SPECIAL EDUCATION
“The essence of our effort to see that every child has a chance must be to assure each an equal opportunity, not to become equal, but to become different–to realize whatever unique potential of body, mind, and spirit he or she possesses.”
—John Martin Fischer
We offer the opportunity to learn from experts in the field of special education. Our programs provide the breadth and depth of knowledge to prepare candidates to support children and youth with disabilities in a variety of settings as certified teachers, advanced service practitioners, or leaders and researchers in special education.
Explore What We Offer
Our Degree Programs
Special Education, B.S.Ed.
This degree prepares undergraduate students to teach children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in schools. Our faculty are active researchers and experienced special educators who have rich experiences working with children and youth with disabilities. The program includes rigorous, practical coursework and applied classroom experiences. Teacher candidates who successfully complete program requirements and receive a passing score on the appropriate GACE test(s) will be certified to teach in one of three special education areas at the induction level. Our graduates go on to teach in charter, public, private and specialized school settings. Our three special education certification areas are:
- Adapted Curriculum
Students learn functional life skills in addition to academic skills tailored to their individual needs. Students on an adapted curriculum often have a diagnosed intellectual disability. In Georgia schools, students on an adapted curriculum receive most of their academic instruction in small-group settings.
- General Curriculum
Students with disabilities in the general curriculum follow the same curriculum as their peers without disabilities but with specialized support and accommodations to meet their needs. In Georgia schools, students on a general curriculum receive most of their academic instruction in general education classroom settings.
- Deaf education
The deaf or hard of hearing B.S. program prepares teachers to instruct students who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) to work in schools that use a visual language, including residential schools, day schools and public-school programs. Students learn about services across a wide variety of placement options. The deaf education concentration is a “four plus one” degree program, so students who stay on for an additional year will be certified to teach deaf children up through grade 12 and earn both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in only five years.
Special Education – High Incidence Disabilities, Minor
This program provides undergraduate students with knowledge and experiences with the most common eligibility categories in special education. This program will explore the needs of students with behavior and/or learning disabilities (for example, learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, ADHD and mild intellectual disabilities) and will study the issues related to the settings and learning environments in which they are served.
Completion of the minor does not lead to certification in special education. Students interested in teacher certification in special education should review the certification page and contact the College of Education & Human Development’s Office of Academic Assistance and undergraduate admissions.
Education programs leading to professional licensure or certification (nursing, education, social work, counseling, accounting, allied health professions, etc.) may require additional approval from separate licensing boards, depending on the state. Students who live or plan to live outside Georgia and are considering a professional program should contact the appropriate board in their state of residency prior to beginning a course of study. To help students find the best-known contact information for the appropriate state licensing board and for a list of Georgia State program contacts, visit the Student Consumer Information website.
This program prepares you to teach children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in schools. Our faculty are active researchers and special educators who have experience working with children and youth with disabilities. As a teacher preparation program, we are committed to helping teachers ensure all students grow to their fullest potential.
The program prepares highly qualified teachers to be leaders in the field of special education. It includes rigorous, practical coursework and applied classroom experiences. Teacher candidates who successfully complete program requirements and receive a passing score on the appropriate GACE test(s) will obtain a master’s degree and be certified to teach in one of three special education areas at the induction level (adapted curriculum, deaf education, general curriculum). Our M.A.T. degree has five different concentration areas:
- Adapted Curriculum Concentration
This concentration focuses on effective instruction for students served on an adapted curriculum from preschool to twelfth grade. Students on an adapted curriculum learn functional life skills in addition to academic skills tailored to their individual needs. Students on an adapted curriculum often have a diagnosed intellectual disability. In Georgia schools, students on an adapted curriculum receive most of their academic instruction in small-group settings.
- Early Childhood Adapted Curriculum Concentration
This concentration focuses on effective instruction for students served on an adapted curriculum in preschool to twelfth grade with an intensified focus on young children. In addition to earning a preschool to a twelfth-grade certificate in adapted curriculum special education, teacher candidates completing this concentration will earn an endorsement in preschool special education. Further, students learn functional life skills in addition to academic skills tailored to their individual needs. These students often have a diagnosed intellectual disability. In Georgia schools, students on an adapted curriculum receive most of their academic instruction in small-group settings.
- Early Childhood General Curriculum Concentration
This concentration focuses on effective instruction for students served in the general curriculum in preschool to twelfth grade with an intensified focus on young children. In addition to earning a preschool to a twelfth-grade certificate in general curriculum special education, teacher candidates completing this concentration will earn an endorsement in preschool special education. Students with disabilities in the general curriculum follow the same curriculum as their peers without disabilities but with specialized support and accommodations to meet their needs. In Georgia schools, students on a general curriculum receive most of their academic instruction in general education classroom settings.
