Get Your Special Education Degree
Our Multicategorical Special Education degree program certifies educators to teach Pre-K through Grade 12 students with mild to moderate disabilities. We equip you to demonstrate a mastery of national standards and become a collaborative team member, working with families and other service providers. With our comprehensive program, you will be learner-ready on day one.
Special Education Program Highlights
- Our last five years of graduates have a 100% job placement rate. 100% of graduates have passed the licensure exams required for initial certification.
- Diverse placements in Resource and Self-Contained classrooms across elementary, middle, and high school settings prior to the final semester of student teaching.
- A student chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children is housed on the Columbia College campus.
- Options for additional coursework in Elementary and Early Childhood as electives (can be used for add-on requirements as provided by the state Department of Education).
- Tuition assistance is available through the CREATE program for full-time employees in SC public schools. \
- Teaching Fellows Institution, which supports talented high school seniors joining the teaching profession, and our program will develop leadership qualities.
- Special Education is recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and the South Carolina State Board of Education under the guidance of the 2022 CAEP standards.
Modality & Benefits
Get a traditional college experience with lively in-person classroom discussions and close proximity to your professors, mentors, and best friends.
Start Dates:
January & August
- Semester-Based Timeline
- Face-to-Face Instruction (some Online options)
- In-Person Office Hours & Support
- Relationships & Networking
- Extracurriculars & Immersive Campus Experience
Get a degree that fits your busy lifestyle while benefiting from in-person instruction, social interactions with classmates, and networking on campus and throughout the capital city.
Start Dates:
January & August
- Semester-Based Timeline
- Evening Classes (M-Th, 5-9pm)
- Face-to-Face Instruction
- Transfer Up to 90 Credits
- 10-Hour Weekly Commitment (varies)
Special Education Curriculum
Major Requirements
Popular Special Education Classes
- Children and Youth with Mild Disabilities
Explore the education, cognitive, physical, linguistic, social and emotional characteristics of persons with mild to moderate learning, intellectual and emotional disabilities. - Special Education Instructional Strategies
Identify and use instructional strategies, curricula, and resources to meet individual learning needs. - Exceptional Learners
Discuss the concept of exceptionality and study practices for promoting learning with diverse groups.
Enjoy Growth and Flexibility
Demand for special education teachers is currently growing at an average rate (BLS). With available positions in public schools, private schools, and educational support organizations, teachers can choose from a variety of work environments and daily duties.
Make a Meaningful Impact
- Special Education Teacher
- Intervention Specialist
- School Counselor
- Learning Specialist
- School Resource Officer
- Special Education Supervisor
Our Alumni are Dedicated to SC
- Lexington
- Richland
- Kershaw
- Sumter
- Fairfield
Online M.Ed. Degrees
Specialize with in-demand topics and become even more marketable with a master's degree. Our M.Ed. programs cultivate your leadership potential with purpose. Check out our 1-year education master's degrees.
Next Steps for Your Degree in Special Education
- Industry Outlook
- Career Paths
- Recent Placements
- Graduate School
Student Experiences
"My professors have equipped me with knowledge and skills needed to be a successful teacher by supporting and encouraging me every step of the way to include making introductions for me in other districts that led to me getting first job two months before I graduate!"
Madeleine Hodgin
Class of 2019