About the Degree

The Bachelor’s of Arts (B.A.) degree in Special Education provides preservice teachers with the knowledge and skills to teach K-12 students with mild to moderate disabilities through rigorous coursework, structured practicum experiences, and frequent scholarship and service opportunities.

The goal of our program is to prepare our future teachers and leaders with evidence-based practices related to behavior management, social skills, academics, and assessments. Additionally, we value providing real world applications and experiences for our students through practicum and service opportunities. We also provide authentic feedback and support throughout all of these experiences and opportunities.

Program Highlights

Our special education program values experiences in and out of the classroom. Therefore, our students are active in coursework, research, and scholarship.

Students have opportunities to work with current, practicing teachers in local schools to apply the evidence-based practices learned throughout the coursework. Specifically, students spend at least 100 hours in the field before internship. These practicum experiences are structured times teacher candidates can work with cooperating teachers (CTs) and UofSC Aiken instructors. The beginning practicum experiences will incorporate observations and some lesson planning. Once students are enrolled in advanced coursework, they will have opportunities to teach K-12 students with disabilities in various settings (e.g., coteaching, resource, self-contained) with the support of both their CTs and instructors. The instructors plan pre-conferences with students to review lesson plans before implementing the plan with K-12 students. This mimics the observation process that is completed in most schools with teachers and administrators.

Additionally, students have the opportunity to give back to the community through our Council for Exceptional Children student group on campus. This group has planned events at local schools for students with disabilities. Specifically, our students planned fall and winter festivals with crafts and games for elementary students. They used their knowledge about special education to develop adapted games to provide access to all students.

Moreover, our students are active scholars and researchers. Currently, one of our undergraduate students is implementing a self-regulation intervention at a local school with 40 preschoolers. Three of our students presented at the South Carolina Council for Exceptional Children’s conference in Myrtle Beach last spring and four of our students are providing professional development to local teachers. Additionally, our students routinely present at the UofSC Aiken Scholar Showcase.

Plans of Study

At UofSC Aiken, we offer various paths toward teacher licensure. Our B.A. program provides the required coursework for certification in K-12 multi-categorical special education. This can be completed on our Aiken campus or through Palmetto College. Additionally, we offer add-on licensure pathways for teachers who are currently certified.

Please click on the links below to learn more about these specifics paths for licensure.

B.A. Special Education

Palmetto College 

Learn More

We are excited you’re interested in joining our Special Education team!  Please feel free to contact Dr. Melissa Martin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or complete the interest survey linked below to learn more information about our program.

View interest form

Student Profiles