Special Education

Behavioral Emotional Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, Visual Impairments,

Theodore Pikes, Chair
Department Telephone: (919) 530-7291
Fax: 530-5353
E-mail: tpikes@nccu.edu

The Department of Special Education prepares graduates to be professional educators and leaders in the field of special education for students with disabilities in the licensure areas of general curriculum in special education, behavioral-emotional disabilities, learning disabilities, and visual impairments. The mission of the Department of Special Education is to prepare teachers to effectively teach and nurture students with special needs, to address issues of language and cultural diversity, and to collaborate with parents, other professionals, and students in the delivery of evidence based educational programs.

Degree Programs

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

The Master’s in Education is a graduate program leading to Advanced Licensure for students who have the required initial licensure in education or special education and at least one year of teaching experience. Courses offer students an opportunity for applied research, advanced technology, development of leadership skills, and advanced study in special education with an emphasis on understanding and using current research and policy. Students may concentrate in Behavioral/Emotional Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, Mental Disabilities, Visual Impairment or Orientation and Mobility.

Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)

The Master of Arts in Teaching is a 39-50 hour program for students who have a background in education, but do not have a license in special education. The program provides students with initial license competencies in knowledge of special populations, adapting curriculum, assessing students, writing IEPs and instructional methodology. After completion of the basic courses, students take courses in applied research, leadership and technology with advanced study of current research and policy in special education. Students with limited or no background in education will need up to 15 hours of prerequisites prior to being fully admitted to the MAT program. Students receive an initial license in Special Education General Curriculum and an advanced license in their concentration area. Students may concentrate in Behavioral/Emotional Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, or Visual Impairment.

Licensure Only Programs

Licensure Only programs are available in Visual Impairment and Mild Disabilities General Curriculum. Students with undergraduate degrees may apply for a Licensure Only Program in Mild Disabilities, General Curriculum through the Graduate Admissions Office.