B.S.Ed.Special Education and Inclusive LearningMinorMajor

Inclusive Education

In WCU’s Special Education and Inclusive Learning program, aspiring teachers interested in special education acquire the knowledge and experience to differentiate instruction and manage classrooms of students who have a broad range of abilities and needs. Part of WCU’s nationally award-winning School of Teaching and Learning, the program prepares future teachers to help students master the special education general curriculum, which prepares them to work with K-12 students with mild to moderate disabilities. Additionally, candidates will choose a concentration in K-12 special education adapted curriculum, K-12 gifted and creative education, K-6 elementary education, or secondary transition to complement their knowledge foundation. WCU values inclusion and hosts the University Participant (UP) Program, an on-campus living and learning experience for college-aged people with intellectual disabilities. The UP Program is the first accredited inclusive post-secondary program in the country.

What You'll Learn

Coursework prepares future teachers to assess each student’s abilities and needs, and then adjust how they teach so that all students learn. Students study child development, types of exceptionalities and behavioral disorders, methods and materials for teaching students with mild to moderate disabilities, and how to collaborate with professionals, community and families. Students complete 50 hours of service activities such as volunteering with schools, agencies or community organizations in which they work directly with people with disabilities or their families. In addition, students work in public school classrooms with mentorship from dedicated, experienced teachers and guidance from WCU faculty during a year-long internship.

Where You'll Go

Students who complete the Special Education and Inclusive Learning program are recommended for North Carolina initial teaching licensure in Special Education: General Curriculum for kindergarten through twelfth grade. Based on their chosen concentration, students could be eligible for additional teaching licenses with successful completion of the required licensure exams. North Carolina’s more than 2,500 public schools hire special education teachers, and charter schools and private schools also may employ graduates. Some students also go to graduate school. WCU’s Master of Arts in Education program enables students to earn advanced licensure in Gifted, Creative, and Innovative Education, Mild to Moderate Disabilities, or Severe/Profound Disabilities.