Undergraduate

English Language Arts / General Special Education

Prepares students to support K-12 learners while developing their reading, writing, and communication skills.

2026

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Location

Online

Courses

32*

Credit

120 hrs.*

Full-time

Varies (Transfer up to 90 credits)

Part-time

Varies (Transfer up to 90 credits)

View course catalog

Teacher working with a group of students

Request Information for Online Programs

Apply now Explore online programs Tuition costs

College of Professional Studies

The online Bachelor of Science in English Language Arts at University of New Hampshire is a dual-certification program in English Language Arts and General Special Education that prepares students to support K-12 learners while developing their reading, writing, and communication skills. Students who complete this dual certification program will be eligible for the New Hampshire Department of Education teacher certification in General Special Education (K-12).

With the flexibility of online learning and field placement, students can transfer up to 90 credits, making it an accessible and efficient pathway to becoming a teacher.

*Number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements.

College of Professional Studies

What is English Language Arts with certification in General Special Education?

Combine your passion for literacy and inclusive education with a career that transforms students' lives through specialized instruction and the power of language arts. This licensure program prepares you to support K-12 learners with diverse needs while developing their reading, writing, and communication skills through evidence-based strategies and individualized approaches. For those dedicated to making education accessible to all students, this specialized degree provides the credentials needed to expand both your expertise in inclusive classrooms and your career advancement potential.

Individuals who complete this educator preparation program will be eligible for the New Hampshire Department of Education teacher certification in General Special Education (K-12). The program aligns with the NH Department of Education’s standards for teacher credentialing and qualifies individuals to provide special education services to children in public schools from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

Why study English Language Arts with certification in General Special Education at UNH College of Professional Studies?

Our English Language Arts degree is a flexible program that provides a pathway to a career in education and eligibility for New Hampshire Department of Education teacher certification in General Special Education. The key components of the program include mentorship of teacher candidates by highly skilled professionals in the field, hands-on experiences in educational settings, and the opportunity to build teaching capacity over time.

Potential Career Areas

Grades K-12 Special Education Teacher
Grades K-12 Special Education Case Manager

Curriculum & Requirements

Program Description

Individuals who complete this program will be eligible for the New Hampshire Department of Education teacher licensure in General Special Education (ages 5-22). The program aligns with the NH Department of Education’s standards for teacher credentialing.

Degree Plan

This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. UNH CPS Online undergraduate students should develop individual academic plans with their academic advisor during their first year at UNH.

Sample Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
ENG 420	The Writing Process	4
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
MTH 402 or MTH 504 or MTH 510	Math for Our World or Statistics or Pre-Calculus	4
General Education Course		4
	Credits	16
Spring
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
CRIT 501	Introduction to Critical Inquiry	4
ENG 450	Introduction to Literature	4
PSY 525	Human Development	4
	Credits	16
Second Year
Fall
CRIT 602	Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking	4
ENG 555 or ENG 585	Children's Literature or Short Fiction	4
ENG 615 or ENG 620	Young Adult Literature or Multicultural Perspectives through Literature	4
ENG 675	Survey of Classic Literature Through Film	4
	Credits	16
Spring
COM 590	Professional Communication	4
ENG 505	Introduction to Language and Linguistics	4
ENG 604	Creative Writing	4
ENG 730	The Graphic Novel	4
	Credits	16
Summer
ENG 645	Disability in Literature and Culture	4
	Credits	4
Third Year
Fall
IDIS 601A or IDIS 601B or IDIS 601C	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Being Happy or Interdisciplinary Seminar: Business of Beer or Interdisciplinary Seminar: Paranormal Activities	4
EDC 500	Foundations of Education	4
EDC 700	Introduction to Clinical Experience ^{Nonclinical; Complete CHRC Process}	1
EDC 703	The Dynamic Role of the Special Educator	4
	Credits	13
Spring
EDC 701	Special Education Law ^Nonclinical	4
EDC 716	Students with Disabilities ^Nonclinical	4
EDC 717	Positive Behavior Guidance and Student Engagement ^{Clinical A}	4

	Credits	12
Fourth Year
Fall
EDC 718	Transition Planning & Developing IEPs ^{Clinical B}	2
EDC 720	Instructional Methods, Strategies, and Technologies to Meet the Needs of All Students ^{Clinical A}	4
EDC 721	Assessment of Students with Disabilities ^{Clinical B}	4
EDC 723	Teaching Language Arts and Literacy ^{Clinical A}	6
	Credits	16
Spring
EDC 798	Culminating Teaching Experience and Seminar ^{Clinical A}	4
Elective		4
Elective		4
	Credits	12
	Total Credits	121

Note: Only 1 Clinical course allowed per term

Requirements for the Program

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 120 credits

Minimum Residency Requirement: 30 credits must be taken at UNH

Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.0 is required for conferral*

Core Curriculum Required: General Education Program

Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.

