University of Tennessee

What you'll study

This four-year undergraduate degree combines general education requirements with a focused sequence of special education courses and supervised clinical experiences. Core topics include the characteristics of learners with mild-to-moderate and severe disabilities, instructional planning and differentiation, assessment and progress monitoring, and evidence-based behaviour supports.

• Foundations of Special Education: history, laws and ethics governing special education and an introduction to inclusive practice.
• Assessment and Instruction: formal and informal assessment methods, data-based decision making and designing individualised instruction.
• Classroom Management and Behaviour Intervention: positive behaviour supports, functional behavioural assessment and intervention planning.
• Curriculum Adaptation and Differentiation: modifying content, instruction and materials to meet diverse learning needs across content areas.
• Literacy and Language Development: strategies for teaching reading and communication skills to learners with disabilities.
• Assistive Technology and Accessibility: selection and implementation of technologies to support participation and learning.
• Transition and Life Skills: planning for post-secondary outcomes, vocational training and community integration.
• Research Methods and Inclusive Pedagogy: applying educational research to classroom practice and reflective professional development.
• Field Experiences and Student Teaching: progressive placements in partner schools culminating in a supervised, full-time student teaching semester.

Entry requirements

Applicants are admitted to the university and to the teacher education programme. Typical entry expectations include a high-school diploma or equivalent, completion of college preparatory coursework (including English and mathematics), and a competitive academic record. Progression into professional coursework and clinical placements commonly requires meeting the College of Education's criteria such as maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA, passing background checks and health requirements, and completing any departmental gateway courses.

Because state licensure is the ultimate credential for practice, students should be prepared to meet additional requirements for certification in Tennessee or other states where they intend to teach; these often include professional examinations and fingerprint/background screening.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for licensure and employment as special education teachers in public and private schools. Career pathways include roles such as:

• Special education teacher (early childhood, elementary, middle or secondary settings)
• Inclusion or resource room specialist
• Transition or vocational coordinator for students with disabilities
• Behaviour interventionist or instructional support staff
• Educational consultant, advocate or case manager for families
• Further study at graduate level leading to roles in administration, school psychology, applied behaviour analysis or special education research

Why study at University of Tennessee

The University of Tennessee offers a programme grounded in research-informed practice with strong connections to local school districts for sustained clinical experience. Students benefit from faculty who specialise in inclusive education, behaviour support and transition planning, and from access to campus resources such as tutoring, disability services and teacher-education advising.

Small cohort models and practicum placements enable hands-on learning in diverse classroom settings. The programme emphasises preparing learners to meet licensure requirements and to respond flexibly to the practical challenges of contemporary schools, including collaborative work with families and interdisciplinary teams.