About

Special education teachers work with students with disabilities including learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, intellectual disabilities, autism and other disabilities. Appalachian State University’s Special Education (BS) – General Curriculum K-12 prepares students to teach children and youth who will likely complete North Carolina public schools general curriculum requirements for career prep, college/tech prep, or college prep diploma. These students may have learning disabilities, mild intellectual disabilities, emotional/behavioral disabilities, traumatic brain injury and other health impairments or disabilities.

This program is part of the Department of Child Development, Literacy and Special Education and leads to North Carolina teaching license in Special Education: General Curriculum K-12.

After Graduation

Graduate school: This degree offers an Accelerated Master's Program at Appalachian. Students can begin taking courses toward a master's degree in special education or master’s in reading education as a senior; after they complete their undergraduate program, they can finish their master’s degree with approximately one additional year of coursework. In addition, students can take directed elective hours in the master's program to complete graduate certificates in Autism, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, and Reading Education or a combination, resulting in well-prepared and highly marketable special education professionals.

Professional Licensure

This is a program that can lead to licensure or certification in North Carolina. Appalachian State University cannot confirm whether this program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in other states or territories.

If this applies to you, check the Professional Licensure webpage for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at App State at stateauthorization@fenxiong.net or 828-262-7559.

People

• 

  Alumna Profile: Katie Thermann ’19 ’20

  “I chose App State because of the professors. They really do care about us and our success in life. I wouldn’t be who I am today without them.”

  – Katie Thermann, who completed her bachelor’s and earned a master’s degree in special education through Appalachian’s Accelerated Admissions program

• 

  Faculty Profile: Dr. Aftynne E. Cheek

  “I chose to come to Appalachian because the university as a whole is very student focused.  …I understand the importance of getting to know each student individually so I can help them become the best teacher for students with disabilities.”

  – Dr. Aftynne E. Cheek, assistant professor

• 

  Alumni Profile: App State leads nation in board certified teachers

  For the sixth consecutive year, App State tops the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards’ list of “Top 50 Alma Maters by Total Number of NBCTs,” leading the nation for the number of National Board Certified Teachers — 2,211.

Related Program

• Special Education (BS) – Adapted Curriculum K-12

Minors

No minor is required for the degree; however, this program offers a minor in Special Education, General to other majors.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

Appalachian Educators – Open to all education majors. It sponsors service events and provides professional development and leadership opportunities.

Kappa Delta Pi – The national honorary education fraternity

Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC) – Promotes programs and service projects and prepares future leaders in the education of exceptional children and youth.

AppVocates – A group of students who volunteer with Scholars with Diverse Abilities Program, a innovative campus program that provides students with intellectual disabilities access to a 2-year college education.

View all student organization contacts

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.  Opportunities for education majors include international student teaching.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Appalachian’s Teacher Education Program is required.