Program Overview 

The Special Education program at Columbus State University provides pre-service teachers a solid knowledge base emphasizing contemporary theory and research. In the first two years, a pre-professional special education major completes studies which establish eligibility for admission to teacher education. This is followed by a sequence of campus and field-based courses culminating in the student teaching semester during the senior year.

All educator preparation programs are approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. In addition to the degree requirements, there are further requirements for teaching certification. Visit the Certification page on the CSU Center for Quality Teaching and Learning (CQTL) website for detailed information about certification requirements and the certification process.

Career Opportunities

Special Education is a profession with a future. The discipline of General Curriculum Reading Concentration prepares successful students for well paid positions in public or private schools which are expected to last. The graduate is prepared for employment in the areas of teaching preschool and school age children and, with experience, for directing a child care center. In addition, it provides an excellent base for pursuing careers in the areas of social services and early intervention. The B.S.Ed. Special Education - General Curriculum program leads to entry level (T-4) Georgia certification.

Program of Study

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The hours applied in the Institutional Priorities; Mathematics & Quantitative Skills; and Technology, Mathematics, and Sciences areas must add to 18 credit hours. 

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ITDS 1145 Comparative Arts, though listed under both Fine Arts and Humanities, may be taken only once. 

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At least 4 of the credit hours in this area must be in a lab science course.

Major Requirements

Program Map

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Requires admission to teacher education.

Admission Requirements

During the sophomore year, students intending to complete a teacher education program make formal application to the teacher education program. Normally, this occurs after the student has completed three semesters of full-time course work. Admission to Teacher Education is completed through TK20.  For further information please go to https://cqtl.columbusstate.edu/teacher-education.php.

Additional Program Requirements

A review of student records is conducted each semester to determine whether a student is eligible to continue in the Teacher Education Program. Retention is based on the following:

• Maintain a CSU and Overall 2.50 GPA. If the grade point average falls below the requirement, the student has one semester to raise his/her GPA. Students who do not meet the GPA requirements after that semester must take additional courses other than the ones required for admission to teacher education.
• Students must earn not less than a C in field and professional courses. Only 10 percent of the professional and field courses may be repeated at CSU or another accredited college. Correspondence courses will not be accepted in field or professional courses.
• Students who fail to complete a degree program after three years from date of admission to Teacher Education will be excluded from the program and required to re-apply under current admission policies.

To be eligible for CSU's recommendation for a Georgia professional teaching certificate, students must complete a rigorous program of coursework. They also must meet certain other criteria required by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Please contact CSU Advise at  706-507-8780 or by email at academic_advising@columbusstate.edu