The University of North Georgia’s (UNG) College of Education is launching a Bachelor of Science in Education in special education this fall in collaboration with four other University System of Georgia (USG) schools. A consortium of professors from UNG, Augusta University, Columbus State University, Georgia Highlands College, and Georgia Southern University will deliver the program through USG’s eCampus platform.
While UNG has offered a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education for years, the new program is unique, officials say, in that it certifies graduates to teach special education in any grade from kindergarten through 12th grade. Dr. Jennifer Sears, an associate professor, will lead this effort at UNG. The program is fully online.
“This gives students the opportunity to stay at UNG if they want to go into special education for sixth grade through 12th grade,” said Dr. Sheri Hardee, College of Education dean. “It’s great that our students also get to take classes from other special education experts from across the state. They get a variety of learning opportunities.”
Sears said this degree will help meet Georgia’s workforce needs by helping alleviate the state’s current shortage of special education teachers. Two juniors will be part of the program this fall, along with five sophomores and one freshman who are also pursuing this degree.