*GPA: Major and any state certification GPA requirements may be higher and are indicated in program details.

A minimum grade of C- is required in all Major coursework. Some programs may have higher grade requirements for Major coursework as noted in the Major requirements section below. Students are allowed a maximum of two course overlaps. Overlaps can be used between Major, Minor, and General Education requirements with only 8 credits overlapped between the Major and Minor. Please note that Option requirements are considered part of the Major. Students must complete 16 upper-level credits in majors within the College of Professional Studies, Online.

General Education Program Requirements

A minimum grade of D- is required in all General Education coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of two course overlaps. Overlaps can be used between Major, Minor and General Education requirements with only 8 credits overlapped between the Major and Minor.

All General Education requirements must be taken prior to the capstone.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
ENG 420	The Writing Process	4
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
CRIT 501	Introduction to Critical Inquiry	4
Select one of the following:		4
MTH 402	Math for Our World
MTH 504	Statistics
MTH 510	Pre-Calculus
Knowledge of Human Behavior & Social Systems: PSY 525		4
Knowledge of the Physical & Natural World		4
Knowledge of Human Thought & Expression		4
CRIT 602	Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking	4
IDIS 601A	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Being Happy	4
or IDIS 601B	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Business of Beer
or IDIS 601C	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Paranormal Activities
Total Credits		40

Writing Program Requirements

All bachelor's degree candidates are required to complete four writing intensive courses as part of the University Writing Program Requirements as follows:

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
ENG 420	The Writing Process
One Writing Intensive course in the Major
One Writing Intensive course at the 600-level or above
One Additional Writing Intensive Course

Writing Intensive courses are identified with the label "Writing Intensive Course" in the "Attributes" section of the course description and/or a W following the course number.

Major Requirements

A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for state licensure.

Prior to capstone enrollment, students are expected to complete all General Education program requirements. Students should consult with their advisor regarding specific major courses that may be completed with their capstone. Refer to the Degree Plan for a sample course sequence. Academic Advisor approval is required for registration to be processed.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Major in English Language Arts/General Special Ed
COM 590	Professional Communication	4
ENG 450	Introduction to Literature	4
ENG 505	Introduction to Language and Linguistics	4
ENG 555	Children's Literature	4
or ENG 585	Short Fiction
ENG 615	Young Adult Literature	4
or ENG 620	Multicultural Perspectives through Literature
ENG 604	Creative Writing	4
ENG 645	Disability in Literature and Culture	4
ENG 675	Survey of Classic Literature Through Film	4
ENG 730	The Graphic Novel	4
Declaration of Candidacy Form Required ¹
Basic Academic Skills Assessment (BASA) Required ²
EDC 500	Foundations of Education	4
Introductory Level Education Courses
EDC 700	Introduction to Clinical Experience	1
EDC 701	Special Education Law	4
EDC 703	The Dynamic Role of the Special Educator	4
EDC 716	Students with Disabilities	4
EDC 717	Positive Behavior Guidance and Student Engagement	4
Intermediate Level Education Courses
EDC 718	Transition Planning & Developing IEPs	2
EDC 720	Instructional Methods, Strategies, and Technologies to Meet the Needs of All Students	4
EDC 721	Assessment of Students with Disabilities	4
Advanced Level Education Courses
EDC 723	Teaching Language Arts and Literacy	6
EDC 798	Culminating Teaching Experience and Seminar	4
Total Credits		77

¹: Required prior to beginning the last 60 credits of degree program
²: Passing BASA scores must be submitted prior to taking EDC 700 Introduction to Clinical Experience

Electives

Open electives are courses students will need to take in addition to their general education and major requirements in order to satisfy the remaining credit totals for their programs. Open electives are defined as any credit course offered by the College not already included in the student's general education, major, option or minor. Students will need 120 credits total to graduate with a bachelor's degree from the Online Division of the College of Professional Studies.

