This program prepares students for a career working with children and adults with disabilities. Students may transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Some students may choose to pursue a career as a special education teacher. Among the majors the AS leads to are human services counseling, interdisciplinary studies, and psychology. Teacher certification may require additional course work, including a master’s degree.

The program also prepares students for a variety of paraprofessional positions in schools and agencies that serve children and adults with disabilities. Examples of positions for which a graduate of the two-year program would qualify include: group home counselor, supported living counselor, job coach, vocational center technician, developmental technician, and teaching assistant in special education classrooms.

Students already in the field use the program to upgrade their skills and knowledge and create the opportunity for advancement.

Internships are available in a variety of work settings. They give students hands-on experience that will increase their employability in the field.

In addition to the college’s general admission requirements, students are required to complete Student Assessment Program (placement) tests in reading, composition, and mathematics. The college has a required developmental program for students who need to remedy deficiencies in these areas.

Students need to consult with the program advisor to plan programs and select electives that will meet the requirements of the college or university that they plan to attend. The Associate in Science (AS) degree normally takes four full-time semesters to complete.

Associate in Science: General Studies (699.00)
Specialization: Special Education/Developmental Disabilities (699.49)  

General Education Requirements (41 Credits)
ENG 111-112	College Composition I-II1	(6)
HIS 101-102	History of Western Civilization I-II2 or
HIS 111-112	History of World Civilization III or
HIS 121-122	United States History III	(6)
SPD 100	Principles of Public Speaking3	(3)
SDV 100	College Success Skills3	(1)
_____	Health/Physical Education3	(2)
_____	Humanities Elective3	(3)
_____	Mathematics1	(3)
_____	Science with Lab3	(8)
_____	Social Science Electives3	(6)
_____	Approved Elective5	(3)
Program Requirements (22 Credits)
EDU 130	Introduction to Developmental Disabilities OR	(4)
CHD 210	Introduction to Exceptional Children	(3)
EDU 135	Behavior Technology for Use with Developmental Disabilities OR	(4)
PSY 220	Introduction to Behavior Modification	(3)
EDU 245	Teaching and Training of Language Skills for the Developmentally Disabled	(3)
EDU 247	Adult Independent Living and Vocational Skills for the Developmentally Disabled	(4)
EDU 254	Teaching Basic Academic Skills to Exceptional Children	(3)
EDU 290	Coordinated Internship in Education	(4)
Minimum Credits Required:		61-63

1. Placement test or prerequisite required. MTH 103, MTH 121 , and MTH 126 cannot be used to fulfill the mathematics requirement.
2. Students may select any two history courses (6 credits) from this list to meet the requirement. HIS courses do not have to be taken sequentially. Consult transfer institution to choose appropriate courses for your transfer program.
3. Eligible courses are listed under Electives. See your academic advisor or counselor to choose the appropriate course(s).
4. Students may substitute SPD 105 for SPD 100. Consult transfer institution to insure that the substitution is appropriate for your transfer program.
5. Consult with your academic advisor or counselor. Courses must be approved by the appropriate division chair.

* Education majors selecting PSY 220 Introduction to Behavior Modification must also register for PSY 290 Coordinated Internship in Psychology for one credit.

NOTES:

• Investigate the requirements of transfer institutions before choosing electives, and consult a transfer counselor or academic advisor to plan your program.
• In order to graduate with the associate's degree, you must meet the college's computer competency requirement. Consult your academic advisor or counselor to determine how to satisfy this requirement.