Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies: Early Childhood Special Education

Catalog Year 2025-2026

Based on VCCS Curriculum for SPECIAL EDUCATION

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement Requirements

• Earn a transferrable associate degree

• Earn a minimum of 2.8 cumulative GPA

• Good academic standing at current institution

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: https://admissions.radford.edu 

• Admission Application: By March 1 for priority fall admission and November 1 for priority spring admission at https://www.radford.edu/admissions/apply/index.html 

• Financial Aid: https://www.radford.edu/fin-aid , FAFSA priority deadline March 1.

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: https://studentaid.gov 

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

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

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and Radford University within your first year. College Connect available in your account of www.TransferVirginia.org

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• Yes, I want to work with young children.

• Yes, I want to work with young children who have a disability.

• Yes, I want to be an advocate for early learners with special needs.

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

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Completion of the transfer-oriented degree program will satisfy the REAL Curriculum (lower division/general education) requirements.

• Dual Enrollment – Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Students completing the associate degree in high school should apply using the freshman application. If admitted, the student will receive the benefits associated with the transferable associate degree (as noted above).

• Credit for Prior Learning: Specific course credit will only be added to a student record once official scores are received and evaluated by the Office of Admissions. An official Joint Services Transcript should be sent for evaluation of specific military credit.

• Catalog Year: Students will be subject to the catalog in effect at the time of enrollment at RU unless otherwise requested.

Is This College Right For Me?

• Main campus is located in the city of Radford and our Radford University Carilion campus is located in Roanoke. RU is well-known for strong faculty/student bonds, vibrant student life and a commitment to student support.

• Situated in the stunning landscape of southwest Virginia, there are plenty of nearby opportunities to explore the outdoors.

• With 70+ bachelor’s degree programs across a variety of disciplines, the classes at Radford are hands-on and designed to help you prepare for your chosen career path.

• Transfer students have the option to live on-campus or off-campus within the local area.

• Over 80% of students receive some form of financial aid.

• 16 Division I teams and 300+ student organizations.

• Learn more about our university at www.TransferVirginia.org

Did You Know That…

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

• Exceeding 3 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 Radford University?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

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

Program Successes & Highlights

• Educator preparation programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation Education Programs (CAEP).

• Educator preparation programs recognized among the Top Education Colleges for 2024–2025 by Colleges of Distinction for the fourth consecutive year.

• Available scholarship dollars annually for education majors: $200,000+.

• 100% employment rate.

• Highly sought-after educators post-graduation.

• Multiple field experiences in a range of settings that serve young children.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• Of students who apply, usually about 65% of transfer applications are accepted to Radford University and about 80% of the entering transfer class comes from the Virginia Community College System.

• Learn more about applying at www.TransferVirginia.org

Do More With Your Degree!

• While completing this degree, you can elect to take 12 credits of specific elective courses that will put you on a pathway to a 4+1 Masters of Education: Curriculum and Instruction program leading to a second endorsement in general education, PreK-grades 3.

• Graduates of this degree also earn a concurrent add-on endorsement in early childhood education for 3 and 4-year olds to their initial teaching license with no additional coursework required.

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• Some school divisions and other agencies require candidates to pass an examination of their American Sign Language skills prior to approval for a placement for student teaching.

• Passing scores on any VDOE prescribed licensure assessments required for admission to the Teacher Education Program and student teaching.

• Support provided for preparation for licensure assessments.

• Vouchers to cover the costs of assessments available.

• Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA to enter the Teacher Education Program and begin field experience