Program Description
The Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) in Social Studies: Secondary/Special Education 7-12 degree is designed for individuals interested in teaching middle and high school social studies in special education settings. The program develops students' knowledge of teaching and special education as well as history, geography, political science and related disciplines. This undergraduate degree program meets all education requirements for teaching certification in Pennsylvania.
Certification that includes Special Education may require an extra semester to complete.
Note: This is a dual certification, not a dual degree.
Delivery Mode
Traditional (on campus)
Accreditation
This undergraduate degree program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Cal U's education programs have also been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since 1954, and we are continuing with the successor organization, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Curriculum
The following sections include an eight-semester schedule of courses provided as a recommended framework for completing the certification programs in four years.
| Course | Credits |
| Freshman Year | |
| First Semester | 17 |
| ENG 101 English Composition I | 3 |
| HIS 101 U.S. History to 1877 | 3 |
| MAT XXX Math Elective | 3 |
| PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| UNI 100 First-Year Seminar | 1 |
| GEN ED: Natural Science with Lab | 3 or 4 |
| Second Semester | 18 |
| ESP 210 Special Education Foundations and Collaboration | 3 |
| ESP 311 Assessment and PBS | 3 |
| HIS 102 U.S. History since 1878 | 3 |
| MAT XXX Math Elective | 3 |
| SEC 210 Introduction to Secondary Education | 3 |
| Approved American/British Literature Course | 3 |
| Sophomore Year | |
| Third Semester | 18 |
| ECO 100 Elements of Economics | 3 |
| GEO 100 Introduction to Geography | 3 |
| HIS 104 History of Western Civilization | 3 |
| PSY 206 Adolescent Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 100 Principles of Sociology | 3 |
| GEN ED: Fine Arts Course | 3 |
| Fourth Semester | 18 |
| ANT 100 Introduction to Anthropology | 3 |
| HIS 106 History of Western Society | 3 |
| EDU 310 Teaching in a Multicultural Society | 3 |
| SEC 220 Standards-Based Ed in Sec Ed | 3 |
| SEC 310 Instructional Strategies in Sec Ed | 3 |
| GEN ED: Health and Wellness Course | 3 |
| Junior Year | |
| Fifth Semester | 18 |
| ESP 312 ABA for Special Education | 3 |
| ESP 339 Special Education Field Experience I | 3 |
| ESP 403 Assessment and Prescriptive Teaching | 3 |
| POS 105 American Politics | 3 |
| SEC 350 Content Area Literacy | 3 |
| SEC 360 Technology Integration | 3 |
| Sixth Semester | 18 |
| ESP 406 Transition Planning and Instruction |
3 |
| ESP 411 Special Education History, Theory and Excpt. | 3 |
| ESP 413 EBP for Secondary Education | 3 |
| HIS XXX History Elective | 3 |
| SEC 400 Classroom Management | 3 |
| SEC 420 Assessments and Interventions in Secondary Education | 3 |
| Senior Year | |
| Seventh Semester | 18 |
| EDU 350 Supporting the English Language Learner | 3 |
| ESP 333 Tech in Teaching and Learning | 3 |
| ESP 349 Special Education Field Experience II | 3 |
| ESP 402 Life Skills: Planning and Instruction | 3 |
| ESP 418 Advanced EBP for Secondary Ed | 3 |
| SEC 396 Teaching of Social Studies | 3 |
| Eighth Semester | 15 |
| ESP 461 Student Teaching |
6 |
| SEC 460 Professional Practices | 3 |
| SEC 461 Student Teaching | 6 |
| Total | 140 |
Program Notes
- Student teaching will consist of a split placement between Special and Secondary Education. In addition, field experience will be completed for both certification areas.
- All required courses need a grade of "C" or higher.