Teacher working with young student

Special Education Certificate

Graduate Certificate

Develop a deeper understanding of special education so you can support the strengths and challenges of students with disabilities.

This 100% online graduate certificate prepares teachers to serve school-aged students with learning and intellectual disabilities and emotional behavioral disorders. You'll also be prepared to help younger children receiving early childhood special education services.

Program type:
Certificate - Graduate
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
1 year
Credit hours:
15

Why earn a graduate certificate in special education online?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
July 15
Spring:
Nov. 1
Summer:
April 1

This full-time, flexible online Special Education graduate certificate is designed for:

  • General education teachers
  • Early childhood teachers
  • Professionals who work with individuals with emotional/behavioral disorders, intellectual disabilities or learning disabilities

It provides you with the skills and tools you need to effectively address the many and varied challenges students with special needs face.

Special Education Certificate Tracks

There are five disability specific specialization tracks for this certificate:

  1. Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS)
  2. Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
  3. Emotional Behavior Disorders (EBD)
  4. Intellectual Disabilities (ID)
  5. Learning Disabilities (LD)

Online Special Education Certification Program

  • You'll acquire a special education license to help fill the demand for special education teachers at the state and national level.

  • Fully online program allows you the flexibility to learn on your own schedule in the comfort of your own home.

  • Enjoy hands-on, real-world experiential learning with highly qualified mentors and practicing special education teachers.

What can I do with an online special education certification?

Now is an ideal time to pursue a special education graduate certificate. Job prospects are strong due to rising enrollments of special education students and shortages of qualified teachers. Additional job openings are expected as a result of teacher retirements or career changes.

Special education teachers typically do the following:

  • Assess students’ skills and determine their educational needs
  • Adapt general lessons to meet students’ needs
  • Develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student
  • Plan activities that are specific to each student’s abilities
  • Teach and mentor students as a class, in small groups, and one-on-one
  • Implement IEPs, assess students’ performance, and track their progress
  • Update IEPs throughout the school year to reflect students’ progress and goals
  • Discuss students’ progress with parents, other teachers, counselors, and administrators
  • Supervise and mentor teacher assistants who work with students with disabilities
  • Prepare and help students transition from grade to grade and from school to life outside of school

Online Special Education Certification Courses

SPED 510. Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the field of Early Childhood Special Education, primarily for students interested in entering the field. Issues such as program design, parent involvement, identification, infant education, and effects of disabilities will be covered. F,S,SS.

SPED 555. Advanced Methods: Emotional Behavioral Disorders. 3 Credits.

The study of specific strategies, methods, and materials for working with students with emotional behavioral disorders. Prerequisite: Admission to one of the master's programs in special education. F,S,SS.

SPED 556. Advanced Methods: Intellectual Disabilities. 3 Credits.

This course is a masters level methods course designed for professionals seeking to extend their skills in the areas of instruction, functional (life skills) curriculum, program and curriculum development, and functional behavioral analysis for working with students with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. Prerequisite: Graduate status and admission to one of the master's programs in special education. F,S,SS.

SPED 508. Introduction to Learning Disabilities. 3 Credits.

The historical perspective and the complexities of identification and characteristics of learning disabilities will be covered. Students will gain an understanding of service delivery models within a multisystems approach. F,S,SS.

Code SPED 540 not found (or empty).

SPED 521. IEP and the Transition Process. 3 Credits.

This course covers the development of a federally mandated Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for students identified with one of the 13 disability areas as defined by IDEA. Additionally, this course focuses on education, personal, and vocational transition for students with disabilities. Assessment and transition program planning will be covered along with interagency collaboration skills and career awareness. F,S,SS.

Leaders in Special Education

Den Bolda, special education teacher at Fargo North High School, is a graduate of the online special education program.

Read Den's Story

Explore More Options

Connect with faculty you'll work with at UND or discover similar graduate certificates.

Program Contact
Dr. Carol Johnson
P 701.777.0612
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