special education student with child

Special EducationUndergraduate Certificate

Develop a deeper understanding of Special Education so you can support the strengths and challenges of individuals with disabilities.

Prepare to serve students of all ages with disabilities. This 100% online undergraduate certificate program will prepare you to work in school-based settings. You'll learn the latest methods, research and training associated with Special Education.

Program type:
Certificates/Programs - Undergraduate
Format:
Online
Est. time to complete:
1-2 semesters
Credit hours:
12

Why earn a special education undergraduate certificate?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 1
Spring:
Nov. 1

 

This part-time, flexible undergraduate certificate is designed for parents, practitioners or professionals who work with individuals with learning and intellectual disabilities and emotional behavior disorders. Earn your certificate in special education online or on-campus. Either way, it provides you with the skills and tools you need to effectively address the many and varied challenges students face.

Jobs in Special Education

Job prospects for special education teachers are excellent due to the rising enrollments of special education students and shortages of qualified teachers. Job openings are expected as a result of teacher retirements or career changes.

Special education certificates equip teachers with the skills on how to teach disabled students in accessible and effective ways. Like all teachers, you will need to be licensed, both as a teacher and special ed instructor, with some states offering specialized certification for different types of disabilities. The requirements for receiving certification as a special education teacher vary by state.

Undergraduate Certificate in Special Education 

  • Flexibility to learn on your schedule, with no set meeting times.

  • Real world experiential learning under highly qualified mentors/special education teachers.

  • Specialized training for entry-level support staff.

  • Only a high school diploma is needed to apply.

  • Only certificate of its kind.

  • Coursework can be applied to a degree program.

Required Special Education Certificate Courses

T&L 251. Understanding Individuals with Different Abilities. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce students to foundational knowledge of individuals with different abilities addressing the identification, supports, range of services, assessment components, and evidence-based teaching practices. Historical, legal, cultural, and societal influences that impacts educational success will be explored. F,S,SS.

T&L 316. Behavioral Assessment and Tiered Supports in Education. 3 Credits.

The study of behavior management within a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) for the educational advancement of children and youths in schools. Behavior concepts, assessments, and interventions are applied within the MTSS framework as defined by contemporary special education laws and regulations. Prerequisite or Corequisite: T&L 315. F,S.

T&L 319. Integrating Diverse Needs in Educational Settings. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students to the shared, collaborative responsibility of professionals in education. It emphasizes understanding of different emotional and learning abilities and underscores the requirement that teachers create and modify learning environments and adapt evidence-based teaching strategies and methods. Integrated into this course are concepts of accountability, building collaborative partnerships and facilitating educational programming for inclusive success. F,S,SS.

T&L 423. Assessment and Individualized Planning in Special Education. 3 Credits.

A study of the principles and practices of: (1) obtaining diagnostic information on school-related problems of a student; (2) assimilating this information and prescribing appropriate alterations based on continuous measurement data. Prerequisites or Corequisites: T&L 315 and T&L 319. F,S.

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