Special Education Degree

The special education program at East Carolina University prepares students for careers in public schools, private schools, correctional facilities, private learning centers, and mental health facilities. The program focuses on teaching and other educational services to children with special learning needs or disabilities, and that may prepare individuals to function as special education teachers. Program courses include: diagnosing learning disabilities, developing individual education plans, teaching and supervising special education students, special education counseling, and applicable laws and policies. Get more details below including other North Carolina colleges that offer special education degrees.

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East Carolina University

1637 Lawson Street, Durham, NC

East Carolina University (ECU) is a public research university in Greenville, North Carolina. ECU offers nearly 200 academic degree programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral and professional degree levels. The university's Main Campus in Greenville is situated on 530 acres. Its Health Sciences Campus is situated on 206 acres, and its West Research Campus is situated on 650 acres. East Carolina University is the third largest university among the 16 institutions of The University of North Carolina. ECU's student-to-faculty ratio is 18-1.

ECU is a higher education leader in several areas, including its teacher preparation, research, and nursing programs.  The ECU distance learning programs also receive high marks. ECU offers more than 60 degree and certificate programs online in subjects ranging from healthcare to business and technology. ECU's distance education programs in nursing, construction management and education are considered among the best in the nation.

East Carolina University's Honors College allows high-caliber students to earn renewable scholarships enabling them to participate in seminars, research, and service-learning activities. Honors students may also study abroad.

ECU boasts many loyal and well-known alumni, including Academy Award winning actress Sandra Bullock, Pulitzer Prize winning writer Rick Atkinson, NFL Player Chris Johnson, New York Times photo editor Margaret O'Connor, and "CSI Miami" actor Emily Procter, among others.

History

East Carolina University was founded in 1908 as a two-year teacher training school. It opened as "The Teacher's College" in 1909 with 174 students enrolled. The first class graduated in 1911. Over the years it developed from a teacher training college to a large national research university.

Academics

The academic calendar of ECU follows the semester format, with fall and spring semesters and two summer "sessions."

Colleges and Schools

• College of Allied Health Sciences
• Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Business
• School of Dental Medicine
• College of Education
• College of Fine Arts and Communication
  • School of Art and Design
  • School of Music
  • School of Theatre and Dance
  • School of Communication
• The Graduate School
• College of Health and Human Performance
• The Honors College (Does not award degrees)
• College of Human Ecology
  • School of Social Work
• The Brody School of Medicine
• College of Nursing
• College of Technology and Computer Science

Student Life

There are many options for on campus living and dining. For students who wish to connect with others and become more involved, there are hundreds of student clubs and organizations available, including many chapters of fraternities and sororities. The office of Student Affairs offers lists of organizations, events and activities that are available to ECU students.

ECU offers large events on campus such as "Pirate Palooza," "Barefoot on the Mall," and "Family Weekend, as opportunities to connect.  There are the many student services available such as a Career Center, a Student Employment Office, and Campus Recreation and Wellness facilities, among others.

Traditions

The ECU school motto is "to serve." Its school colors are purple and gold, and its mascot is the pirate.

Athletics

ECU has a well-supported athletics department and top-notch sports facilities including Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium, Williams Arena in Minges Coliseum, and Clark-Le-Clair Stadium. The ECU "Pirates" athletics teams compete in several intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Golf
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

In addition to its Main Campus (or Central Campus) in Greenville, North Carolina, ECU has three satellite campuses in the Greenville area:

• Health Sciences Campus
• West Research Campus
• Athletics Campus

Community Life

There are many shopping and entertainment venues in and around Greenville, and ECU students can ride the ECU Student Transit for free to reach various recreational destinations around the city.

Students Enrolled in the Special Education Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. East Carolina University offers a bachelor's degree program in special education.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Special Education Teachers, Preschool

Description

Teach preschool school subjects to educationally and physically handicapped students. Includes teachers who specialize and work with audibly and visually handicapped students and those who teach basic academic and life processes skills to the mentally impaired.

Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School

Description

Teach elementary school subjects to educationally and physically handicapped students. Includes teachers who specialize and work with audibly and visually handicapped students and those who teach basic academic and life processes skills to the mentally impaired.

Special Education Teachers, Middle School

Description

Teach middle school subjects to educationally and physically handicapped students. Includes teachers who specialize and work with audibly and visually handicapped students and those who teach basic academic and life processes skills to the mentally impaired.

Special Education Teachers, Secondary School

Description

Teach secondary school subjects to educationally and physically handicapped students. Includes teachers who specialize and work with audibly and visually handicapped students and those who teach basic academic and life processes skills to the mentally impaired.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).