Overview

Bachelor of Science in Special Education

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 you with the necessary skills to assess, plan, and monitor the progress of persons with high incidence disabilities in grades preschool through 12th grade.

Special Education is a critical shortage field in Georgia -- we admit a cohort of committed individuals each fall to fill this vital need 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.

Accreditations

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.

Technology Requirements

  • Computer with current operating system (Windows or Mac). Additional peripherals such as webcam, headphones and printer may be required.
  • High Speed Internet Access.

Bachelor of Science in Special Education Program Cost

Tuition & Fees

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.

Other Costs

Additional costs may include:

  • Textbooks
  • Exam proctoring fees
  • Technology upgrades 

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). 

Admissions

Credit and Transfer

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.

Bachelor of Science in Special Education Admission Requirements

To be considered for the Special Education Online Program, you must meet the following requirements:

How to Apply

  1. Readiness Check - Complete the Special Education Online Program Readiness Check. After a preliminary transcript review, the Program Coordinator will advise you as to the appropriate semester to complete your UGA Transfer Student Application.
  2. UGA Transfer Student Application - Transfer students must apply for Admission to UGA. Non-Refundable Application Fee: $60. NOTE: Do NOT apply to UGA until you have heard back from the Program Coordinator on the status of your Readiness Check.
  3. Official Transcripts - Submit official transcript(s) from all colleges or universities to UGA Undergraduate Admissions.

Additional Information for Veterans

University of Georgia Undergraduate Admissions Veteran's Information Page.

Application Deadlines

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.

  • Spring: November 15
  • Summer: May 1
  • Fall: July 15

Registration deadlines vary per semester. The UGA Office of the Registrar web site provides up-to-date information on registration dates.

Bachelor of Science in Special Education Program Curriculum

Program Structure

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 3030E: Assessment 

SPED 3040E: Contemporary Issues 

SPED 3050E: Behavior Management 

SPED 5400E: Collaboration 

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 3020E: Characteristics 

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

SPED 4440E: Practicum A 

SPED 4440E: Practicum B 

SPED 4440E: Practicum C 

SPED 5460E: Student Teaching 

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:

  • 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

Contact Information

Contact the online B.S. Special Education Coordinator for answers to any additional questions you may have. 

Email us using the request for information form or call 1 (706) 452-7945