Bachelor of Arts: Liberal Arts with Special Education Generalist Theory (CAGS)

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Within the context of a Christian worldview, the BA in Liberal Arts with Special Education Generalist Theory degree provides a challenging, theory-based and application-oriented approach to education. Students acquire knowledge, develop skills, and demonstrate competencies necessary to teach effectively in the special education field. Courses and field experiences develop educators who are dedicated to addressing diverse learner needs with excellence through servant - leadership in their field and in society.

The emphasis on becoming a master teacher enhances the student’s teaching abilities through the study of curriculum development, program assessment, psychological foundations of teaching methods, group dynamics, and critical thinking skills. These principles are then put into practical application with the student gaining hands-on experience in the classroom. The application of conceptual knowledge in real-world classroom experiences contributes to the student’s development as a special education generalist.

As schools of the 21st century strive to increase performance of all students, they provide multiple tiers of research-based instruction, and strive to meet a variety of student needs. The special education generalist plays a critical role in providing instruction and support for students with disabilities across the tiers. Generalists are good problem solvers who ask questions, continually reflect on and adjust their practice, are committed to individualization, and believe all students can learn.

Upon successful program completion, graduates meet requirements for certification by the Association of Christian Schools International. Students pursing this degree are not eligible for Colorado State teaching licensure. No student teaching is required though students are required to complete two Field Experience courses and the field hours required for curriculum courses. In addition to the bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with Special Education Generalist Theory program, students may apply to the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (MACI) . Upon acceptance, three graduate level courses included in the BA professional core can be applied to the MACI degree.

Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with Special Education Generalist Theory (120 credits):
General Education (19 credits)
Liberal Arts Major Core (32 credits)
Special Education Professional Core (40 credits)
Electives (29 credits)

General Education Core Requirements (19 credit hours)

Communication (9 credit hours)

Must include 6 credits of written and 3 credits of oral communication

Behavioral, Social Science (3 credit hours)

PSY 101A - General Psychology (3)
Or Psychology equivalent.

Mathematics (3 credit hours)

MAT 110A - Math Concepts (3)
Or higher level math. MAT 212A (Statistics) cannot be used to fulfill general education requirement.

Natural/Physical Science (4 credits w/lab)

BIO 102A - Biological Diversity (3)
Or other Science equivalent.
BIO 112A - Biological Diversity Lab (1)
Or other Science Lab equivalent.

Liberal Arts Major Core Requirements (32 credit hours)

PHL 205A - World Views (3)
This course must be taken at CCU.
HUM 425A - Personal and Social Ethics (3)
This course must be taken at CCU.
ART 112A - Art Appreciation (3) OR
HUM 101A - Creative Arts (3)
Or Creative Arts/Fine Arts/Music Appreciation equivalent.
HUM 429A - C.S. Lewis in Film & Literature (3) OR
HUM 216A - Classic Christmas Films & Literature (3)
Or Literature equivalent.
HIS 111A - Old Testament (3)
HUM 114A - New Testament (3)
Other equivalent Biblical Studies courses may be used.
CIS 201A - Introduction to Computer Applications (3)
Or Computer Application equivalent. Only courses completed within the past 5 years will be accepted for Liberal Arts major core requirement.
Choose Natural/Physical/Earth Science elective equivalent to two (2) credit hours.
HIS 201A - World Civilization I (3)
Or Social Science equivalent.
HIS 204A - America since 1877 (3)
American History/Government equivalent. If American Government is chosen, then another Social Science course with HIS prefix must be completed.
SOC 202A - Marriage and Family (3)
Or Social Science equivalent.

Elective Requirements (29 credit hours)

Complete 29 hours of additional electives.

Requirements for Entrance into the Professional Core:

Completed background check by submitting fingerprints to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation of acceptance by the Colorado Department of Education. (Required for program admission in order to be placed in a field experience.)
Cumulative GPA of 2.75 for courses completed at CCU. A minimum of 9 credit hours must be completed at CCU prior to admission into the education programs.
Interview with Dean of Curriculum and Instruction, Program Director or other education staff designee.
Education theory applicants are not required to take and pass the state approved content exam in Special Education prior to enrolling in any education theory core courses. However, applicants who do not pass the test may NOT be admitted to any education licensure program without submission of a passing score on the state approved content exam.
Applicants must complete all general education, liberal arts, and elective requirements prior to enrolling in any education courses. Applicants may be admitted by the Program Director for conditional admission with a maximum of 9 credits outstanding in any of the above areas.

Professional Core Requirements (40 credit hours)

Graduation Requirements

The Faculty recommends students in the BA in Liberal Arts with Special Education Generalist Theory to the Board of Trustees as candidates for graduation when they have completed the following requirements.

Completion of a total of 120 credits of courses, including all general education, elective, and major coursework.
A letter grade of D or higher in all CCU non-education coursework, and a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher in all CCU coursework.
Students must earn a C- or better in all education cohort core courses, and must consistently demonstrate professional disposition qualities, knowledge and skills in all core courses and field studies.
Compliance with CAGS residency requirements .
Formal and timely application for graduation by the date specified by the University Registrar.
No outstanding financial obligations to the University.