The Bachelor of Science in Elementary/Special Education is Gordon State College's first four-year degree program. The program of studies focuses on preparation for a Georgia teaching certificate in Special Education and General Curricula for Pre-K through grade 5. This combination of training enables our graduates to be highly qualified to meet the increased expectations of teaching children with mild disabilities who are included in general education classrooms. Prospective teacher candidates must meet admission requirements in order to be admitted for the junior year. As a cohort, these students take all of their upper-level courses together over 5 semesters, including the summer between their junior and senior years. Coursework includes 12 semester hours in reading, 9 additional hours in mathematics, 9 hours in special education, and 27 hours in pedagogy and additional curriculum studies in art, science and social studies. Coupled with their course work, candidates participate in field experiences in area schools throughout the two years, culminating in their teaching internship in the last semester prior to graduation. The combination of in-class and field studies allows candidates the opportunity to develop a maturity level for the work of teaching that prepares them to lead students in their care from the first day as "first-year" teachers. The teacher education program prepares its graduates to succeed in the workplace, wherever their careers lead.
Advisement Worksheet & Program Map
Elementary Education- Advisement Worksheet & Program Map
This map might be helpful for those who are just beginning to take college courses. It provides a list of the courses a student must take before beginning the program.
Tracks to Degree
Gordon State offers two tracks for the elementary/special education program: traditional track and parapro-to-teacher track. Students can choose the track in which to enroll. The courses and outcomes of each track are the same. The traditional program is targeted to students who currently do not work in education. The parapro-to-teacher track might be a better option for those who are paraprofessionals in a school system. Use the links below to learn more about each track.
This program is approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission to lead to a first Georgia Educator Certification in the field of special education general education / elementary education (P-5). Our programs are not designed to meet the requirements for certification for any other state.
Degree Requirements
Required Courses
69 Hours
- MATH 3001 (3 hours)
- LART 3005 (3 hours)
- SPED 3100 (3 hours)
- EDUC 3003 (3 hours)
- EDUC 3500 (1 hours)
- MATH 3002 (3 hours)
- LART 3090 (3 hours)
- SPED 4200 (3 hours)
- EDUC 3200 (3 hours)
- EDUC 3501 (2 hours)
- EDUC 3000 (3 hours)
- EDUC 3002 (3 hours)
- EDUC 3300 (3 hours)
- EDUC 4200 (3 hours)
- MATH 3003 (3 hours)
- SPED 4000 (3 hours)
- EDUC 4001 (3 hours)
- EDUC 3502 (2 hours)
- LART 3006 (3 hours)
- LART 3007 (3 hours)
- EDUC 4204 (6 hours)
- EDUC 4404 (6 hours)
- EDUC 3090 (1 hours)