Bachelor of Arts in Special Education (B.A.Ed.)

Program Description

The B.A.Ed. in Special Education is a minimum of 122 semester hours program hour program. The degree program is approved for a K-12 license with an endorsement in Mild/Moderate and Severe/Profound Disabilities. There are three phrases for education majors: Phase I: Core Curriculum; Phase II: Teacher Education Program; and Phase III: Student Teaching. For more information go the SAFE admission page.

During the professional education common-core coursework, teacher education candidates are required to observe and teach in selected classrooms, developing professional dispositions with practitioners and school students. The special education candidates progress through a series of developmentally sequenced field experiences with students at varying grades and exceptionalities. The Student Advising and Field Experience (SAFE) office along with the Special Education Faculty office works with school partners in establishing placements for these field experiences.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the program must meet these requirements:

  • 2.5 grade point average (entry admission for transfer students and change of major)
  • 2.75 grade point average (admission for Phase II: Teacher Education Program) and appropriate scores on either the ACT, SAT or Praxis CORE* (link to Phase II information is posted above under Program Description)

*Praxis Core Exemption: Students who provide proof of an ACT score of at least a 21 composite (or SAT equivalent; View the SAT Equivalency Scoring sheet for more information) OR have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a minimum of 60 hours of completed coursework are exempt from taking the Praxis CORE exam for admission to Phase II.

Career Opportunities

Candidates must take three separate Praxis exams to be highly qualified in both mild/moderate and severe/profound disabilities to teach core subject grades K-12. For more information on seeking licensure outside Mississippi, please review the Certification information.

Online/Regional Campus Options

The full program of study for the Special Education degree program is offered at the Oxford campus.

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