Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) 

Program Overview

The Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) licensure program at UNCP will prepare candidates to teach students with academic and/or intellectual gifts in the K-12 environment. Completers are eligible for the add-on AIG license. The program's focus is designed to provide candidates with the latest knowledge of theory and practice and to prepare highly trained teachers to utilize these theories and practices in working with AIG students.

Program Goals and Objectives

The goal of the AIG Program is to prepare effective and qualified professionals who provide research-validated instruction and behavior supports students identified as AIG. The following are the objectives for the undergraduate AIG Program.

• the ability to articulate a defensible rationale for gifted education;
• an awareness of the historical foundations of gifted education;
• an understanding of the characteristics and needs of the gifted;
• an understanding of the influence of family, community, and culture on the identification of and service for diverse gifted students;
• an awareness of service delivery options for gifted students;
• a clear understanding of federal, state, and local laws and guidelines for gifted education;
• the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate learning experiences for gifted students;
• the ability to appropriately manage the learning environment for gifted students;
• an understanding of program design/program evaluation in gifted education; and
• the ability to serve as an advocate in support of gifted education.

Course Requirements

Levels Offered

Initial Licensure Add-On Undergraduate Program:

The AIG Program will offer an add-on initial license at the undergraduate level. This four-course (Twelve credit hours as stipulated by state standards for AIG Programs) licensure program may be taken as an add-on licensure post-baccalaureate undergraduate program. Candidates must hold a valid North Carolina Teaching License to be considered for the program.  A Plan of Study is also required to participate in Add-On Licensure Program. 

Applicants will need to follow the directions below and choose from new UNCP students or returning UNCP students for the correct process. All AIG candidates are Non Degree Seeking, Licensure/Certification, AIG Add On students. If there are any questions, please reach out to Dr. Karen Granger - karen.granger@uncp.edu

For new UNC Pembroke applicants:

Submit an undergraduate application. You will need to complete the undergraduate application.  Please submit four year degree transcript from the school where you earned your bachelor’s degree (We do not need graduate work), and complete the NC Residency Determination (RDS).  The application fee has been waived.

For returning UNC Pembroke applicants:

Submit an undergraduate readmission application online at Braves Come Back indicating licensure and selecting AIG Add-On for the major.  You will need to complete the NC Residency Determination (RDS).  The application fee has been waived.

You will receive an acceptance letter from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions with next steps and Dr. Karen Granger will be your advisor.  All application materials, including transcripts, MUST be adhere to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions due dates.  If there are any questions please reach out to Dr. Karen Granger – karen.granger@uncp.edu or 910-521-6448.