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Special Education Option, AA

Program Snapshot
Academic CredentialAssociate in Arts (AA)
Total Credit Hours60
Average Time to Complete2 yrs.
Academic PathwaySocial, Behavioral, Education
AdvisorAmanda Manning
Instructional Coordinator for Education Programs
850.769.1551 ext. 2869
amanning3@gulfcoast.edu

Senior Administrative AssistantMs. Jody Walton
210 Social Science Building
850.872.3825
jwalton1@gulfcoast.edu

Visit my Faculty Page

Social Sciences Website

Track your progress Degree Audit Map out your courses Degree Plan

Special Education, AA

Are You Interested in Becoming a Special Education Teacher?

Gulf Coast State College’s Special Education Option, Liberal Arts AA will prepare you to teach children or adults with learning disabilities and will also give you the knowledge and tools to prepare individual education plans to meet the needs of each student. If you're creative, patient and want a challenging and fulfilling career that offers limitless rewards, then a career as a Special Education teacher may be the right choice for you.

Many career options are available to you including child care worker, preschool teacher, principal, school counselor, special education teacher and teacher's aide.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH),  the national median pay for special education teachers with a bachelor's degree in 2020 was $61,500.00 per year.  Jobs for special education teachers are expected to increase by 8% from 2020 to 2030.

Individualized-Education-Program-504 plan

Special Education Course Requirements

English I & II
Visual and Performing Arts
Philosophy/Religion
Literature
Select 6 hours from a list of Math Courses
Physical Science
Biological Science

Behavioral Sciences
History
Government

Education Courses
Electives

A complete list of courses with descriptions can be found in the Catalog

What can you do with Special Education Associate of Arts?

In this field, people find careers as:

Applied Behavior Analyst
Early Intervention Specialist
Education Writer
Special Education Advocate
Special Education Consultant
Special Education Teacher

Gulf Coast alumni of this program have continued their education at:

University of Florida
University of West Florida
University of Miami
Florida State University
University of Central Florida

Little girl with painted hands
Who is Eligible for the Social Education Program?
If you are a high school graduate, you can apply to this program. If you have earned credits from a regionally accredited college or university, you may have a head start at Gulf Coast State College.
Why Choose Gulf Coast State College to Earn Your Degree?
You'll get a great education with one of the lowest tuition rates in the state. With small class sizes and professors who care, you'll get the personal attention you deserve. More than 90% of our graduates would recommend Gulf Coast State College to others.

Are you ready to get started?

Apply to  GCSC

Visit the Gulf Coast admissions page to learn more about the application process.

Consult the Gulf Coast State College Catalog for specific program and course information.

APPLY NOW

Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships

There are many options available to help you pay for college. Find out more about  scholarships and financial aid at Gulf Coast State College.

APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

Register for Classes

Check out the class registration dates and plan your schedule today.

REGISTER

Gulf Coast State College does not discriminate against any person in its programs, activities, policies or procedures on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. All questions or inquiries regarding compliance with laws relating to non-discrimination and all complaints regarding sexual misconduct or discrimination, may be directed to Lee Wood, Executive Director, Human Resources/Title II/504/Title IX Coordinator and Employment Equity Officer, Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. US Highway 98, Panama City, FL 32401.