Special Education, General Curriculum

Do you feel called to teach? Do you seek a fulfilling career you are excited about, a career through which you make a real difference in the lives of people with special needs?

The Bachelor of Science (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 University 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.

ECU Advantage

Special education at ECU includes an active student organization, the Student Council for Exceptional Children. By joining the SCEC, members surround themselves with others who have a passion for serving their community and individuals with exceptionalities. The SCEC also provides opportunities for professional and personal development by gaining experience through working with individuals with exceptionalities through community events.

Special education at ECU includes the Irene Howell Assistive Technology (IHAT) Center, which offers hands-on experiences with the use of assistive technology integrated into all special education courses. The IHAT Center is dedicated to professional development, research and service around assistive technology topics and issues.

ECU is the largest producer of special education graduates in North Carolina. Our alumni have gone on to enjoy successful careers in a variety of school settings, and many of them have received state and national awards for their service and expertise.