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-General, 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

Pass the state-mandated content test and 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.