Undergraduate

Exceptional Child Education

Bachelor's, Minor, Online Undergraduate

Ready to take the next step?

Become a licensed K-12 Exceptional Child Education teacher and address a critical shortage in North Carolina.*

Exceptional Child Education prepares candidates to meet the diverse needs of K-12 students. The program emphasizes the importance of developing specialized skills to support children with disabilities and learning differences, ensuring that every student receives an equitable education. By following InTASC standards, the GWU Conceptual Framework, and the North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards, the curriculum ensures that future educators are equipped with the best practices in exceptional child education. Gardner-Webb University’s program is rigorously evaluated and fully approved by the North Carolina State Board of Education, reflecting its commitment to meeting the highest standards for teacher preparation. Graduates are well-positioned to address the state’s critical shortage of qualified exceptional child educators and to make a meaningful impact within diverse learning environments.

* NCDPI’s State of the Teaching Profession Report 2024

CURRICULUM

What You’ll Learn

Candidates will investigate current educational theories, educational philosophies, and exceptional child teaching methods. Multiple opportunities will be provided for candidates to observe and teach in PK-12 schools.

Students who graduate from the Exceptional Child Education program will demonstrate proficiency in the North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards (NCPTS) as follows:

Teachers demonstrate leadership;
Teachers establish a respectful environment for a diverse population of students;
Teachers know the content they teach;
Teachers facilitate learning for their students.
Teachers reflect on their practice, and
Teachers contribute to the academic success of students.

Ready to take the next step?

Contact Info

Admissions

[email protected]

(704) 406-4000

Upcoming Start Dates

Traditional Undergraduate
August 19
January 11, 2027
May 19, 2027
June 23, 2027
GWU Online
August 17
October 12
January 4, 2027
March 1, 2027
April 26, 2027
June 21, 2027

Additional Info

Cost of Attendance – GWU Online

Cost of Attendance – Traditional Undergraduate

Financial Aid

Transfer Students

Licensure Requirements by State

Program hours

1

Years (avg.)

1

Class Type

Online or Face-to-face

Total Credit Hours

120 hours required

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 90 semester hours

Accreditation

Gardner-Webb University is accredited by SACSCOC and CAEP.

Licensure Requirements by State

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

Bachelor of Science, Exceptional Child and Elementary Education

Dual Licensure Option Available On Campus and Online

The 20-credit-hour concentration in Exceptional Children (EC), combined with the Elementary Education curriculum, prepares candidates to support diverse learners and become successful, dual-licensed teachers of exceptional children and elementary education. The curriculum integrates evidence-based practices that align with current legislative and ethical standards for special education, equipping candidates with the critical skills needed for inclusive classroom environments. In order to be recommended for licensure, candidates must successfully complete a dual student teaching experience (EDUC 450) and must pass all Elementary Education and Exceptional Children licensure exams.

Bachelor of Science, Exceptional Child Education

The Exceptional Children Concentration is also available for non-Elementary Education candidates. For candidates who are non-Elementary Education majors, the following courses are required in order to obtain the concentration: MATH 204, MATH 205, and the NC required Science of Reading literacy courses. This pathway enables individuals from a range of academic backgrounds to acquire specialized knowledge and skills necessary for supporting students with exceptionalities. By completing these targeted courses, candidates broaden their career prospects and increase their capacity to contribute to inclusive education initiatives, aligning with state and national standards for special education professionals.

For a more in-depth look at program requirements, visit our Academic Catalog.

College of Education Admission Requirements

The College of Education admission process is different than the Gardner-Webb admission process. The College of Education interview is a secondary admission process specific to the College of Education.

For entrance into Teacher Education and for entrance into the Professional Semester, all candidates must pass the Praxis Core or meet the SAT/ACT requirements, fulfill the interview process, and undergo a background and drug test to continue into the junior year. Candidates will not be permitted to complete more than 50% of the major or the Professional Education minor until they are formally admitted into the Teacher Education Program. Admission to the Teacher Education Program must occur at least two full semesters prior to beginning the student teaching experience, enabling sufficient time to meet both academic and professional requirements. Maintaining a minimum grade of “C” in all teacher education courses is necessary for program progression and eligibility for licensure.