- General Curriculum Concentration
This concentration focuses on effective instruction for students served in the general curriculum from preschool to twelfth grade. Students with disabilities in the general curriculum follow the same curriculum as their peers without disabilities but with specialized support and accommodations to meet their needs. In Georgia schools, students on a general curriculum receive most of their academic instruction in general education classroom settings.
- Deaf Education Concentration
This concentration prepares teachers to instruct students who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) to work in schools that use a visual language, including residential schools, day schools and public school programs. Students learn about services across a wide variety of placement options and will get in-depth coursework experiences that will develop their skills for teaching in multilingual settings, Graduates will be certified to teach deaf children up through grade 12.
The M.A.T. program is designed for working professionals with classes offered in the late afternoon and evening. As a teacher candidate, you will have the opportunity to become a highly qualified teacher alongside other students as you complete your coursework through a cohort model.
Education programs leading to professional licensure or certification (nursing, education, social work, counseling, accounting, allied health professions, etc.) may require additional approval from separate licensing boards, depending on the state. Students who live or plan to live outside Georgia and are considering a professional program should contact the appropriate board in their state of residency prior to beginning a course of study. To help students find the best-known contact information for the appropriate state licensing board and for a list of Georgia State program contacts, visit the Student Consumer Information website.
Working with our faculty will prepare you to become a leader in special education by equipping you with advanced research skills and instructional expertise. You’ll learn to conduct high-quality research in specialized areas of special education. Our program will support you in building the competencies needed for success in university roles as faculty members or researchers, as well as leadership positions in community, state or national organizations.
In our program, you are paired with a faculty advisor in your first year. Along with your advisor, you will put together a tailored curriculum that suits your interests and satisfies the requirements.
Our faculty’s areas of research include:
- Improving math achievement for students with and at risk for math difficulties.
- Identifying evidence-based practices (EBPs) and bridging the research-to-practice gap for teachers.
- Examining factors influencing teacher quality and math effectiveness, including special education teacher licensure and certification policies.
- Developing and testing interventions for students with or at-risk for dyslexia and other reading difficulties.
- Improving academic instruction in alternative schools.
- Improving social and communication outcomes for young children with autism.
See our faculty biographies (below) for more information. You are also encouraged to reach out to faculty members whose research interests overlap with your own.
If you are interested in completing a Ph.D. with a faculty in Special Education, please fill out the information request form below or email [email protected] for more information.
Special Education Endorsements
Learning Sciences offers several endorsements for advanced study in specific areas related to the field of special education for currently certified teachers, or teacher candidates currently enrolled in a teacher certification program. Endorsements add to the body of knowledge that special education teachers possess. Endorsements are offered as a supplement to teacher certification, they do not replace it. Teacher candidates seeking initial certification in special education should pursue the M.A.T. in special education. Our special education endorsements include:
This endorsement is designed to provide general and special education teachers with advanced knowledge in teaching learners with autism. An individual with the autism endorsement has strengthened and enhanced competency levels for working with students with autism. This endorsement does not replace the requirement of holding a special education general curriculum or an adapted curriculum certificate.
This endorsement is designed to provide special education teachers with advanced knowledge in teaching preschool-aged learners with disabilities. Completing the coursework requirements qualifies the students for an endorsement in special education preschool (ages three to five). To be eligible for the endorsement, individuals must hold a level four (4) or higher renewable professional certificate or be concurrently enrolled in a special education teacher certification program at Georgia State.
This endorsement is designed to provide general and special education teachers and other school-based practitioners with advanced study in dyslexia and other reading disabilities. The endorsement provides foundational skills in the theories that undergird reading and provides educators with deep and broad knowledge of instruction and assessment related to reading and writing skills, emphasizing dyslexia and other reading disabilities.
This endorsement is offered as a fully online endorsement for students enrolled only in dyslexia and other reading disabilities endorsement (not also seeking teacher certification or a higher degree).
The following certificates are available. Click the links to learn more about them.
This certification program is a program for those who hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking initial teacher certification, but do not want to pursue a master’s degree. Our program prepares you to teach children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in schools. This certification prepares highly qualified teachers to be leaders in special education. The program includes rigorous, practical coursework and applied classroom experiences. Teacher candidates who complete program requirements and receive a passing score on the appropriate GACE test(s) will be certified to teach students with disabilities in preschool-twelfth-grade in adapted curriculum special education. Students on an adapted curriculum learn functional life skills and academic skills tailored to their individual needs. Students in this curriculum often have a diagnosed intellectual disability. In Georgia schools, students on this curriculum receive most of their academic instruction in small-group settings.
- Special Education Deaf Education, Initial Certification
- Special Education Initial Certification, General Curriculum Pre-Kindergarten Through 12th Grade
This certification is a program for those who hold a bachelor’s degree and are seeking initial teacher certification, but do not want to pursue a master’s degree. Our program prepares you to teach children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services in schools.
