Bachelor of Science Multi-Categorical Special Education: Autism Studies

School of Education

Enriching lives through education

The new Bachelor of Science Multi-categorical Special Education: Autism Studies, Pre-K through 12th grade program offers students coursework and field experience/internships to prepare them for various careers in an educational setting. The program will lead to a South Carolina Multi-categorical Special Education certificate. Students who attend Francis Marion University will have a central focus on the study of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Neurodevelopmental disabilities. Francis Marion University is the first undergraduate program in the region to offer a Multi-categorical degree with an Autism focus.

This new program prepares our future special education educators to be leaders and advocates for students with Autism and Neurodevelopmental disabilities within their communities post graduation.

INTERNSHIPS

Internships will be completed at various age levels to allow students a thorough understanding of each level (Pre-K; Kindergarten – 6th grade; 7th grade – 12th grade).

INTERDISCIPLINARY

This program offers an interdisciplinary approach where by students will have courses in education, psychology, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology. Students have the opportunity to earn a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® certificate. Students will also complete a minor in Psychology.

LOCAL ACTIVITIES

In addition to the educational aspect of the program, students will have opportunities to be involved in local activities and programs that support community members with Autism and Neurodevelopmental disabilities.

For more information, contact Director, Angela Willard, Center for Autism Studies, at angela.willard@fmarion.edu