 

This program is taught in a cohort model. Students work their way through the program as a group. A major portion of this degree program includes field experiences – students must be prepared to complete supervised practicum experiences in Georgia P-12 schools each semester, culminating in a full-time student teaching experience in their final semester. 

Students register for a full load of courses each semester and can expect to graduate in four semesters (two academic years). Students unable to commit to a full-time program of study can be accommodated with an alternate three-year program of study. 

Fall 1

Course	Title	Credit
EDSE 4441E	Practicum A in Special Education	3
EDSE 3020E	Characteristics of High Incidence Disabilities	3
EDSE 3050E	Classroom & Behavior Management for Individuals with Disabilities	3
EDSE 4220E	Instruction of Individuals with Mild Disabilities	3
EDSE 5120E	Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities	3

Spring 1

Course	Title	Credit
EDSE 4442E	Practicum B in Special Education	3
EDSE 3040E	Contemporary Issues in Special Education	3
EDSE 5150E	Designing Reading Interventions for Special Education	3
EDSE 5250E	Assessment and Intervention for Struggling Writers	3
EDIT 5100E	Assistive and Learning Technology	3

Fall 2

Course	Title	Credit
EDSE 4443E	Practicum C in Special Education	3
EDSE 4230E	Advanced Instructional Methods for Individuals with Disabilities	3
EDSE 5400E	Collaboration Among Families and Professionals	3
EDSE 5020E	Assessment of Students with Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities	3
Major Elective	Upper-level major elective	3

Spring 2

Course	Title	Credit
EDSE 5460E	Student Teaching in Special Education	15

Additional Information 

Special Education Online Undergraduate students will complete three practica (EDSE 4441E, 4442E, and 4443E) in a resource or collaborative/inclusive setting working with students with mild disabilities (i.e., LD, EBD, MIID) that have access to the General Curriculum. These experiences will occur across four grade bands within the P-12 certification field: P-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Practicum supervision will be tailored to the needs of the individual student. This may involve video supervision, on-site supervision by a UGA supervisor, and/or a combination of both. During these observations, you will be expected to lead the class in a lesson. This may be in a small group setting or whole class setting, a decision that will be made with your cooperating teacher.  

Paraprofessionals in our program do have the opportunity to complete practicum experiences and assignments in their own classroom if the following requirements are met: 

• The classroom in which they are assigned meets the requirements of what we consider to be an appropriate placement 

• Both their Mentor Teacher and Principal agree to and sign a Job Embedded Practicum Form 
• The student’s district approves of job-embedded practicum experiences 

Licensure

This program is designed to enable you to practice in a licensed profession through initial certification in the state of Georgia. If you apply to this program from a state outside of Georgia with the plan to work in Georgia, you will be given the opportunity to attest to that intention when you apply.

An enrollment coach will contact you to determine your circumstances and ensure that this program will be effective for you.

Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal. 

Faculty

News & Events

Testimonials

“UGA has always been known for helping students develop into teachers who are trained to teach with the most effective, up-to-date methods. UGA’s online special education program has allowed me to work full time in a school setting, where observations and training can take place.”

Stevie Pierce, ’21

“It was hard and at times it felt unbearable. But nearing the end of this program, I can say it’s all been 100% worth!”

Marlene Kapish. ’18

“It was not an option to drive to the nearest on-campus program because I needed to stay close to home for my husband and daughter. Having the flexibility for my family and to get a degree from UGA was too good to not go for it.” 

Julie Rigdon, ’19

Contact Information

Contact us using the request for information form or call 706-452-7945.

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