Additional opportunities

Preparing for the Future

Candidates pursuing this major will be prepared to teach in an elementary-school setting. During the program, candidates will investigate current educational theories, educational philosophies, and elementary methods.

Teaching Standards

This program is designed to prepare candidates to become teachers in Grades K-12 by following InTASC standards, GWU Conceptual Framework, and the North Carolina Professional Teaching Standards.

Student Teaching Experience

Clinical experiences are a major component of the curriculum and candidates must successfully complete a 16-week period of full-time supervised teaching in PK-12 schools.

View list of school partnerships.

Related Programs

Undergraduate

Elementary Education

Bachelor's, Licensure, Online Undergraduate

Undergraduate

Birth-Kindergarten Education

Licensure, Online Undergraduate

Why Choose Exceptional Child Education at Gardner-Webb?

Small and engaging classes

Effective teaching

Accredited

History in exceptional child education

Related Clubs & Organizations

Honorary

Alpha Sigma Lambda

Academic

Student NC Association of Educators

outcomes

Value of a Completed Bachelor’s Degree

Strong job prospects. Make a significant difference in the lives of students with diverse learning needs.

What You’ll Do After Graduation

K-12 Teacher
EC Instructional Coach
SAIL Teacher

Recent News & Student Stories

GWU students walking across campus

Gardner-Webb Joins North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) Transfer Pathways Initiative to Streamline Student Transfers

October 15, 2026

Digital Platform Simplifies Credit Transfers and Expands Educational Opportunities Across North Carolina BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University is among the 28 four-year institutions participating in North

Nate Evans and Brian Hunnell Cleveland County Schools MOU Signing copy

Gardner-Webb University, Cleveland County Schools Sign Dual Enrollment Agreement

October 13, 2026

Partnership will Provide Students with Opportunities to Earn College Credit While in High School Beginning Fall 2027 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University and Cleveland County Schools

A wide shot of the Gardner-Webb quad with students walking to class

Gardner-Webb University Awards Promotions and Tenure to Faculty Members

September 22, 2026

Distinctions Recognize Professional Achievement, Leadership, and Lasting Impact on Students BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University officials have announced faculty promotions and tenure appointments for the 2026-27

Admissions & Aid

Finish your degree and ignite your career. Once you’ve found the program that’s right for you, learn how to apply easily apply for admission and financial aid opportunities.

College of Education

Explore Gardner-Webb University’s College of Education programs, preparing students for impactful careers in various fields.

Meet Our Staff

College of Education

Dr. Cherie Aldrich

Assistant Professor College of Education

[email protected]

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College of Education

Dr. Prince Bull

Dean and Professor, College of Education

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College of Education

Julie May Clark

Data and Licensure Manager

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College of Education

Jackie Corry

School Partnership & Clinical Placement Coordinator

[email protected]

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College of Education

Dr. Brittany Evans

Visiting Assistant Professor, Visiting Instructor College of Education

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College of Education

Dr. Mic Fenech

Assistant Professor

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College of Education

Stephanie Harrell

Adjunct Faculty

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College of Education

Tori Hill

Adjunct-College of Education

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College of Education

Dr. Le Kang

Assistant Professor of Curriculum and Instruction

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College of Education

Dr. Dale Lamb

Masters of School Administration Program Associate Professor

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College of Education

Arnold Mathews

Adjunct Faculty

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College of Education

Dr. Melia Neale

Assistant Professor College of Education

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College of Education

Jenny Oxendine

Adjunct Professor

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College of Education

Dr. Denise Patterson

Assistant Professor and Clinical Experience Director

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College of Education

Dr. Mitch Porter

Assistant Professor Quality Assurance Coordinator

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College of Education

Dr. Jennifer Putnam

Professor, Ed.D. Associate Dean, College of Education Coordinator: EdD in Curriculum and Instruction Program

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College of Education

Dr. Anita Sanders

Assistant Professor of Education

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College of Education

Dr. Steve Stone

Associate Professor, Ed.D.

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College of Education

Donna Suttle

Half-Time Instructor – College of Education edTPA Coordinator

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College of Education

Jessica Van Cleave

Professor in the College of Education; Program Coordinator, Masters of Curriculum Leadership and Instructional Coaching

[email protected]

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