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Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Education Add-on
Gifted learners need more than advanced content — they need teachers who understand how they think, learn and grow. UNC Pembroke's Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Education program helps you build that expertise. You'll strengthen your skills with research-based strategies, apply what you learn in your own classroom and graduate ready to earn the add-on AIG license.
Degrees

Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Education Program
The AIG Add-On Licensure program prepares you to teach and support gifted learners across grade levels. You'll gain practical tools, research-based strategies and a strong understanding of how to serve students.
In this program, you'll:
- Earn eligibility for the North Carolina AIG add-on license
- Learn how to plan, deliver and evaluate instruction for gifted students
- Explore the history, purpose and legal foundations of gifted education
- Understand the characteristics and needs of diverse gifted learners
- Study how family, culture and community influence the identification and services of AIG students
- Review service models and program design for AIG students
- Build advocacy skills to support gifted education at every level
The program consists of four courses (12 credit hours), following state standards for AIG programs.
To apply, you must hold a valid North Carolina teaching license and complete a Plan of Study.
All AIG candidates should apply as Non-Degree Seeking, Licensure/Certification, AIG Add-On students.
If you're new to UNCP:
- Complete the undergraduate application
- Submit your official bachelor's degree transcript (no graduate transcripts needed)
- Complete the NC Residency Determination (RDS)
- Application fee is waived
If you've attended UNCP before:
- Complete the undergraduate readmission application (Braves Come Back)
- Select "Licensure" and choose "AIG Add-On" as your major
- Complete the NC Residency Determination (RDS)
- Application fee is waived
After you apply, you'll receive an acceptance letter from the Office of Undergraduate
Admissions with next steps. Dr. Karen Granger will serve as your advisor throughout
the program. Be sure to submit all materials—including transcripts — by the admissions deadlines.

Where Teachers Grow
Support For Your Journey

For me, it's about building relationships and being relatable… The things that (students are) juggling — I really try to be a good listener. I try to get to know my students and really think about some of their perspectives.
Dr. Karen Granger
Associate Professor in the Department of Specialized Educational ProgramsCommon Careers
- Gifted Education Teacher (K–12)
- AIG Program Coordinator
- Classroom Teacher with AIG Endorsement
- Instructional Coach (with a focus on gifted learners)
- Curriculum Specialist for Advanced or Enrichment Programs
Want to learn more?
or call us at 910.521.6262
Send us a message and one of our counselors will get back to you
Faculty
Karen Granger
Chair and Associate Professor of Specialized Educational Programs
karen.granger@uncp.edu910.521.6448
