Mar 28, 2024  
2012-2013 General Catalog (Spring 2013) 
    
2012-2013 General Catalog (Spring 2013) ARCHIVED CATALOG: To search archives, MUST use search box to left. Current catalog: catalog.usu.edu.

Special Education - BA


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Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services

Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation

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 COMD 4920  and 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 (birth to age 5) 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   and University Studies Depth Requirements .

  •   fulfills the Social Sciences (BSS) requirement for students in the Special Education major
  •   and   or   will fulfill the Communications Intensive (CI) requirement
  •   fulfills the Quantitative Intensive (QI) requirement
  • Complete at least 2 credits in approved 3000-level or above courses from two of the following three categories: Humanities Creative Arts (DHA), Life and Physical Sciences (DSC) and Social Sciences (DSS)

B. Special Education Admission to Major Requirements


(admission is competitive and requires a separate application-students are highly advised to contact a SPED advisor at least a year before applying to the SPED major)

D. 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., Canvas).

E. 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. Students are encouraged to take courses which will prepare them for the PRAXIS exam.

F. 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.

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:


Students 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.

Minimum University Requirements


Total Credits

120

Grade Point Average (most majors require higher GPA)

2.00 GPA

Credits of C- or better

100

Credits of upper-division courses (#3000 or above)

40

USU Credits (30 USU credits, 20 of which must be upper-division courses, 10 of which must be courses required for student’s major)

30 USU credits

Completion of approved major program of study

See college advisor

Credits in minor (if required)

12

Credits in American Institutions (ECN 1500 ;HIST 1700 , HIST 2700  or HIST 2710 ; HONR 1300 POLS 1100 ; or USU 1300 

3

General Education Requirements  and University Studies Depth Requirements 

 

 

 

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