Offered through the College of Education, the University of Georgia's online Bachelor of Science in Special Education offers a certification and degree completion pathway that is rigorous yet versatile. This two-year program is structured to endow teacher candidates with the necessary skills to assess, plan, and monitor the progress of persons with high incidence disabilities in grades preschool through 12th grade.
Filling a Vital Need
Special Education is a critical shortage field in Georgia -- we admit a cohort of committed individuals each fall to meet that demand across the state.
The Special Education Online Program is designed to meet the needs of students who require the flexibility of online program delivery to achieve their career goals and have a desire to fulfill the vital role of Special Educator in their community.
University of Georgia online bachelor programs are ranked #5 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
UGA's online Bachelor of Science in Special Education program is #3 in the nation according to BestColleges.com's 2017 ranking of online Bachelor’s in Special Education programs.
The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia.
| Georgia Resident | $4,682 per semester |
| Student Fees | $597 (per semester) |
These tuition rates are based on a 15 credit hour semester. If you register for less than 5 credit hours, student fees are reduced to $366 in that semester.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Current tuition and fees are available on the Bursar's Office website.
Online students pay the following fees: Connect UGA, Green, Special Institutional, and Technology. See UGA Tuition and Fees for the complete schedule of fees. Potential additional costs include textbooks and software.
Additional costs may include:
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).
Total Hours Required to Earn Degree: 121 (semester hours)
Transfer Hours required for admission: 60 hours
Only transfer credits from an accredited institution will be considered.
To be considered for the Special Education Online Program, you must meet the following requirements:
University of Georgia Undergraduate Admissions Veteran's Information Page.
The Special Education Online Program admits a new cohort of students once per academic year in Fall (August).
Students may need to apply for earlier transfer admission if prerequisite requirements have not been met. Do not complete the UGA Transfer Student Application until you have been advised by the Program Coordinator.
Registration deadlines vary per semester. The UGA Office of the Registrar web site provides up-to-date information on registration dates.
This programs admits a cohort of students once per year each fall, meaning students progress through the program as part of a group, building a close community and professional network. Students register for a full load of courses each semester and can expect to graduate in five semesters (two academic years).
All course content, assignments, and exams are delivered and completed online. This online program requires only one campus visit for the program orientation.
Students will complete field experiences in Georgia P-12 schools each semester, culminating in a full-time student teaching experience in their final semester.
Special Education Core
SPED 3040E: Contemporary Issues
SPED 3050E: Behavior Management
EDIT 5100E: Assistive and Learning Technologies
Literacy Strand
LLED 4010E: Foundation of Teaching Reading
LLED 3520E: Teaching Reading at the Secondary Level
SPED 5150E: Strategies for Teaching Reading to Individuals with Disabilities
High Incidence Disabilities Strand
SPED 4100E: Instruction of Individuals with Mild Disabilities
SPED 4200E: Advanced Instructional Methods for Individuals with Mild Disabilities
Major Elective
3 credit hour upper-level course (3000 - 5000) approved by program coordinator.
Field Experience
Additional Information
Special Education Online Undergraduate students will complete three practicums (SPED 4440E A, B, & C). An appropriate practicum or student teaching placement would be where a student is placed 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. This can be at any grade level. Settings that are not appropriate include self-contained settings for students with moderate, severe, or profound intellectual disabilities or for students with severe autism. 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 as long as the following requirements are met:
Contact the online B.S. Special Education Coordinator for answers to any additional questions you may have.
