Ⅰ. Establishment
The National University of Tainan has a long history of teacher training programs in special education. In 1966, the Taiwan Provincial Program of Itinerant Teachers for the Visually Handicapped was established on campus. This program trained in-service teachers from both regular and special schools to support children with visual impairments. After completing the program, these teachers served as itinerant educators, assisting students with visual impairments and contributing to special education efforts in cities and counties across Taiwan.
Building on this foundation, the Department of Special Education at NUTN was established in 1987. Over the years, the department has expanded its offerings:
- A summer program was introduced in 1988.
- A master’s program in special education was launched in 1989.
- A master’s program for in-service teachers followed in 2001.
- Two additional master’s programs—Assistive Technology and Severe & Profound Disabilities—were introduced in 2006.
- A doctoral program in special education was approved in 2008.
To further promote special education in the Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Penghu areas, the Special Education Center was also established.
Ⅱ. Department Mission
The mission of the Department of Special Education is to prepare students to:
- Develop a deep understanding of children with disabilities and their unique needs.
- Gain the knowledge and skills necessary for special education.
- Cultivate a professional mindset dedicated to special education.
- Enhance research capabilities and foster interest in special education studies.
Ⅲ. Courses
Students in the undergraduate program must complete 132 credits, including 72 credits in special education. In addition to core departmental courses, students can choose from five specialized course clusters:
- Gifted Education
- Intellectual Disabilities (Mental Retardation)
- Learning Disabilities
- Hearing Impairments
- Visual Impairments
Master’s program students are required to complete 32 credits and submit a thesis.