Modified and Early Childhood Special Education
High School Preparation and Majoring in Special Education
Students must complete the basic college track programs to be admitted to the university. High school guidance counselors are familiar with UT's admission requirements.
High school is a critical period for vocational exploration and preparation. Students considering special education teaching as a career should seek out opportunities that will expose them to the disability population and to the professionals who serve this population. Most high school programs serving students with severe disabilities actively recruit "peer tutors." Participating in peer tutoring programs will result in the acquisition of direct instructional skills, plus important first-hand experience with students with disabilities. Also, students considering this profession should take advantage of opportunities to informally interview special education teachers within their own schools. Such teachers are valuable resources in selecting a university training program and would be able to describe the particular programs they completed.
The most important preparation activity is working with special needs students, whether as a peer tutor, a baby sitter, or in another context. Most special education majors come with a rich history of such experiences.
How to Major in Special Education at UT
Prospective students seek advising through the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences (CEHHS) Student Services Center. Students apply for admission into the special education program after completing a minimum of 45 credit hours. They must maintain a GPA of 2.70. Prospective students apply for admission by submitting written documentation and are subsequently interviewed by an admissions board consisting of special education faculty and professionals in the field. Students who are recommended for admission are then eligible to take education courses. Undergraduate coursework consists of a broad academic curriculum, with a balance of arts and sciences courses. Senior and internship coursework is highly specialized.
Contact CEHHS
335 Claxton Complex
1122 Volunteer Boulevard
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
Phone: 865-974-2201
Fax: 865-974-8718