FSU opens doors for future special educators with new bachelor’s program

By Staff Report, posted Jan 13, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com

A new undergraduate degree program prepares future teachers to meet the increasing demand for licensed special education teachers throughout the state and region. Image courtesy of FSU.

The College of Education at Fayetteville State University will introduce a new bachelor's degree in special education, expanding undergraduate offerings and enhancing the preparation of future educators in North Carolina. The first cohort is scheduled to begin in fall 2026.

The new degree provides a comprehensive pathway to licensure as a special education teacher by integrating targeted coursework with practical experience across a variety of school settings. Graduates will be eligible for K-12 certification and may also pursue additional specializations in elementary education, reading or mathematics to expand their professional opportunities.

“The launch of this new Bachelor of Science in Special Education marks a powerful step forward for Fayetteville State University and our community, preparing highly qualified special education teachers, strengthening local schools and shaping the future through the power of teaching,” said Jocelyn Smith-Gray, Ed.D., interim associate dean and chair of the Department of Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle Grades, Reading and Special Education, in a press release.

Recent state data indicate that special education remains one of the highest-needs teaching fields in North Carolina. Instructional vacancies in Exceptional Children positions persist as school systems strive to meet the needs of students with disabilities, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Within the Sandhills region, there is a particularly acute need for licensed special education teachers. According to Smith-Gray, previous data identified numerous vacancies in surrounding counties, including Cumberland, Harnett, Moore, Lee and Hoke.

To address these workforce challenges, FSU has developed this targeted program, building upon the university’s longstanding commitment to educator preparation. Previously, the department offered only a minor in special education and a Master of Arts in Teaching for Special Education; the new program provides comprehensive training for undergraduate candidates, enabling graduates to enter the profession fully licensed and prepared for classroom responsibilities.

Beyond preparing future special education teachers, the program is intended to support other key university initiatives. The new degree will also strengthen FSU’s North Carolina Teaching Fellowship Program, which offers high-achieving students up to $10,000 in forgivable loans per year, totaling $40,000 over four years, to cover tuition, books and licensure fees.

In return, Fellows commit to teaching in a North Carolina public school for one year for each year they receive the award. By extending this program to include special education, FSU is establishing a direct pipeline of licensed educators trained to serve high-need classrooms across North Carolina.

“FSU’s undergraduate Special Education program prepares educators who recognize the potential in every learner and advocate for inclusive opportunities,” said Chandrika Johnson, Ph.D., dean of the College of Education, in a press release. “Our efforts ensure that exceptional students receive exceptional support, as every child deserves a path to success.”

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