The National University of Tainan has a long-standing tradition of teacher training 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. Upon completing the program, these teachers served as itinerant educators, providing support to students with visual impairments and contributing to special education initiatives across Taiwan.
Building on this foundation, the Department of Special Education at NUTN was established in 1987. Since then, the department has expanded its programs as follows:
- 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 was introduced in 2001.
- Two additional master’s programs—Assistive Technology and Severe & Profound Disabilities—were added in 2006.
- A doctoral program in special education was approved in 2008.
To further extend special education resources and services to the Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Penghu regions, the Special Education Center was also established.
Ⅰ. Department Mission
The mission of the Department of Special Education is to prepare students to:
- Develop a thorough understanding of children with disabilities and their needs.
- Acquire the knowledge and skills essential for special education.
- Cultivate a professional mindset and dedication to special education.
- Enhance research abilities and foster interest in special education studies.
Ⅱ. Courses
Undergraduate students must complete 128 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 (formerly Mental Retardation)
- Learning Disabilities
- Hearing Impairments
- Visual Impairments
Master’s program students must complete 32 credits and submit a thesis.