Graduate Certification Programs in Special Education, Cognitive Disabilities/Intellectual Disabilities

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This certificate is administered by the School of Education Office of Graduate Studies & Professional Development .

You may complete this certification as a specialization in the Education, M.S.E. via Option B or by enrolling as a graduate special student and pursuing certification only. These programs lead to an additional teacher license for those already certified to teach.

To recieve certification, fulfill these requirements:

Professional education

Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary or Secondary Education

Complete your bachelor’s degree in elementary or secondary education, including these required courses:

EDUC 309 - Methods/Materials for Teaching Reading II 3 cr. or
EDUC 386 - Literacy in the Secondary School 3 cr.
EDUC 351 - Educating Students with Special or Other Needs in the General Education Environment 3 cr.
EDUC 381 - Educational Psychology 2 cr.
EDUC 398 - Student Teaching 1-16 cr.
methods courses for your instructional areas
PSYC 260 - Introduction to Developmental Psychology 3 cr. or
HD 261 - Child Growth and Development 3 cr.

Certified in Other Areas of Special Education

If you are certified in other areas of special education, complete these professional education courses:

EDUC 309 - Methods/Materials for Teaching Reading II 3 cr. or
EDUC 386 - Literacy in the Secondary School 3 cr.
EDUC 351 - Educating Students with Special or Other Needs in the General Education Environment 3 cr.
EDUC 381 - Educational Psychology 2 cr.
EDUC 398 - Student Teaching 1-16 cr.
methods courses in regular curriculum
PSYC 260 - Introduction to Developmental Psychology 3 cr. or
equivalent graduate courses

General exceptional education

Areas of specialization

Complete these courses, with an emphasis in mild-moderate cognitive disabilities:

State-Mandated Tests

Demonstrate content knowledge by either:

obtaining a 3.00 or higher in required coursework for this license, or
submitting passing scores on the required Praxis Subject Assessment exams.

You must meet one of the above requirements for teacher licensure.

Pass the state-mandated Foundations of Reading Test.

State Teacher Licensing Rules

Meet state teacher licensing rules which are subject to change at any time due to legislative or licensing changes.