Bachelor of Arts: Liberal Arts with Special Education Generalist Licensing (CAGS)

Within the context of a Christian worldview, the B.A. in Liberal Arts with Special Education Generalist Licensing degree provides a challenging, theory-based and application-oriented approach to education. Students acquire knowledge, develop skills, and demonstrate competencies necessary to teach effectively in the special education field. Courses and field experiences develop educators who are dedicated to addressing diverse learner needs with excellence through servant-leadership in their field and in society.

The emphasis on becoming a master teacher enhances the student’s teaching abilities through the study of curriculum development, program assessment, psychological foundations of teaching methods, group dynamics, and critical thinking skills. These principles are then put into practical application with the student gaining hands-on experience in the classroom. The application of conceptual knowledge in real-world classroom experiences contributes to the student’s development as a special education generalist.

As schools of the 21^st century strive to increase performance of all students, they provide multiple tiers of research-based instruction to meet a variety of student needs. The special education generalist plays a critical role in providing instruction and support for students with disabilities across the tiers. Generalists are good problem solvers who ask questions, continually reflect on and adjust their practice, are committed to individualization, and believe all students can learn.

In addition to satisfactory completion of required coursework, candidates must pass the Colorado Department of Education required teacher license exam for special educators. Students who satisfactorily complete all requirements of the Special Education Generalist Licensing program are qualified to teach K-12 special education and are also eligible to apply for elementary education licensing through the Colorado Department of Education. Upon successful program completion, graduates meet requirements for certification by the Association of Christian Schools International and may also apply to the Colorado Department of Education for a teaching license.

Students in the bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with Special Education Generalist Licensing program may apply to the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction . Upon acceptance, two graduate level courses included in the B.A. professional core can be applied to the MACI degree.

Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with Special Education Generalist Licensing (120 credits):
General Education (22 credits)
Liberal Arts Major Core (26 credits)
Special Education Professional Core (48 credits)
Electives (24 credits)

General Education Core Requirements (22 credit hours)

Integrative Studies (3 credit hours)

INT 211A - Adult Studies Seminar I (3)

Behavioral, Social Science (3 credit hours)

PSY 101A - General Psychology (3)
Or Psychology equivalent.

Communication (9 credit hours)

Written Communication

ENG 102A - English Composition (3) (required)

Additional Written Communication (choose one)

Oral/Interpersonal Communication (choose one)

Mathematics (3 credit hours)

MAT 110A - Math Concepts (3)
Or higher level Math. MAT 250A - Introduction to Research and Applied Statistics cannot be used to fulfill the general education requirement.

Natural/Physical Science (4 credits w/ lab)

BIO 102A - Biological Diversity (3)
Or other Science equivalent.
BIO 112A - Biological Diversity Lab (1)
Or other Science Lab equivalent.

Liberal Arts Major Core Requirements (26 credit hours)

INT 212A - Adult Studies Seminar II (3) (required)
ART 112A - Art Appreciation (3) OR
HUM 101A - Creative Arts (3)
Or Creative Arts/Fine Arts/Music Appreciation equivalent.
CIS 201A - Introduction to Computer Applications (3)
Or Computer Application equivalent. Only courses completed within the past 5 years will be accepted for Liberal Arts major core requirement.
HIS 201A - World Civilization I (3)
Or Social Science equivalent.
HIS 204A - America since 1877 (3)
American History/Government equivalent. If American Government is chosen, then another Social Science course with HIS prefix must be completed.
HIS 111A - Old Testament (3) OR
HUM 114A - New Testament (3)
Other equivalent Biblical Studies course may be used.
HUM 216A - Classic Christmas Films & Literature (3) OR
HUM 229A - C.S. Lewis in Film & Literature (3)
Or Literature equivalent.
PHL 205A - World Views (3)
This course must be taken at CCU.
Choose Natural/Physical/Earth Science elective equivalent to two (2) credit hours.

Elective Requirements (24 credit hours)

Complete 24 hours of additional electives.

Requirements for Entrance into the Professional Core:

Completed background check. (Required for program admission in order to be placed in a field experience.)
Cumulative GPA of 2.75 for courses completed at CCU. A minimum of 9 credit hours must be completed at CCU prior to admission into the education programs.
Interview with Dean of Curriculum and Instruction Education, Program Director or other education staff designee.
Writing sample completed at time of interview.
Applicants must complete all general education, liberal arts, and elective requirements prior to enrolling in any education courses. Applicants may be admitted by the Program Director for conditional admission with a maximum of 9 credits outstanding in any of the above areas.
One non-family letter of recommendation.

Professional Core Requirements (48 credit hours)

EDU 314A - Curriculum: Mathematics/Science (3)
EDU 324A - Curriculum: Reading/Language Arts/Literacy (3)
EDU 505 - Psychological Foundations of Education (3)
RDG 447A - Diverse Reader: Intervention for Developing Readers (3)
SED 214A - Field I: Standards-Based Planning (2)
SED 302A - Math Strategies for Remediation and Intervention (3)
SED 303A - Introduction to Special Education Generalist (3)
SED 414A - Field II: Strategic Instruction (2)
SED 415A - Differentiated Instruction for Mild and Moderate Needs (3)
SED 422A - Language Development and Reading Disabilities (3)
SED 433A - Intervention for Emotional/Behavioral Needs (3)
SED 436A - Secondary and Transitional Issues in Special Education (3)
SED 470A - Student Teaching (9)
SED 497A - Student Teaching Seminar (2)
SED 548 - Diagnostic Assessment/Evaluation of Students with Mild/Moderate Needs (3)
Students must have a total of 60 earned credit hours prior to registration in a graduate-level course.

Graduation Requirements

The faculty recommends students in the B.A. in Liberal Arts with Special Education Generalist Licensing to the Board of Trustees as candidates for graduation when they have completed the following requirements:

Completion of a total of 120 credits of courses, including all general education, elective, and major coursework.
A passing score on the Colorado Department of Education required teacher license exam for Special Education Generalist.
A grade of D or higher in all CCU non-education coursework, and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher in all CCU coursework.
Teacher candidates must earn a C- or higher in all education core courses, and must consistently demonstrate professional disposition qualities, knowledge and skills in all core courses and field studies.
In Student Teaching teacher candidates must earn a grade of C or higher.
Recommendation by the CAGS School of Education Professions Dean for Special Education Generalist Licensing by the Colorado Department of Education.
Compliance with CAGS residency requirements .
Formal and timely application for graduation by the date specified by the University Registrar.
No outstanding financial obligations to the University.

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