USQ Springfield campus offers three new programs in 2008

University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Springfield campus will offer three new undergraduate programs in 2008, bringing the total number of undergraduate programs now offered at the campus to 17.

The campus will offer Bachelor of Education (Special Education), Bachelor of Human Services (Counselling) and Law programs on-campus from Semester 1, 2008.

Faculty of Education, Associate Dean, Associate Professor Lindsay Parry said USQ's new education program would be one of only a few undergraduate degrees in special education in Australia when it launches next year.

'Special education programs will prepare teachers to meet the diverse needs of all learners in the regular and special education classrooms,' he said.

'Subject to accreditation from the Queensland College of Teachers, the course will qualify teachers for employment in the regular primary or middle classroom and the special education classroom.

'The focus on curriculum, particularly in the areas of autistic spectrum disorder, speech and language difficulties and social and emotional difficulties, will inform future teachers of a range of pedagogical and behavioural strategies that are beneficial for all learners.

'There has long been a need in education for teachers specifically qualified to teach special needs students.

'The Bachelor of Education (Special Education) will help address this shortage.'

USQ Springfield campus will also offer Bachelor of Human Services (Counselling) and Law programs in 2008.

The Bachelor of Human Services (Counselling) is a program for people wishing to work in community organisations, community development and in the counselling field as youth counsellors, welfare workers and support workers.

It also affords the opportunity to engage in specialised study of marginalised groups such as indigenous and disability communities.

USQ's comprehensive Law programs will provide students with a valuable option to study law in the Springfield area, enabling local residents to study close to home.

The program will not only prepare students for practice as a solicitor or barrister in Queensland but also to examine the legal process and its social, political and economic context.

Media Contact: Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0428 102 979