Exceptional Child Education

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    • Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Child Education

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    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:

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

     

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    Contact Info

    Admissions

    [email protected]

    (704) 406-4000

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    Upcoming Start Dates

    Traditional Undergraduate
    August 20
    January 12, 2026
    May 20, 2026
    June 24, 2026 

    GWU Online
    August 18
    October 13
    January 5, 2026
    March 2, 2026
    April 27, 2026
    June 22, 2026

    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

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    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

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    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.

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    College of Education

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

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    Meet Our Staff

    College of Education

    Dr. Cherie Aldrich

    Assistant Professor College of Education
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-4403

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    College of Education

    Dr. Prince Bull

    Dean and Professor, College of Education
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-4402

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    College of Education

    Julie May Clark

    Data and Licensure Manager
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-3030

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    College of Education

    Jackie Corry

    School Partnership & Clinical Placement Coordinator
    [email protected]
    704 406 4406

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    College of Education

    Dr. Brittany Evans

    Visiting Assistant Professor, Visiting Instructor College of Education
    [email protected]
    (704) 761-5021

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    College of Education

    Dr. Mic Fenech

    Assistant Professor
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-2209

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    College of Education

    Stephanie Harrell

    Adjunct Faculty
    [email protected]

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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
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-3890

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    College of Education

    Dr. Dale Lamb

    Masters of School Administration Program Associate Professor
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-2136

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    College of Education

    Arnold Mathews

    Adjunct Faculty
    [email protected]

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    College of Education

    Dr. Melia Neale

    Assistant Professor College of Education
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-2309

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    College of Education

    Jenny Oxendine

    Adjunct Professor
    [email protected]

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    College of Education

    Dr. Denise Patterson

    Assistant Professor and Clinical Experience Director
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-4724

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    College of Education

    Dr. Mitch Porter

    Assistant Professor Quality Assurance Coordinator
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-2365

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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
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-2015

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    College of Education

    Dr. Anita Sanders

    Assistant Professor of Education
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-2199

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    College of Education

    Dr. Steve Stone

    Associate Professor, Ed.D.
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-2521

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    College of Education

    Donna Suttle

    Half-Time Instructor – College of Education edTPA Coordinator
    [email protected]
    (704) 406-2684

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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]
    (704) 406-4401

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