Honors in the Major in Special Education

We invite Honors students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and high interest in the education of exceptional children to work towards earning Honors in the Major. This graduation designation is intended to challenge qualified students and to broaden their educational experience.

Special Education faculty work closely with students choosing to pursue Honors Learning Experiences, research, or early involvement in professional organizations. Department advisors guide students in designing individual plans of study.

By completing Honors in the Major, students will:

• engage in an enriched and extended learning experience;
• develop as scholars and gain an edge over their peers by choosing a rigorous preparation in their field of study;
• be recognized in the Commencement Book, transcript, and on the diploma.

Students earn this designation at graduation; requirements, including being in good standing with the Honors Program, are reviewed at the end of the final semester:

1. 3.3 cumulative GPA
2. 3.5 major GPA
3. Fulfill Honors Program participation requirements: 1 Honors Learning Experience per semester in the program, including the final semester (students are not required to complete an Honors Learning Experience when they are off-campus)
4. Complete 2 Honors Learning Experiences in SED courses with a grade of “B” or better, which may include:
   a. Honors Section of an SED course
   b. Honors Contract in an SED course
5. Complete an Honors Capstone Experience:

• • SED 299: Honors Independent Study (1 – 3 credit hours) with an SED faculty member