Mar 29, 2024  
2010-2011 General Catalog 
    
2010-2011 General Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: To search archives, MUST use search box to left. Current catalog: catalog.usu.edu.

Special Education, BA


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Bachelor of Arts Degree Language Requirement


Bachelor of Arts Degree

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree signifies proficiency in one or more foreign languages. Specifically, the BA requirement may be completed in one of the following ways:

  1. Demonstration of proficiency in one foreign language by successful completion of one course at the 2020-level or higher (or its equivalent).
    Or
  2. Demonstration of proficiency in American Sign Language by successful completion of American Sign Language IV (COMD 4920 ) and Socio-Cultural Aspects of Deafness (COMD 4780 ), and by passing an exit interview.
    Or
  3. Demonstration of proficiency in two foreign languages by successful completion of the 1020 course level in one language and the 2010 course level in the second language (or its equivalent).
    Or
  4. Completion of an upper-division (3000-level or higher) foreign language grammar or literature course requiring the 2020 course level (or its equivalent) as a prerequisite. Conversation courses cannot be considered for satisfying this requirement.

For nonnative English-speaking students only, the following options are available:

  1. Successful completion of the Intensive English Language Institute (IELI) program for international students.
    Or
  2. TOEFL, Michigan, or IELI placement scores high enough to meet the University admission criteria.

Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education


Undergraduate study leads to the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education with licensure to teach students with mild/moderate disabilities, severe disabilities, or early childhood special education. The degree requires a total of 120 credits. The requirements are as follows:

A. University Studies Requirements


Competency Requirements (9-13 credits), Breadth Requirements (21 credits), and Depth Education Requirements (5 courses). For more information, see General Education Requirements 

C. Special Education Major (42-60 credits)


Coursework includes: human growth and development; applied behavior analysis; introduction to systematic instruction (task analysis, curriculum-based measurement, behavioral objectives, contingent reinforcement); designing curriculum; Individualized Educational Programs (IEP); educational assessment, analysis, and adaptation of instructional materials; intervention strategies for academic and social behaviors; and parent involvement. Additionally, each  endorsement area includes practicum work with exceptional children or youth. Finally, all students must complete student teaching with students with disabilities. Most of the Special Education courses are presented in a hybrid format. Hybrid is a combination of live (face-to-face) classes and online classes. Courses vary in  terms of how much content is online. For example, students may attend class every other week, and during the in between weeks complete work using an online  tool (e.g., Blackboard).

D. Teaching Support (15 credits)


The support area is designed to enhance the Special Education major’s background. Areas recommended include communicative disorders, psychology, sociology, family and human development, recreation, and physical education. Students are encouraged to take courses which will prepare them for the PRAXIS exam.

E. Electives (7-20 credits)


Endorsement Areas


Students are required to complete the Mild/Moderate Disabilities Endorsement, the Severe Disabilities Endorsement, or the Birth to Age 5 Certificate.1

The following courses are required for the special education training programs. A minimum grade point average of 2.75 is required for admission to the endorsement courses. Most of the courses should be taken during the junior year. Students enrolled in the endorsement programs are required to maintain a GPA  of at least 2.75. Students are required to earn a grade of C or better in all teacher licensure courses. Students must retake any licensure course for which a grade of less than a C was received. Each student will be allowed to repeat a maximum of only one didactic, practica, or student teaching course.

Note:


1After acceptance to the Special Education major and before beginning the practica, students are required to complete a background check for conviction of  violating any law (except traffic violations).

2SPED 5200  should be taken during the senior year.

3Students working toward the Birth to Age 5 Certificate are encouraged to complete either the mild/moderate disabilities endorsement or the severe disabilities  endorsement, as well as courses included in the Birth to Age 5 Certificate. For additional information, see the special education advisor.

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