This program prepares highly qualified teachers to be leaders in special education. It includes rigorous, practical coursework and applied classroom experiences. Teacher candidates who complete program requirements and receive a passing score on the appropriate GACE test(s) will be certified to teach students with disabilities in preschool-twelfth grade in general curriculum special education. Students with disabilities in the general curriculum follow the same curriculum as their peers without disabilities but with specialized support and accommodations to meet their needs. Students on a general curriculum receive most of their academic instruction in general education classroom settings in Georgia schools.
Student Council for Exceptional Children
Our mission is to advocate for children and individuals with disabilities. For more information, visit cec.sped.org, or if you have questions, email [email protected].
Project BEES Scholars
Project BEES provides a specialized, fully-funded, master’s-level training experience in applied behavior analysis (ABA) and early childhood special education. (ECSE). Learn more about this funding opportunity.
- For more information about our research and teaching assistantship opportunities, as well as our departmental doctoral student fellowship, contact [email protected].
- For information in reference to GRA positions, contact and send applications/resumes to Brooke Cardriche at [email protected].
- Use the link below to search for scholarship opportunities at Georgia State University.
Scholarships Database
Our Faculty
Research
Click the blue dots below to scroll through our various research projects that students can get involved with. If you’d like to learn more about our programs for deaf and/or hard of hearing please view the Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing unit page.
Early Social Skills Curriculum Lab
Sarah Hansen, Ph.D. is an assistant professor of Early Childhood Special Education and head of the Early Social Skills Curriculum Lab (ESSC). The ESSC lab conducts research on early social communication skills for children with, and at risk for, developmental disabilities, specifically autism spectrum disorder. Our research focuses on teaching early pivotal skills like joint attention, play and communication. We also work to train natural change agents who may be parents, teachers, siblings and peers to implement interventions in everyday settings such as inclusive preschool classrooms and family homes. If you’re interested in doing your doctoral work in this area contact her at [email protected].
Youth with High Incidence Disabilities
David E. Houchins, Ph.D. focuses his research on youth with high incidence disabilities (LD, EBD, MID) who are at greatest risk in school and society. His research focuses on ensuring these youth are provided with quality educational opportunities that lead to successful adult outcomes as they transition from middle school and high school. Of particular interest are students in alternative schools (incarcerated, residential placements, day treatment schools). His research examines the relationship between academics and behavior with a particular focus on literacy and learning strategies. If you are interested in conducting your doctoral research in any of these areas, contact him at [email protected].
Mathematics Evidence-Based Interventions
Jonté A. Myers is an assistant professor in the Department of Learning Sciences. His scholarship examines mathematics evidence-based interventions and instruction for students with mathematics difficulties and specific learning disabilities. He also focuses on secondary mathematics teacher quality and effectiveness among adolescents facing mathematical challenges, including those with and at risk for specific learning disabilities and learners from low-income and minoritized backgrounds.
His current research focuses on (a) word problem-solving interventions for students with mathematics difficulties and (b) the impact of deeper learning on mathematics achievement for at-risk adolescents.
Literacy Development of Deaf Students Who Use American Sign Language
Jessica Scott, Ph.D. focuses her research primarily on the literacy development of deaf students who use American Sign Language (ASL). She also studies instructional practices in international deaf education settings. Her current literacy projects include:
- Studies on the language and literacy development of deaf learners who use ASL
- The STEM identities and STEM learning of deaf adolescents
- Rethinking schools for the deaf as places that center deaf students and prioritize visual thinking and communication
Her current international projects are focused on deaf education practices in Jamaica, including the role of deaf adults in the teaching and learning process.
If you are interested in doing your doctoral work in these areas contact her at [email protected].
Dyslexia and Intensive Intervention
Dr. Brennan Chandler is an Assistant Professor of Dyslexia and Special Education in the Department of Learning Sciences. His research focuses on improving literacy outcomes for students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties by designing and implementing intensive school-based interventions. His current projects include:
- Examining the efficacy and implementation of an evidence-based spelling intervention when implemented by paraeducators in the early elementary grades
- Investigating mechanisms that enhance efficient word learning in students with dyslexia
If you’re interested in pursuing a doctoral degree with a focus on intensive literacy interventions and dyslexia, email [email protected] for more information.
Careers
What careers can a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology prepare me for?
Most of our students go on to teach and conduct research at the college level. However, many of our students also work in education and government as well as in both industry and the nonprofit sector.
Our students leave the program with expertise in their area of research as well as a strong background in methodologies and analysis techniques that make them desirable for a variety of positions.
How can we help you?
Fill in this form to start your academic journey.
Contact Us
PHONE
404-413-8040
EMAIL
[email protected]
Department of Learning Sciences
30 Pryor St. SW
Suite 750
Atlanta, GA 30303
