The special education program area offers an exciting array of undergraduate, graduate, and licensure-only special education programs, both on-campus and through distance education (online and through SECU Partnership East). The BS in special education general curriculum (GC) requires foundations curriculum and professional courses, with an emphasis on effective teaching practices, authentic assessment, technology integration, and serving students with diverse learning needs and backgrounds. The BS in special education general curriculum leads to K-12 licensure.

The GC program prepares you to work with children with disabilities who are ultimately pursuing a high school diploma and are studying in the general education curriculum. The courses in this program provide a common core of general knowledge and skills necessary for beginning teachers. Candidates in the special education GC program also complete all requirements for a Reading license.

The special education program area works in partnership with the educational community in the development of the professional special educators. The special education program at East Carolina offers a rich combination of mentoring and course work coupled with extensive field-based practices to prepare you to teach students with special learning needs. You will learn about disability characteristics for students with high-incidence disabilities, research-based instructional strategies and methods, and assessment practices designed to provide ongoing formative data for effective student learning. Along with early and ongoing field-based practicum courses, you will work closely with faculty, master teachers and university supervisors. That extensive educational experience means you will be empowered with the theory and the practice that will make you an expert in your field.