Exceptional Student Education BA

The University of West Florida offers a fully online B.A. in Exceptional Student and Elementary Education. The program prepares teachers to set high learning expectations and address individual learning needs. It includes general education requirements, followed by a core of major courses. After completing 60 credit hours in general education plus recommended lower-division prerequisite courses, students complete 60 credit hours in major courses, then student teaching to finish the degree.

Clinical experience is built into the program through two 100-hour clinical experiences in K–12 classrooms under supervision before the student teaching capstone. Students observe effective teaching practices, tutor individuals and small groups, and provide whole group instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. Clinical experience 2 includes an emphasis on teaching English language learners. Student teaching is a semester-long experience with gradual full teaching responsibilities and guidance from an experienced teacher.

Graduates are eligible for a Professional Florida Educator’s Certificate in Exceptional Student Education (K–12) and Elementary Education (K–6), with endorsements in Reading and English for Speakers of Other Languages. Students must pass Florida Department of Education exams prior to student teaching. Fingerprinting is required for school placements, including the clinical experience linked to EDF 1005: Introduction to Education.

• Students seeking initial certification must be degree-seeking.
• State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to admission.