About the App State Online Bachelor of Science in Special Education degree
Special educators make a difference in the lives of children and families. They are curious about how people learn and develop throughout their lifespan. A Special Education degree prepares students to understand human diversity, communicate effectively and develop problem-solving skills that support their success and that of others.
App State’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Special Education degree program prepares future teachers to teach students in grades K-12 who will likely require more significant modifications and adaptations in order to access the general curriculum. You will develop adaptive techniques for students with disabilities and learn to use instructional and assistive technologies to facilitate success.
More information on Special Education
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Careers
- Special education teacher (various settings: resource, inclusion, self-contained)
- Interventionist / MTSS intervention specialist
- Behavior support specialist
- Assistive technology specialist
- Residential program coordinator
- Academic support specialist
Degree details
Concentrations
- Adapted Curriculum: View course information
- General Curriculum: View course information
(Not every course listed may be delivered to App State Online students, but you will be offered all courses required for the degree.)
Program information
- This online program blends asynchronous coursework (completed on your schedule) with synchronous coursework (set meeting times in an online classroom).
- All App State teacher education programs that lead to initial licensure or a similar credential require multiple field experiences at a North Carolina public school throughout the program, including a full-time internship during the last semester. You will work with the department to select the student teaching location. Learn more about student teaching requirements.
- If you are a paraprofessional or experienced educator, you may qualify for a waiver of up to 9 credit hours through our Prior Learning Assessment, designed to recognize and validate college-level learning acquired outside traditional academic settings. Additionally, if you are a paraprofessional or experience educator with (or in the process of earning) your Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree, you may be awarded up to 6 credit hours through our Credit for Life Experience for prior non-college-based learning. If you feel these criteria apply to you, contact Dr. Debra Prykanowski ([email protected]) for additional information.
Admission requirements
You may enter this program as a first-year or transfer student.
- If you are a current high school senior or haven't attended college since graduating high school (including Early/Middle college applicants), review First-Year Admission Requirements.
- If you have completed college coursework since graduating high school (including military service member or veteran and second-degree seeking applicants), review Transfer Admission Requirements. Visit our transfer equivalency course search to see how your previous coursework transfers to Appalachian.
- If you have previously taken classes at App State and would like to re-enroll, review our Readmissions Requirements
Program requirements
- All App State teacher education programs that lead to an initial licensure or a similar credential require multiple student teaching experiences at a North Carolina public school throughout the program, including a full-time internship during the last semester of the program.