Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science in Education Through the major in early childhood special education, students learn about the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of young children with special needs and their families. Students graduating with this major are eligible for recommendation for an Alabama Class B public school certification to teach birth to age eight children with diverse needs. Experimental learning activities, assessment, and practicums are provided for students on and off campus (Tuscaloosa City and County Schools) through the Office of Clinical Experiences. On-campus facilities providing structured practicums include the Child Development Laboratories and the Rural Infant Stimulation Environment (RISE) Program. These programs provide opportunities for students to work with infants, toddlers, and your children who have a broad range of special needs. In addition, all students who major in early childhood special education will complete supervised practicum and internship experiences in diverse public school settings.

General Studies
Courses that are common to the teaching field and the general studies component may be applied to both. At least 120 hours are required for the degree.

Professional Studies
Students must earn grades of "C" or higher in each of the following professional studies courses. The University of Alabama GPA — and, if transfer work, the overall GPA — must be at least 2.75 in these courses.

BEF 362 History, Philosophy, and Social Foundations of Education
BEP 305 Educational Psychology
CRD 369 Fundamentals of Literature and Language Learning (W)
CRD 400 Teaching Reading to Diverse Learners K-12
SPE 300 Survey of Special Education and Accommodation Strategies
SPE 476 Assessment of Young Children
SPE 478 Methods of Teaching Young Children with Disabilities
SPE 479 Internship

Early Childhood Special Education (B-8) Teaching Field
The University of Alabama GPA — and, if transfer work, the overall GPA — must be at least 2.75 in these courses.

CD 226 Language and Speech Development
CEE 380 Teaching Elementary Mathematics
HD 202 Child Development: Infancy and Toddlerhood
HD 205 Child Development: Preschool
SPE 304 Methods and Technology in Special Education
SPE 326 Instructional Sign Language
SPE 374 Parenting Young Children (W)
SPE 414 Collaboration and Consultation
SPE 435 Behavior Management
SPE 471 Developmental Perspectives of Young Children
with Disabilities

Graduate Degrees A Master of Arts and Ed.S. degrees are available as well.