Winthrop University

Program

The Bachelor of Science in Special Education offers students a 66-semester hour Learning Disabilities/ Emotional Disturbances (LD/BD) and a 69-semester hour Mental Disabilities/ Severe Disabilities (MD/SD) concentrations. These sequences are typically preceded by approximately 60 semester hours of courses in Winthrop's general education requirement. This combination of courses provides students with exposure to a wide range of instruction.  This prepares Winthrop teacher education majors to be uniquely qualified educators with a well rounded background in elementary education necessary for an effective inclusion work in diverse school settings. In addition to the two certification areas listed above, each Special Education major graduates with certification in Elementary Education, which greatly enhances their employability.  Thus, Winthrop Special Education graduates will  be eligible to meet the Federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001  requirements to be a “highly qualified” teacher in three certification areas—the two Special Education areas of their major and Elementary Education.

Through the efforts of the special education faculty and the Richard W. Riley College of Education, special education majors have access to the most recent assessment instruments and curricula in the field. In addition, the Richard W. Riley College of Education provides students with access to the most up-to-date instructional and assistive technology through its Instructional Technology Center.

Faculty

The special education faculty at Winthrop is caring, dedicated, knowledgeable, student-oriented, and highly devoted to teaching. The full-time teaching faculty are all active scholars in the field of special education, and 100% hold their terminal degree, a Ph.D. or Ed.D., indicating a high level of knowledge in their discipline.

The faculty in the Richard W. Riley College of Education also participates in a variety of professional activities, coordinate other Winthrop programs, and volunteer in the Rock Hill community. Education majors have plenty of opportunity to interact with their professors and establish the contacts they will need for advanced study and employment.

Internships/Co-ops

All special education majors in the teacher certification program are required by the state of South Carolina to complete a field-based internship. At Winthrop, these internships encompass two semesters. During the first semester of the senior year, students are placed in teaching roles in appropriate level classrooms for two days per week for twelve weeks. The second semester consists of 60 full days of student teaching under the guidance of the classroom teacher. Student teaching sites are located in and around the Rock Hill area. Students benefit from gaining experience in diverse teaching settings at both the elementary and secondary levels. 

Groups and Professional Organizations

Interested special education majors may become members of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), an organization which provides services to individuals with disabilities in the school and community. Members benefit from many activities and opportunities for involvement offered throughout the year.

Membership in Kappa Delta Pi, a national honorary organization for education majors, is also available for education majors who achieve high academic honors.

Career

Graduates enjoy great success as teachers and professionals in the field of special education. Most graduates choose to become teachers. This are routinely experiences teacher shortages, resulting in numerous career opportunities for prospective teachers. Winthrop graduates are employed throughout the United States, and the employment rate for special education graduates is approximately 95%. Because, Winthrop special education students graduate with certification in Elementary Education, our employment rate is close to 100%.

Graduate School

State requirements mandate teacher certification renewal, so continuing education is essential and necessary for almost all special education graduates. Many students are not only awarded master's degree, but go on to earn doctoral degrees.