Department of Special Education

Our department was established in the 2000–2001 academic year. It consists of three divisions: Education of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, Education of Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Education of Gifted and Talented Students. In the 2000–2001 academic year, based on ÖSYM exam results, the Division of Education of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities began its educational activities with 30 students.

Currently, our department has 411 undergraduate students, 92 master’s students, and 28 doctoral students. The academic staff consists of 1 Professor, 3 Associate Professors, 4 Assistant Professors, 3 Lecturers (PhD), and 5 Research Assistants. Four of the research assistants are currently pursuing their doctoral studies.

Our department continues to train highly qualified special education teachers needed in Türkiye, as well as academics who will conduct scientific research and contribute to the field. With the regulation issued by the Board of Education and Discipline in 2014, graduates of Intellectual Disabilities Teaching, Hearing Impairments Teaching, and Visual Impairments Teaching programs began to be appointed under the title “Special Education Teacher.” In 2015, the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) decided to merge the separate undergraduate programs (Intellectual Disabilities, Hearing Impairments, Visual Impairments, and Gifted Education) into a single program titled “Special Education Teaching.” Accordingly, the Department of Special Education admitted its first students in the 2016–2017 academic year.

Our Special Education Teacher Education Program was accredited for a period of five years during the 2022–2023 evaluation cycle. The accreditation became effective on 01.05.2023, and the program continues to maintain its accredited status by successfully meeting all required criteria. The accreditation process is coordinated by our Department Accreditation Coordinator, Prof. Dr. Hakan SARI.

ÖZEL EĞİTİM BÖLÜMÜ DERS LİSTESİ

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the department may be appointed to special education schools for children with intellectual disabilities under the Ministry of National Education, inclusive classrooms in primary, middle, and high schools, Guidance and Research Centers, and institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Family and Social Services. They may also work in private special education institutions or establish their own institutions.

Our department offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs. The academic staff includes 1 Professor, 3 Associate Professors, 4 Assistant Professors, 3 Lecturers (PhD), and 5 Research Assistants. Four of the research assistants are currently pursuing doctoral studies.

The department currently has 411 undergraduate students, 92 master’s students, and 28 doctoral students.

The vision of the Necmettin Erbakan University Department of Special Education is to contribute to the field of special education through both theoretical and practical studies while developing effective solutions for the education and independent living of individuals with special needs. It aims to train teachers who ensure that individuals with special needs become independent, productive, and active members of society.

In line with this vision, the department aims to train teachers who conduct scientific research, adhere to professional ethics, understand individuals holistically, and support their cognitive and social development. It also aims to equip teacher candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills for promoting independent living for individuals with special needs, supporting families, and strengthening inclusive education practices.

The department promotes social equality and aims to ensure that all individuals feel part of society. It seeks to establish a modern educational culture and train teachers who are professionally competent and socially responsible. In addition, through graduate programs, the department aims to train researchers and academics who conduct high-quality projects and contribute to teacher education. Numerous national and international projects have been successfully completed within this scope.

One of the most important goals of the Department of Special Education is to train competent educators in the field and to produce, develop, and disseminate new knowledge, theories, and research.