Bachelor of Science in Special Education

Catalog Year 2025-2027

Based on VCCS Curriculum for SPECIAL EDUCATION

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement Requirements

• By meeting the following criteria, students are eligible for completion of all Foundation-level courses as well as the Integrating World Languages Perspectives-level course associated with LU's Civitae general education experience.

• A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a four-point scale, computed as shown on the two-year institution transcript.

• Earn a grade of "C" (2.0) or higher in each community college course.

• Disciplinary records are reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis and could affect the student's eligibility.

• Students must complete an AA, AS, or AA&S degree through the VCCS with at least 60 credits.

• Submit to the LU Admissions Office an official transcript showing completion of the applicable associate's degree. Until LU receives the official transcript showing degree conferred, the terms of the GAA will not be applied.

• Please visit the Transfer Virginia portal (www.TransferVirginia.org) to find course requirements for different majors (Transfer Tools) and Transfer Guides that outline course requirements for specific majors (Resource Center).

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: http://www.longwood.edu/admissions/transfer-students/

• Register Intent to Transfer: Not required

• Admission Application: By March 1 for fall admission, although we continue to review applications after the March 1 date. Apply at http://www.longwood.edu/apply/.

• Financial Aid: http://www.longwood.edu/financialaid/.

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: The FAFSA priority filing deadline is March 1. We recommend filing early (at www.studentaid.gov) to ensure you receive the maximum amount of aid.

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, and complete your first math and English courses in your first year. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center (www.TransferVirginia.org).

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and Longwood within your first year. Use the College Connect feature in the portal (www.TransferVirginia.org).

• Students interested in a minor should plan to take preliminary coursework as available.

• To complete all Longwood requirements in two years, careful planning will be necessary. Students should choose their associate degree electives carefully to increase the likelihood of completing the Longwood degree in four semesters. It is not uncommon for transfers into this major to take five semesters.

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• This degree does not grant licensure. Students can earn a Master's degree at Longwood that will provide licensure in Special Education.

• This program will prepare you to be a special education teacher in Virginia and will earn you a master's degree in 5 years. Special education is the #1 teacher shortage area currently in Virginia. Your teaching license will be K-12, special education, general curriculum, and you will have many job offers awarded to you at the end of your undergraduate experience. You will receive mentoring throughout your first year of teaching while you are also in graduate school. You will have field placements in elementary reading, middle school special education, elementary special education, and high school special education. You will also have the option to receive dual licensure in K-6 elementary education. You will take special education courses each semester you are at Longwood and will work closely with your special education faculty to support you at Longwood and in your partnership, Practicum II, and student teaching field placements. You will have a rich background in all content areas. If you dream of making a difference in the lives of children and youth through public education, be a special educator!

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Completion of all Foundation-level courses as well as the Integrating World Languages Perspectives-level course associated with LU's Civitae general education experience.

• Credit for Prior Learning: LU accepts credit for CLEP, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Cambridge, military training/experience, or other forms of advanced standing, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Students under this GAA who have credit for prior learning receive the overarching benefits of the GAA but must present documentation from the original agency or experience as part of a course-by-course credit evaluation to determine applicability to specific coursework or major requirements.

• Catalog Year: In accord with state policy, students may choose the catalog in effect at the time they enroll at Longwood or the one that applies to continuous full-time students at their class level.

• Completion of Associate Degree in HS through Dual Enrollment: High school students who have earned an applicable associate's degree concurrent with high school graduation are not eligible for guaranteed admission under the terms of this agreement. Such students are considered freshman applicants with transfer credit. If admitted, no distinction will be made by LU regarding college courses applicable to the transferable associate's degree that are completed through dual enrollment. Those students completing applicable associate's degrees, upon receipt of the final official transcript demonstrating completion of the GAA requirements, will be awarded a waiver for Foundation-level courses as well as the Integrating World Languages Perspectives-level course. However, the following will be required of these students to support their transition to Longwood: a. They must attend freshman orientation. b. They must live in on-campus housing unless qualified for a release. On-campus housing is guaranteed for these students. c. They must enroll and pass ENGL 265, The Writing and Rhetoric of Citizenship.

Is This College Right For Me?

• Longwood is a mid-sized university where students enjoy the highest percentage of classes taught by full-time professors in Virginia and a residential academic community that offers students the full university experience.

• Our Civitae Core Curriculum classes are capped at 25 students, and class sizes throughout our majors, minors, and concentrations encourage faculty-student collaboration.

• Opportunities for student involvement are a hallmark of the Longwood experience. From service organizations, Greek life, club sports, and a long list of clubs based on interests and activities, there is something for everyone. Each semester, an involvement fair helps students find organizations that are the right fit for them to make their time at Longwood even more meaningful.

• With seven on-campus residence halls and two university-managed apartment complexes, students live, learn, and grow together in a true community.

• Learn more at www.TransferVirginia.org.

Did You Know That…

• Completing your associate's transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower-division general education requirements and increases the likelihood of completing your bachelor's degree?

• Exceeding three years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at Longwood University?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org

Program Successes & Highlights

• Longwood has been training Virginia teachers since 1839, and graduates are highly sought after by school divisions across the state.

• 100% of our teacher candidates receive multiple job offers to be special educators in Virginia public schools.

• Upon graduation in the 5-year program to receive licensure in special education, our teacher candidates are awarded signing bonuses and significant pay increases due to starting their career with their master's degree, which can be finished in just one extra year.

• The residency focus on the graduate year provides extra coaching and supervision to support teachers in their first year of teaching.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• Typically, Longwood admits 85% of transfer applicants who seek admission outside of the GAA. The average GPA for admitted transfer students tends to be 3.2-3.5.

• Learn more at www.TransferVirginia.org.

Do More With Your Degree!

• You will have several supervised field placements during your degree program at Longwood University by working with a cooperating teacher in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms while receiving coaching from your special education professors and university supervisors. Your Practicum II and student teaching placement can be done in any Virginia county or city.

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• An internship (student teaching) is required in the program.

• Students will need a vehicle for student teaching and other field experiences.