State Licensure Requirements

The following requirements must be completed in order to be recommended to the state for Teacher licensure:

A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for state licensure
Basic Academic Skills Assessment (BASA): Pearson Essential Academic Skills or Praxis Core Academic Skills For Educators Exam required. Passing BASA Exam scores must be submitted prior to taking EDC 700 Introduction to Clinical Experience.
Licensure Exams: Pearson Special Education, and Pearson Foundations of Reading. Passing exam scores are required for state licensure.

Student Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Develop a working understanding of current brain research and its implications for teaching and learning.
Develop the skills to access and utilize technology as a tool to empower teaching and learning.
Develop a solid understanding of the utilization of formative and summative assessment for program design, monitoring student progress and evaluating teaching effectiveness.
Work with colleagues to observe, analyze and provide feedback on student progress and teaching effectiveness.
Utilize research methods and materials, pedagogies and assessment strategies to teach for understanding and application specific to content area.
Apply content knowledge to develop PK-12 students’ skills in reading, writing, and critical thinking.
Identify and explore connections between content areas and teaching methodologies.
Create learning experiences to foster PK-12 students’ independent, collaborative, and creative problem-solving skills.
Devise strategies to facilitate mastery of course content using technology.

Disclosures

Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures

The University of New Hampshire offers a number of academic programs designed to lead to professional licensure or certification in New Hampshire. However, completing a UNH degree/program does not guarantee professional licensure or certification. Eligibility may also depend on factors like years of work experience, professional examinations, passing a background check, and other criteria.

UNH does not guarantee that its professional licensure programs will satisfy the criteria of professional licensure boards in other states. Some states maintain different requirements for professional licensure or certification and requirements can change frequently. Federal regulations require the University to make public disclosure of certain information regarding professional licensure or certification programs, regardless of the modality the program is offered (i.e., in-person or online). The University provides guidance below but recommends students contact their state/territory licensing or certification board to ensure a program meets specific state/territory requirements.

Visit the Office of the Registrar's website for information about whether this program meets professional licensure requirements in your state.

Course Highlights

Professional Communication
Introduction to Literature
Introduction to Language and Linguistics
Children’s Literature
Creative Writing
…and more!

Key Benefits of UNH CPS Online

Advantages

100% online courses – Learn from anywhere with flexible scheduling.
8-week terms – Move toward your goals faster.
Affordable tuition – Among the lowest in New England and nationwide.
Nationally ranked – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and Best Online Bachelor’s for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.
Regionally accredited – By the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
Generous transfer credit policy – About 89% of our students transfer in; we specialize in maximizing your previous college coursework and other college-level learning.
Credit for prior learning – Earn credit for relevant work experience, military training, and other learning outside the classroom.
Rolling admissions – Apply anytime and start in the term that works for you.
No GMAT or GRE required – Streamlined admissions process.
Expert faculty – Instructors are subject matter experts who share real-world experience to help you apply what you learn to your career goals.
Career advising for life – Available to all students, alumni, and even prospective students exploring their options.

Admission Requirments

Completion of our free, online application for admission
High school diploma, completion of a high school education in a homeschool setting under state law, or demonstrate high school equivalency.
- Successful completion of one of the following exams will be required for demonstrating high school equivalency: the GED, HiSET, or TASC

Availability in Your State

Programs leading to teacher certification or licensure are available to new students in New Hampshire, Maine*, Massachusetts,, and Vermont.

*Maine teacher candidates must complete clinical work in placements located in York, Cumberland or Oxford county.

Transfer Pathway

Whether you completed your associate degree or took a few courses, we have experience working with community college students nationwide and we are experts at maximizing your transfer credits. We are proud of our formal partnerships to support community college graduates through our Transfer Pathways.

Students pursuing an associate degree at a New Hampshire community college are encouraged to explore our Transfer Pathway below.

B.S. English Langauage arts: General Special Education Licensure CCSNH Transfer Pathway

How to Ensure Our Online Programs are Available to You

Students who reside outside New Hampshire and plan to enroll in UNH CPS licensure programs are responsible for verifying that the program meets requirements for licensure for educator certification in their state. Some states may have additional requirements and different certification areas.

Visit Online Programs by State for details

Attend a Teacher Prep Info Session

We have online Information Sessions regularly scheduled, which give you valuable insights into our teacher licensure options.

Credit for What you Know

Your Prior Learning Counts

Many of our students can demonstrate college-level knowledge gained from military, workplace and volunteer-based training, and experiences. We are experts at helping students demonstrate learning and earning academic credit.

English Language Arts / General Special Education, B.S. - CPS, CPSO