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Students with unique learning needs benefit from educators well-versed in effective strategies for addressing the diverse challenges they encounter daily. This includes learners with autism spectrum disorder, sensory impairments, cognitive disabilities, emotional/behavioral difficulties, and various health-related conditions. Nova Southeastern University's Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education equips future teachers with comprehensive skills to support these special learners while establishing the groundwork for Florida teaching certification. Our program covers instruction for students with diverse abilities in both inclusive general education classrooms and specialized settings, along with essential training in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). This dual focus enhances your capacity to foster equitable learning environments while promoting cultural competence and social awareness.
Practical classroom experiences form a core component of our program, enabling you to apply teaching methodologies while meeting Florida's Educator Accomplished Practices standards. Students complete at least 10 field experience hours integrated throughout the curriculum. The capstone clinical internship offers 12 weeks of immersive classroom practice, where you'll develop skills in lesson design, instruction, evaluation, and family engagement. Interns are carefully paired with mentor teachers and school sites that align with their professional development needs under NSU faculty supervision. This progressive experience gradually increases teaching responsibilities until you're confidently leading classrooms independently. With ongoing guidance from your mentor, you'll transition from observer to instructional leader, graduating as a fully prepared education professional.
If you’re planning to attend college for the first time after graduating from high school, you’re considered a freshman applicant at Nova Southeastern University.
Proof of English language proficiency with a passing score on one of the following:
TOEFL: 79 on the Internet-based test
IELTS: 6.0 or higher on the test module
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
Duolingo Test of English: 105 or higher
PTE Academic: Overall score of 54 or higher
iTEP Academic: Overall score of 3.9 or higher
Passing Level 4 or higher from TALK English Schools
Completion and passing of ELS Level 112 Intensive Program English for Academic Purposes
SAT verbal scores of 520 or higher or ACT English score of 20