Special Education

ASSOCIATE IN ARTS DEGREE (0001) – SPECIAL EDUCATION PRE-MAJOR

Because not all students learn the same way, special education teachers are pivotal in matching instructional methods to a student’s particular needs. Special education teachers learn to work with students with disabilities and other special needs to help maximize their potential and give them the best opportunities for success in school and life.

By completing an associate’s degree at Southwestern Illinois College, you could be one step closer to obtaining a special education teaching license. Courses cover such topics as social and behavioral sciences, educational technology, psychology and more. Observing and speaking with special education instructors in their classrooms as part of the required observation component will give you first-hand experience with students.

Degree seeking students are also expected to fulfill the General Education and other institutional requirements for the Associate in Arts degree listed in the Online College Catalog. General Education course preferences may vary by transfer institution.

As you fulfill your degree requirements, it is strongly recommended that you take the following classes:

MATH 105 and MATH 106 – Mathematics for Elementary Teachers I and II
MATH 113 – Finite Math for Business & Social Science
PSYC 151 – General Psychology
POLS 150 – Intro to American Government
HLTH 151 – Health
GEOG 152 – Global Geography
BIOL 101 – Principles of Biology I
HIST 180 and HIST 181 – U.S. History to 1865 and U.S. History since 1865
ART 101 – Art Appreciation OR MUS 101 – Music Appreciation

In addition to your General Education courses, the following are education courses you will enroll in:

ED 255 – Introduction to Education
ED 252 – Educational Psychology
ED 265 – Introduction to Special Education
ED 273- Methods for Teaching Special Education
ED 293 – Children’s Literature

Optional Course:

PE 221 – Elementary School Activities

All intended transfer students should meet with an education counselor at their intended transfer institution as soon as possible for direct advising on course requirements.

For licensure and testing information, see the Illinois State Board of Education or contact your local Regional Office of Education.

For more information, please contact:

Jessica Day

Education Coordinator

Email: jessica.day@swic.edu

For licensure and testing information, see the Illinois State Board of Education website or contact your local Regional Office of Education.

Illinois State Board of Education