Special Education

Make a difference for all students. Our Bachelor of Science in Special Education program helps you build the skills to teach and support students with disabilities in K–12 classrooms. With hands-on experience and guidance from expert faculty, you’ll learn how to create classrooms where everyone can thrive. Then graduate with the skills to become a licensed special educator.

Degrees

BSBachelor of Science

School of Education

Special education teacher with a student

Application Deadline

Aug. 11, 2025

Classes Start

Aug. 25, 2025

Apply Now

Empower Every Learner

UNCP’s Special Education program equips you to teach K–12 students with mild to moderate disabilities. You’ll learn to support diverse learners through evidence-based strategies, assistive technologies, and effective tools for teaching reading, math, and behavior management.

Courses are offered online and in hybrid formats, with hands-on field experiences built into many classes — so you’ll start applying what you learn in real classrooms early in the program. Upon graduation and successful completion of licensure exams, you’ll be eligible for a North Carolina teaching license in Special Education (General Curriculum). If you're ready to build inclusive classrooms and help all students thrive, this program provides the training to make it happen.

View Course Requirements

I intend to take what I have learned here at UNCP with me for the rest of my educational journey to help facilitate learning for a lifetime in classrooms around the world.

Kimberly Fuqua

Special Education Alumni ‘19

Common Careers

Special Education Teacher (K–12)
Resource or Inclusion Teacher
Intervention Specialist
Behavior Support Specialist
IEP (Individualized Education Program) Coordinator

male teacher helping young student jumping comes

Connect with Career Services

At UNCP, student success doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Explore ways to get involved and find the support you need to thrive.

Community on Campus

Find your people — and your passions — outside the classroom. UNCP offers dozens of student organizations. From government and Greek life to sports, service groups and creative outlets like campus media. However you want to get involved, there’s a place for you.

Academic Support

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Find everything from tutoring and study groups to one-on-one advising at the Center for Student Success. We’re here to help you stay on track and succeed — every step of the way.

Keri Sullivan

Assistant Professor of Special Education

keri.sullivan@uncp.edu
910.775.4281

All Faculty & Staff

Birth to Kindergarten

A classroom setting with several students and a teacher sitting around a table. The students are engaged in an activity involving rulers, colored pencils, and paper with geometric designs.

Elementary Education

Diverse group of elementary age little girls and little boys are sitting in circle with mid adult African American male counselor or therapist. Mental health professional is leading children's group therapy session. Children are smiling and talking expressively.

All Programs

The Educator Preparation Program is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and leads to initial licensure in North Carolina.

Information For