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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

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Social Sciences Website

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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

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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
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.