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The Graduate Certificate in Special Education is designed for both part-time and full-time graduate students seeking expertise in one of five specialized areas: autism, learning disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders, gifted education, or intellectual disabilities. These focus areas are valuable for professionals working with individuals with disabilities or exceptional abilities across educational, community, childcare, or home environments. Each specialization consists of 15 credit hours that build both theoretical understanding and practical skills. Credits from these certificate programs can count toward master's or doctoral degrees in special education, though degree program credits cannot be applied toward the certificate. All five certificate tracks require completion of 15 credit hours.
Learning Outcomes
Students will (SW) comprehend the unique traits of learners with specific disabilities and apply this knowledge to create tailored, challenging educational materials (such as lesson plans, unit designs, and evaluation methods) that address individual learning requirements.
SW recognize the cultural and linguistic diversity among students and how their personal cultural perspectives influence interactions, enabling them to design culturally inclusive lessons and learning spaces that respect students' backgrounds and family contexts.
SW identify multiple assessment approaches for evaluating academic progress and social-emotional development, then utilize these tools to inform data-driven instructional choices that enhance student learning.
SW grasp fundamental behavior management concepts (including functional behavior analysis, positive support systems, and classroom structure development) and apply constructive behavioral interventions to assist students with disabilities in school settings.