Undergraduate Certification ~ Special Education  K-12

The special education certification program at the University of North Texas is designed to prepare students to work with students having a range of disabilities, in a variety of school settings.

This undergraduate certification program provides students with dual certification in both general and special education. This program is offered on both the Denton campus  and Dallas Campus.

With most school environments now inclusionary in nature, every regular education teacher needs specific teaching strategies to utilize with all students, with or without special needs. Special education courses provide this opportunity for specialized training in behavior, collaboration, and instructional strategies.

Earning two certifications generates additional career opportunities and prepares students for a rewarding career in Education and/or Special Education. In addition, many school districts are now paying signing bonuses for Special Education certification and report an ongoing need for qualified and certified applicants.

Students seeking these certifications will major in Interdisciplinary Studies. They will choose either the option of Early Childhood-4th Grade or 4th -8th Grade.  The Certification in Special Education is integrated within the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and does not require any additional courses beyond the standard degree plan. Each option leads to a Special Education Teaching Certificate, Kindergarten through 12th grade.

The certification training consists of 7 courses, including student teaching. Student teaching is carried out in both general elementary classrooms and in special education settings.
 
Option 1    EC-4
Early Childhood through 4th Grade Generalist and Special Education Teaching Certificate Kindergarten through 12th grade: click for program requirements and course sequence

Option 2    4-8
4th Grade through 8th Grade Generalist and Special Education Teaching Certificate Kindergarten through 12th grade: click for program requirements and course sequence

For more information, please contact:
Student Advising Office
Denton Campus- Dr. Mary Estes
Dallas Campus- Dr. Mary Estes

 EC-4 Generalist andK-12 Special EducationHandbook

 4-8 Generalist andK-12 Special EducationHandbook

 Common Questions

This is for the benefit of students seeking the certifications major in Interdisciplinary Studies with certification options of EC-4th Grade or 4th -8th Grade Generalist Teacher Certification, as well as the special education option which certifies them to teach all level special education. 

1.  What age group of students will I be eligible to teach?

For students in general education, this will depend on which certification option selected.  Those who select EC-4th grade will work in elementary school, while those selecting the 4th-8th grade option prefer a middle school setting. 
The special education portion of the certification will qualify candidates to work with students with disabilities of all school ages and with most disabilities.  The certification does not include visual or hearing impairments.

2.  What type of special education classes will the certification qualify me to teach?
The certification will qualify candidates to teach in resource and content mastery rooms as well as self-contained settings for students with disabilities.

3.  What categories of disabilities does the special education certification cover?

Generally, the certification covers all disabilities except hearing and visual impairments.

4.  May I transfer courses taken at another university?

This will depend upon the course description and when the course was taken.  Program faculty will evaluate courses on an individual basis to determine which course will transfer.  Normally, no more than three courses are accepted for transfer.

5.  Which TExES examinations will I take?

Candidates seeking special education certification will take three exams, (1) either Test 101, Generalist EC-4 or Test 111 Generalist 4-8, (2) Test 160 Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12, and (3) Test 161, Special Education EC-12.

6.  Where will I student teach?

Student teaching takes place in the last semesters of your time at UNT.  Candidates participate in student teaching through participation in  a Professional Development School (PDS) experience along with other Interdisciplinary Studies majors.  The specific site will be located in the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex.  Candidates will divide their time between general (EC-4th or 4th-8th) and special education settings.
See the following web sites for more information about careers in special education and certification.

*Career Choices in Special Education (http://www.special-ed-careers.com/career_choices/)

*Council for Exceptional Children (www.cec.sped.org)

*College of Education Student Advising Office (http://www.coe.unt.edu/sao/)

*State Board for Educator Certification (www.sbec.state.tx.us)