"US News and World Report" ranks the University of Florida's Department of Special Education graduate program fourth in the nation. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees for aspiring teachers and researchers as well as those who wish to pursue administrative positions in school districts or agencies for persons with disabilities. Graduates of the bachelor's and graduate degree programs qualify for initial teacher certification in the state of Florida and Ph.D. programs are individualized to a student's career goals. Coursework in the special education department covers student assessment, interventions for learning disabilities and teaching and managing student behavior.
Department of Special Education
College of Education
University of Florida
G-315 Norman Hall
Gainesville, FL 32611-7050
352-392-0701
education.ufl.edu
The special education programs at Florida State University are suitable for aspiring and experienced teachers, as well as career changers. The undergraduate and graduate degree programs qualify students to teach youth with visual impairments or autism, as well as the profoundly disabled. Students take selected courses in the specialty area of choice to earn an endorsement. For example, students in the autism track take courses in positive behavior support and severe communication disorders. The undergraduate visual impairment track prepares students to teach children up to age 21 and they may gain additional certification as a mobility specialist at the graduate level.
College of Education
Florida State University
G107 Stone Building
Tallahassee, FL 32306
850-644-4880
coe.fsu.edu
Students interested in special education can earn a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree at the University of South Florida. Undergraduates are trained to teach students with mild or moderate disabilities and master's candidates build on teaching skills while pursuing the graduate degree part-time. The doctoral program prepares students to work as researchers or teacher educators. All special education majors must complete an internship or field study. The University of South Florida's special education department also offers an online master's degree in gifted education.
USF College of Education
4202 E. Fowler Avenue, EDU105
Tampa, FL 33620-5650
813-974-3400
coedu.usf.edu
The Ph.D. program in special education at the University of Miami concentrates on individuals with an interest in careers in academia or leadership positions with school districts and nonprofit agencies. Degree candidates take core courses in cognitive psychology, special education research and diversity, in preparation for researching and defending their doctoral dissertation. Students develop study plans during the first year of the program. Plans are based on career goals and work or educational background, and require approval by a faculty committee.
Department of Teaching and Learning
School of Education
University of Miami
5202 University Drive
Coral Gables FL 33146
305-284-4961
education.miami.edu