You have the opportunity to customize your degree by selecting an emphasis that aligns with the Virginia Department of Education endorsement area best suited to your professional and personal needs.

General Curriculum Emphasis

Prepare to create inclusive and empowering learning environments for students with mild to moderate disabilities in K-12 classrooms. This emphasis equips you with evidence-based strategies to support diverse learners, helping them succeed academically, socially, and emotionally within the general education curriculum. You’ll gain the skills needed to collaborate with general education teachers, adapt curriculum to meet individual needs, and advocate for student success in inclusive settings.

• Focus: Mild to moderate disabilities, including learning disabilities, ADHD, and behavioral challenges.
• Setting: Inclusive K-12 classrooms where students access the general curriculum alongside their peers.
• Outcome: Eligible for an Endorsement in Special Education General Curriculum (K-12).

Adapted Curriculum Emphasis

Make a transformative impact on the lives of students with moderate to severe disabilities by specializing in adapted education. This emphasis focuses on teaching functional and life skills, as well as alternative learning strategies, to help students overcome significant challenges. You’ll learn to develop and implement individualized education programs (IEPs), ensuring students receive the tailored support they need to grow academically, socially, and personally.

• Focus: Moderate to severe disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities and Autism, requiring intensive, personalized support.
• Setting: Specialized or adapted K-12 classrooms designed to address unique learning and developmental needs.
• Outcome: Eligible for an Endorsement in Special Education Adapted Curriculum (K-12) and a Career and Technical Education – Transition and Special Needs Add-On Endorsement.

Early Childhood Special Education Emphasis

Become a champion for young children with developmental delays or disabilities by focusing on early intervention and individualized instruction. This emphasis prepares you to work with children from birth to age five during their most critical developmental years, supporting them in reaching key milestones. You’ll collaborate with families, caregivers, and specialists to design and implement effective strategies that set a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.

• Focus: Infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children (birth to age five) with developmental delays or disabilities.
• Setting: Early intervention programs and preschool settings focused on developmental support and family-centered care.
• Outcome: Eligible for an Endorsement in Early Childhood Special Education (Birth – Five).

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Emphasis

Advocate for and empower students who are Deaf or hard of hearing by creating accessible and inclusive learning environments. This emphasis provides specialized training in communication strategies, including sign language and assistive technologies, to help students succeed academically and socially. You’ll develop the skills needed to foster independence, self-advocacy, and confidence in students as they navigate their educational journey and prepare for life beyond the classroom.

• Focus: Students who are Deaf or hard of hearing, requiring communication tools and tailored instruction.
• Setting: K-12 classrooms and specialized environments designed to support communication and accessibility needs.
• Outcome: Eligible for an Endorsement in Special Education Deaf and Hard of Hearing (K-12).