Why study Special Education : Language Arts & Natural Science?

The Bachelor of Science in Special Education at the University of Cincinnati provides direct and indirect services for individuals with disabilities. Some services provided by people in the field of special education include K-12 education, rehabilitation for occupational development and daily independence, community-based case management, disability advocacy, school and individualized consultation services and various other services related to individuals with disabilities and their families. Through education, community awareness and ecologically based service delivery, the focus of special education is to enhance and better the lives of all individuals with disabilities.

In our Special Education undergraduate program, we offer two subject concentrations:

• Language Arts & Math
• Language Arts & Science

In the Language Arts and Science concertation, our students will be able to communicate the principle of basic grammar, verb usage, essay writing, and comprehensive literacy instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities. In addition, our students are knowledgeable in creating a curriculum that introduces science concepts in a manner best suited for those who have special needs.

Career Possibilities

Graduates of this program will be prepared for the careers listed below. All opportunities may not be listed.

Federal regulations require the University of Cincinnati to publicly disclose whether completion of certain programs that lead or may lead to professional licensure or certification would meet a given state’s educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation (regardless of whether the program is on-ground, online, or hybrid). To learn whether a University program meets a given state’s educational requirements, please visit the University of Cincinnati State Authorization webpage. 

Major Maps

• Guide: Special Education - Language Arts & Natural Science (2023-2024)

Advising

Student Services Center
College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services
PO Box 210014
Cincinnati, OH 45221
513-556-2336
cechssc@uc.edu

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

Formed as the Teachers College in 1905, the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services continually merits local, state and national recognition. Recent commendations include:

• accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the organization responsible for professional accreditation of teacher education
• a 65th ranking in U.S. News & World Report
• the Best Practice Award from the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE)
• consistently high scores by candidates on state mandated licensure exams

In addition, the special education program provides small classes, talented faculty in each discipline and extensive field clinical experiences in urban and suburban schools.

Special Programs

Future Educators of America (FEA)
UC’s FEA chapter is dedicated to fostering the love of teaching, examining the reality of teaching and promoting the rewards of teaching. FEA is open to all UC students; however, our main focus is to offer a path for teacher education students to stay connected to their college and to their future profession. Members have the opportunity to work with children and young adults in local schools and FEA chapters.

Kappa Delta Pi (KDP)
Kappa Delta Pi is a prestigious international honor society that recognizes scholarship and excellence in the field of education. Members must have a college GPA of at least 3.0 for undergraduate students or 3.25 for graduate students. KDP members work on several volunteer activities that focus on education. Some of the benefits of being a member of KDP include annual scholarships, professional development, a nationwide job database and access to the ideas, research, insights and expertise of internationally renowned educators.

Minority Association of Future Educators
The purpose of this organization is to provide minority students with a space where they can speak about the challenges they face in and out of the classroom, as well work to motivate and inspire them to be successful and outstanding teachers and role models.

Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC)
SCEC is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities and gifted children, as well as those typically developing. If you are committed to children, focused on becoming the best educator and want to meet new people, then SCEC is for you! Membership dues permit you to receive professional development opportunities, journals and newsletters with new research and classroom practices and the opportunity to attend conventions and conferences.

CECH Tribunal
The purposes of the CECH Tribunal are to ensure that the interests of the students of the college are voiced and to provide student representation on behalf of all undergraduate students in CECH where representation is warranted. Also, the tribunal organizes programs and social events for students of the college.

CECH Student Ambassadors
The Student Ambassador program represents CECH at the University of Cincinnati by assisting with the recruitment and retention of students in the college. CECH student ambassadors provide a valuable service by representing the student perspective of university life to prospective and new students. Ambassadors also represent the college at numerous collegiate functions, professional events and key promotional events. Being selected as a CECH student ambassador is an honor that reflects academic rigor and a commitment to the fields of education, health promotion and education and criminal justice.

Admission Requirements

Freshmen applicants, please visit the Admission Requirements page for more information.

Transferring to UC Requirements

Admission to this program is generally available for students transferring to the University of Cincinnati if they were admissible directly from high school and have a 2.8 cumulative GPA (all prior institutions combined).

Students who were NOT admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a 2.8 cumulative GPA (all prior institutions combined)

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

Admission to this program is generally available for University of Cincinnati students enrolled in other colleges of the University of Cincinnati if they were admissible directly from high school and have a 2.8 cumulative GPA (UC and any prior institutions combined).

Students who were NOT admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a 2.8 cumulative GPA (UC and any prior institutions combined)

Current UC students wishing to transfer into the program should contact the UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services at (513) 556-2336.

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate from UC's College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, a student must:

• Complete all required course work and program requirements.
• Attain at least a 2.8 cumulative grade point average, with a 2.5 GPA in both content areas.
• Be in good academic standing; that is, not on academic or disciplinary probation or suspension.
• Meet the college's residency requirement of 30 semester credit hours.
• File formal application for the degree by the posted deadline.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

Freshmen:

• Application Deadline: Dec 1*
• Confirmation Deadline: May 1

* Your application must be complete by this date in order to be considered for scholarships and the Honors Program.

Transfers:

• Application Deadline: July 1
• Confirmation Deadline: Aug. 1

Spring Semester

Freshmen and Transfers: 

• Application Deadline: Nov. 1
• Confirmation Deadline: Dec. 1

Summer Semester

Freshmen and Transfers: 

• Application Deadline: March 1
• Confirmation Deadline: April 1

Accreditation

The educator preparation programs at the University of Cincinnati are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).