In our Integrated Elementary and Special Education Program, you can earn two certifications in four years, which opens doors to more career options. You’ll be eligible for certification in elementary education (grades 1-6) and special education (grades K-12). Our class sizes are small, and students receive plenty of individual mentoring from our experienced faculty, who are well connected with area schools.
Full Time
Rolling AdmissionBachelor of Science
129
The Integrated Elementary and Special Education program is a professional teacher preparation program that will give you an in-depth understanding of exceptionalities and knowledge of the developmental, cognitive, academic, and social needs of students.
You’ll learn through a planned sequence of coursework, independent study, field observations, student teaching, conferences, lectures, and other experiences in both elementary and special education settings.
Clinical experiences are an important component of our commitment to support students as you put theory into action. You'll have supervised classroom experience beginning in your first semester in the elementary education program.
Upon successful completion of the program and specified subject area assessments, candidates are recommended for the Connecticut Teacher Certification in both Special Education (Comprehensive K-12) and Elementary Education (1-6).
Watch this video about the program!
Students who graduate from the Integrated Elementary/Special Education program and receive initial certification from the state of Connecticut are able to receive a cross-endorsement to teach math, giving you additional career options. Students can receive the math cross-endorsement by taking the following Praxis exams:
Two magnet schools are located right on our campus: The University of Hartford Magnet School, a pre-K to grade 5 elementary school (above), and the University High School of Science and Engineering. Both provide opportunities for fieldwork and student teaching.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Integrated Elementary Education and Special Education is a 129 credit program. A sample of courses is listed below. View the full curriculum here.
Psychology of Exceptionalities
Language, Literacy and Linguistic Diversity
Reading and Language Arts Instruction
Mathematics Instruction and Methods
Differentiated Instruction
Integrated Methods: Science, Social Studies and the Arts
Special Education: Screening and Diagnosis
Academic Writing
Mathematics for Elementary School
Introduction to Psychology
World Language - 3 credits
Natural Science - 4 credits
Special education teachers are in demand. Special education has been identified as a statewide shortage area by the Connecticut Department of Education, as well as many other states. Demand for special education services and teachers is expected to rise as children with disabilities are increasingly being identified earlier and enrolled in special education programs.
Fast-track your education by earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in only five years in our 4+1 option. You can earn a BS in Integrated Elementary and Special Education and a Master of Education (MEd) in Special Education in one program. The entire curriculum can be completed in five years, including summer classes after your senior year.
Additional benefits:
See the full 4+1 curriculum here.
All of UHart's education programs get students out into the classroom starting in your first semester, giving you hands-on experience with children right from the start. Hear more from student Brian Durocher '21 and Department Chair Sheetal Sood in this short video.
Students applying to the Integrated Elementary Education and Special Education program are accepted for admission in either the fall or the spring semester. We recommend students send their applications to be received by December 1 for entrance in January and by March 1 for entrance in September.
For admission to programs in the Department of Education, 16 units of secondary subjects are expected and should include the following at a minimum:
Education students must apply for admission to the professional program during the fall of sophomore year. Professional program admission requirements include:
Please see the Catalog for grade requirements for preprofessional and professional level courses.
To transfer into a teacher education program as a college junior (48 credits or more), you must show evidence of having taken the SAT, ACT, or the Praxis Core. In addition, you must have obtained a minimum of a 3.0 (B) grade point average (GPA) in your previous coursework.
Your ability to complete the program in two calendar years will depend on the specific courses required and your flexibility regarding summer coursework. Once admitted you must immediately complete the Professional Program Application. We would be happy to review your records and map out a sample plan of study. Please contact the Office of Admission:
Office of Admission
860.768.4296
admission@xgcr.net
Learn to assess their ability to plan effective instruction based on student outcomes.
Gauge and reflect on whether they are able to assess student outcomes using pre- and post-assessment.
Gain firsthand experience observing/working in classrooms and reflect on these experiences. They will be in a 1-6 general education classroom for four weeks and in a K-12 special education setting for ten weeks.
Align activities with curriculum objectives, state and national standards.
Write clear objectives and plan developmentally appropriate lesson plans based on student needs.
Differentiate instruction and use appropriate scaffolding thereby ensuring that all students can learn.
Use effective instructional techniques and maintain a positive environment in the classroom.
Reflect on their performance and its effect on student understanding.
Work in collaboration with others.
Plan a standard-based sequence of instruction using national and state standards.
Align assessments with meaningful learning objectives.
Differentiate instruction and make accommodations for students from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
Understand the importance of reflective practice and provide strong evidence of their ability to reflect on their practice.
If you are a full-time undergraduate student applying to the Integrated Elementary Education and Special Education program, you will be considered for financial aid programs that the University administers. In addition to our own funds, the University participates in all Federal Title IV Programs and Federal Family Education Loan programs. Residents of Connecticut and those states with reciprocal agreements with the State of Connecticut may also be eligible to receive state scholarships or grants.
Detailed Information on Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid
Financial Aid Office
860.768.4296
finaid@xgcr.net
Department of Education
860.768.5263
deptofed@xgcr.net
Accreditation and State of Connecticut Certification
Certification programs in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions are accredited based on the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) through the CAEP Accreditation System (CAEP), as well as the State of Connecticut Department of Education. The Educational Testing Service's Praxis II exam is utilized for certification of teachers in Connecticut. See Pass rate.
Professional Licensing Disclosure
Visit Out-of-State Educators to see the Connecticut State Department of Education reciprocity agreement. The NASDTEC website details the interstate reciprocity agreement across states.
Our bachelor’s degree program in elementary education prepares you for a rewarding teaching career in grades 1-6. In our undergraduate education programs, you’ll start building your resume from day one and begin meaningful fieldwork experiences in area schools during the first semester of your freshman year.
Our bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education will give you the knowledge and training to pursue a variety of careers in public and private schools as well as childcare centers and community programs. The degree leads to preparation for Connecticut teacher certification with a focus in birth to age 5/kindergarten or nursery/preschool through grade 3.