B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Special Education
Receive your undergraduate degree in a field that makes a difference. Our program prepares you for a variety of opportunities in education today. Our students become teachers equipped to address individual differences in inclusive classroom settings. From the first semester of admission into the program, you are in the school classrooms. You see your course learning in action. By the time you leave, you have 800 or more hours in classrooms. You will graduate with three certifications: Early Childhood (EC) to 12th-grade Special education; EC to 6th grade General Education; and the English as a Second Language endorsement.
Make a difference. Become a Special Education teacher.
Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers
Application Dates: September 17 – January 10, 2019
Applications for the Charles Butt Scholarship are open September 17 – January 10, 2019, Charles Butt Scholarship 2019 application information.
The Charles Butt Scholarship for Aspiring Teachers consists of $8,000 in annual funding for up to four years, as well as ongoing training and development opportunities, mentorship from sitting public school educators, and participation in a statewide aspiring teachers network facilitated by the Raise Your Hand Texas Foundation.
Approximately 100 scholarships will be awarded through teacher preparation programs at 10 partner universities each year, with the cohort growing to include 500 scholars annually. The competitive selection process includes an application, pre-screening by university teams, and a daylong event consisting of a group activity, mock teaching lesson, and panel interview.
Criteria for Selection of Charles Butt Scholars:
- Enroll or be enrolled full-time in a partner university program that will lead to a teaching certificate
- Be a Texas resident
- Have a strong academic record and history of achievement
- Have demonstrated peer or group leadership skills
- Demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a career in education in high-needs Texas public schools upon completion of the program
Support for Charles Butt Scholars
In addition to scholarship funding, the Raising Texas Teachers initiative will supplement the rigorous education scholars receive through partner programs by providing teacher candidates opportunities to benefit from ongoing professional development, mentoring and feedback from teachers and principals, and connections with fellow Charles Butt scholars across Texas.
This combination of education and supports is designed to ensure teacher candidates practice and develop pedagogical skills in authentic classroom settings, observe masterful teaching in action, reflect on feedback from expert teachers and school leaders, and participate in a community that fosters professional growth.
Charles Butt scholars must:
- Remain a full-time student enrolled in a program that will lead to a teaching certificate at one of the 11 partner programs;
- Maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average;
- Participate in Raise Your Hand professional development activities;
- Receive a letter of recommendation for continuation from the IHE program leader each year; and
- Plan to teach in a high-needs classroom in a Texas public school upon completion of the program.
Make a difference. Become a Special Education teacher.
Visit Raise Your Hand Texas website
Texas A&M Undergraduate Special Education Program on Facebook #fullSPEDahead
Admissions Process
You must be enrolled at Texas A&M University to apply to the Special Education Program. Freshman, change of major, and transfer students need to follow all Texas A&M University and department admissions policies.
Students must apply for admission into the Special Education Program. There are requirements for this upper-level program. These include the completion of 45-60 hours, GPA of 2.75 or higher, and grades in certain courses. Applicants are reviewed by a committee and admitted on a competitive basis. The application process is competitive and meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. (This application process pertains only to students already in the major at Texas A&M.)
Program Details
Degree: Bachelor of Science, Interdisciplinary Studies
Program Delivery: Traditional
Program Hours: 120
Degree Plans / Forms
Acknowledgment of Special Education Handbook
Professional Dispositions Form
Release Form for Media Recording
Special Education Sequence of Courses Catalog 139
Special Education Degree Plan Catalog 139 Common Course
Special Education Degree Plan Catalog 139
Special Education Sequence of Courses Catalog 140
Special Education Degree Plan Catalog 140
Special Education Degree Plan Catalog 140 Common Course
Special Education Sequence of Courses Catalog 141
Get Involved
Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC)
An outlet for students who are passionate about serving individuals with exceptionalities and learning the professional field of special education.
Contact Faculty
Dr. Lisa Bowman-Perrott
Associate Professor
Dr. Mack Burke
Associate Professor
Dr. Glenda Byrns
Clinical Professor
Dr. Constance Fournier
Clinical
Professor
Dr. Jennifer Ganz
Professor
Dr. Shanna Hagan-Burke
Professor
Dr. Deborah Simmons
Professor
Dr. Kimberly Vannest
Professor
Dr. Dalun Zhang
Professor
Dr. Julie Thomspon
Assistant Professor
Dr. Melissa Fogarty
Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. Carly Gilson
Assistant Professor of Special Education
Dr. Florina Erbeli
Assistant Professor
Frequently Asked Questions
Bachelor's
What are the typical program costs?
The following website can help you estimate the cost of the program, including current costs of tuition and fees: Click here for the cost of attendance estimator
Please note, you must update the program hours.
I live out of state. Do you accept out-of-state applicants?
Yes, we accept in-state and out-of-state applicants.
Field Experiences
After completing 45-60 hours of prerequisite coursework, students may apply for upper-level admissions. Once admitted into upper level, students begin their courses and field experience blocks. In all field experiences, supervision occurs. University supervisors and mentor teachers provide direct and specific feedback on your teaching progress.
Block I
Involves approximately 165 clock hours of practicum in general education classrooms. Your placement is in diverse settings in general education classrooms. You will see and apply methods learned in your courses. Activities including teaching in several subject areas. You learn how to deliver and modify effective instruction. You begin to hone your classroom management.
Block III
Consists of approximately 160 clock hours in special education settings. During this time, you are in both high and low incidence placements. You refine your teaching skills by delivering effective instruction to a variety of students. You are accountable for goals, objectives, and modifications.
Block III
Focus on adolescents and transition with about 40 clock hours. Your experience with adolescents, multicultural considerations, and students with limited English proficiency grows. You work with parents and community resources as available.
Block IV
Student teaching block, a 15-week experience. Our placement coordinator and you determine the best setting.