Human Development and Family Science BSFCS/Special Education MAT(Birth through Kindergarten)(non-thesis)

Early learning and care for young children Birth through Kindergarten is a growing important field for our nation, especially in light of new science documenting the importance of nourishing healthy brain development during these early years. Undergraduates interested in child development and care often pursue undergraduate degrees in Human Development and Family Sciences. While this degree provides a strong foundation for graduates to become employed in childcare-related careers, salaries for these positions are relatively low paying. By adding the Master's of Teaching degree in Special Education with an Emphasis on Birth through Kindergarten, candidates will be eligible for Georgia Teacher Certification in Birth through Kindergarten and Preschool Special Education. This program prepares candidates to teach all infants, toddlers, and young children: those who are typically developing, those at risk, and those with special needs. Graduates will be infield to teach Pre-K, Kindergarten and Preschool Special Education. In addition they will be well prepared to provide leadership in Head Start, Early Head Start, Early Intervention Programs (e.g., Babies Can't Wait) and other home-based services for young children and their families. This program, in part, responds to the high-demand need for special education teachers in Georgia.

Admission to Program

Students will apply to the Double Dawgs Pathway as early as the spring semester of their second year. They will be required to have completed 45 hours of the HDFS program of study. Students will apply to the Double Dawgs Pathway at two possible points in their program of study: by March 31 of their second year or, if space is available, by October 31 of their third year.

Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. They also must either have a passing score on the GACE Program Admissions Assessment or exempt the GACE Program Admissions Assessment with one of the following:
a. Combined minimum SAT score of 1000 (Verbal and Math scores)
b. Combined minimum ACT score of 43 (English and Math scores)

All students admitted to Pathway are required to have a GaPSC pre-service certificate prior to taking SPED 4440; Practicum in B-K. Click on the link for the Pre-Service Requirements and instructions: http://epr.coe.uga.edu/gapsc/pre-service-certificate/

Curriculum

Graduate-level courses that may be used to satisfy undergraduate and graduate program requirements.

SPED 7100
SPED 7160
SPED 7170
SPED 7200

Additional requirements that are unique to this Double Dawgs program:

Three COE undergraduate courses (SPED 2000, LLED 4010, SPED 3050) and two Practicum sections (SPED 4440) will need to be embedded in the undergraduate program in HDFS in lieu of their electives.

Admission to Graduate Program

Students will apply to the MAT degree program in Special Education with an emphasis in Birth through Kindergarten in the fall of year 4. Applications must be submitted by October 31 to the College of Education, Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education. Students will also need to apply to the Graduate School.

Students will be required to provide a statement of purpose, 3 letters of recommendation (including a recommendation from their practicum classroom lead teacher), and a resume. Students will be required to provide a transcript demonstrating achievement in their coursework, including a 3.0 overall GPA and grades of “B” or better in all Special Education classes (to include SPED 7170, SPED 7100, SPED 4440). Final decisions for admission will be based on meeting the above criteria and the recommendation of the admission interview committee.

Program Advisor

  • Name: Cynthia Vail
  • Email: cvail@uga.edu
  • Phone: 706-542-4578
  • Address: 570F Aderhold Hall

Undergraduate Major Information

  • Major: Human Development and Family Science B.S.F.C.S.
  • Department/College: Human Development and Family Science

Advising Contact

  • Name: Julie Patterson
  • Email: jpatt@uga.edu
  • Phone: 706-542-4896
  • Address: 110B Dawson Hall

Graduate Major Information

  • Major: Special Education M.A.T.
  • Department/College: Communication Sciences and Special Education

Advising Contact

  • Name: Cynthina Vail
  • Email: cvail@uga.edu
  • Phone: 706-542-4578
  • Address: 570F Aderhold Hall