Program Accreditation
USC Aiken's School of Education is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) until 2027. The School of Education's most recent CAEP review was conducted in March of 2020, and the following programs were approved: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Middle Level Education, Secondary (Science, English, Math, and History programs), Special Education (multi-categorical), and Music Education.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) provides preparation for teaching in preschool, kindergarten, and primary grades. The Early Childhood certificate permits teaching of grades PK – 3 in elementary schools in South Carolina. Through coursework and field experiences, the early childhood education curriculum provides multiple opportunities for candidates to obtain the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to meet the standards established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the South Carolina Department of Education.
Learn more about the degree in Early Childhood Education
ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
The Elementary Education Program provides preparation for teaching in public school grades 2-6. Students move through the Elementary Education program as a cohort, taking prescribed courses during sequenced semesters. Each candidate is required to fulfill at least 100 hours of observation/direct teaching at the elementary level prior to their student internship.
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MIDDLE LEVEL EDUCATION
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Middle Level Education provides preparation for teaching one or two content areas in middle school. The Middle Level certificate permits teaching of grades 5-8 in South Carolina. Through coursework and field experiences, the middle level education curriculum provides multiple opportunities for candidates to obtain the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to meet the standards established by the Association for Middle Level Education and the South Carolina Department of Education. Our students can choose from one or two of the following areas of concentration: Science, Social Studies, English, and Math. The program of study includes a liberal arts general education component and opportunity for extensive field-based experiences.
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MUSIC EDUCATION
Music education at UofSC Aiken is an exciting program that serves those whose commitment is to teach music to others. It is based upon the simple premise that every person deserves the highest level of individual attention and guidance as they develop intellectual reasoning, musical aptitude, and aesthetic appreciation. The program is rigorous and requires disciplined and enthusiastic people who strive for academic, musical, and personal excellence.
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SECONDARY EDUCATION
The Secondary Education Program prepares candidates for teaching in public school grades 9-12. Programs in the subject areas of Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, and Comprehensive Social Studies provide subject-matter expertise and a comprehensive and balanced liberal arts background. Professional requirements of the curriculum offer several semesters of public school experience at the level of individual candidate interaction and for on-site experimentation with methods and materials of curriculum in a chosen certification area.
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SPECIAL EDUCATION
The Bachelor’s of Arts (B.A.) degree in Special Education provides preservice teachers with the knowledge and skills to teach K-12 students with mild to moderate disabilities through rigorous coursework, structured practicum experiences, and frequent scholarship and service opportunities.
