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Special Education, B.A.

Become an Exceptional Educator
  • 2

    Programs Offered: General Curriculum & Adapted Curriculum

  • Day 1

    Applied Learning Opportunities Begin

  • 500+

    Hours in the Classroom Before Graduation

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program completion feature

Offers

Small class sizes with personal attention

Dedicated faculty with classroom teaching experience

Extensive field and classroom experiences

Vibrant student organizations and international study opportunities

High job placement rates and support beyond graduation

“ I chose UNCW’s Watson College of Education because of the many opportunities Watson provides for aspiring educators to be out in the classroom, using what they have learned. ”
Emily Recent graduate of the Special Education: Adapted Curriculum Program
Emily, Recent graduate of the Special Education: Adapted Curriculum Program
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Undergraduate UNCW Watson College of Education
Special Education Program Overview

General Curriculum Major

This program prepares special educators to teach individuals with mild to moderate disabilities from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Throughout the program, intentional connections are made between course content and field-based experiences. You will have an opportunity to participate in extensive school-based experiences across educational settings and in faculty-supervised labs in public school settings.

Coursework includes:

  • characteristics and needs of individuals with disabilities
  • assessment for data-based decision making
  • program development and adapting curriculum and instruction
  • evidence-based assessment and instruction methods in literacy and math
  • instruction and behavior management strategies for teaching children and youth with behavioral disorders
  • provision of individually planned, systematically implemented, and carefully evaluated instruction for students with disabilities

Adapted Curriculum Major

This program prepares special educators to teach learners with significant intellectual and multiple disabilities from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Intentional connections are made between course content and field-based experiences throughout the program. You will have an opportunity to participate in extensive school-based experiences across educational settings and in faculty-supervised labs in public school settings.

Coursework includes:

  • systematic instruction methods such as task analysis and prompting systems
  • assessment and interventions to support learners with complex communication needs
  • instructional content that supports learners’ independence across settings of life
  • instructional content that provides access to grade-appropriate access to the general curriculum. Beginning in the junior year, students in the Special Education: Adapted Curriculum program participate in school-based field experiences in special education settings 

Cohort Model

WCE’s cohort model is designed to provide a strong community of support for students majoring in Special Education. Students in the general curriculum and adapted curriculum programs attend classes together, share enrichment and field experience opportunities, and build close connections with faculty and other students pursuing a Special Education degree.

View Student Learning Outcomes
Watson lecturer with two partnership teachers

University-School Partnerships

WCE brings longstanding partnerships with 12 school districts and 2,000+ teachers in SE North Carolina.

A Place That Feels Like Home

Many students say Watson “feels like family.” Join us for exceptional programs, hands-on learning and a community of students, mentors and faculty supporting your journey.

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Beyond the Classroom

From your first day on campus, you'll find endless ways to engage. Volunteer with student organizations, join the Education Learning Community, connect with classmates, explore our study abroad programs - you'll find the right fit for your goals and make lifelong friends.

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We’re With You All the Way

We support new teachers through the First Years of Teaching Support Program, professional development opportunities and on-campus resource libraries. Even after you graduate, we help you achieve career success and make a meaningful impact on your students.

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Select Coursework

General Curriculum

SED 250 Introduction to Special Education
SED 362 Teaching Students with Social, Emotional, & Behavior Problems
SED/L 368 Teaching Reading to Students with Special Needs
SED/L 369 Teaching Mathematics to Students with Special Needs
SED 370 Assessment Procedures for Special Education
SED 372 Program Development in Special Education
SED 374 Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers
SED 411 Student Teaching in Special Education: K-12

Adapted Curriculum

SED 250 Introduction to Special Education
SED 364 Teaching Students with Severe Disabilities
SED/L 365 The Teaching of Functional Academics
SED/L 366 The Teaching of Functional Skills
SED 367 Communication & Language: Development & Interventions
SED 372 Program Development in Special Education
SED 374 Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers
SED 411 Student Teaching in Special Education: K-12
See The Full Curriculum

How Do I Apply?

Admission to UNCW and the Watson College of Education is a two-step process. The first step is admission to the university. The second step is admission to the Watson College of Education (WCE).

Students apply to WCE during their sophomore or junior year at UNCW. Transfer students apply during their first or second semester at UNCW.

Program Coordinator

Dr. Sharon Richter
richters@uncw.edu
910.962.3507

Timeline

HS Seniors & Transfer Students Apply to UNCW, visit the Watson College and consider applying for the Education Learning Community to meet other pre-education majors and get a start on field placements. APPLY FOR UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION
First Year at UNCW Choose courses that compliment your planned major or licensure, attend events at the Watson College, meet with faculty and students, join student organizations and consult with a SSC Advisor. MEET THE SSC TEAM
Second Year at UNCW Collaborate with your Watson College Advisor to review course requirements, continue to arrange experiences that will help you confirm your goals and interests and apply for admission to Watson College. APPLY TO WATSON
Junior Year Begin education coursework, tutor students in the Ed Lab, begin classroom field placements and network with professors, students and teachers who work in your field. EXPLORE FIELD EXPERIENCES
Senior Year Complete a semester-long internship; apply for graduation, pass licensing tests and apply for licensure; attend job fairs, seek Career Center support to perfect your resume and interviewing skills and apply for jobs. VISIT CAREER CENTER
Your Journey Starts Here Learn more about undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina Wilmington and how to apply for undergraduate admission. Apply Today

Student Opportunities

Education Learning Community

Join 20-25 other first year pre-education students in our Education Learning Community. As a member of the ELC, you’ll make lifelong friendships and get a jump start on your education classes and enrichment experiences.

Watson Student Leaders

WCE’s Watson Student Leaders serve as ambassadors for the Watson College while participating in recruiting, community outreach and social activities. The WSL organization is a powerful way to develop leadership skills, connect with peers and build a network of support.

International Study

Through our international study abroad programs, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your horizons and gain a global perspective as you both work and study in schools throughout the world.

Life on the Coast

North Carolina’s southeast coast is an amazing place to live and work. From the rich history of downtown Wilmington to the beautiful beaches less than six miles from campus, you’ll never run out of places to explore.

Nine students in kayakys posing for a photo
6 Watson students playing around with giant inflatable balls
Group of Watson students wearing matching outdits holding an Education Matters sign
Student relaxing in a hammock under a pier at the beach
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