Graduate Certificate in Special Education Online (Moderate to Severe)

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Degree Level

Master's

Class Setting

Online

Area of Study

Teaching

Program

Grad. Cert.: Special Education, Moderate to Severe

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Country

United States

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Overview

Empower Your Teaching Journey

The Graduate Certificate of Completion: Special Education, Moderate to Severe is designed for educators who hold a valid Arizona Standard Professional Certificate in one of the following areas: early childhood, elementary, middle grades, secondary, hearing impaired visually impaired, early childhood special education or mild/moderate disabilities.

Candidates must also have three years of full-time teaching experience in PreK-12. Upon completion, GCU’s College of Education graduate certificate program meets all requirements set by the Arizona Department of Education for the full endorsement in moderate to severe disabilities, providing a direct pathway to credential advancement.

Graduate Certificate of Completion: Special Education, Moderate to Severe

Offered By

College of Education

Class Settings

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $615 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 18

Online: 6 weeks

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Transfer Credits

The University will accept one course of the total certificate requirements in transfer.

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Master's)

Undergraduate Degree*
2.8+ GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

GMAT: 500
GRE: 300 combined**

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).

Why GCU

Benefits of Pursuing a Special Education Graduate Certificate From GCU

Studying to earn an online special education credential can offer numerous benefits for aspiring educators, such as:

Greater focus and expertise in the field of special education
Specialized knowledge and skills to lead your students who may have exceptionalities
Flexibility for busy professionals balancing work commitments and education
Gain hands-on practical experiences that are valuable in classroom settings

These skills can help you toward becoming a more effective and qualified teacher for students with diverse needs. Furthermore, you will have access to a supportive community of knowledgeable educators and professionals in the special education field who can provide valuable networking opportunities and connections. For those aligned with Christian values, GCU integrates these principles into the curriculum, emphasizing compassion, empathy and a holistic approach to teaching.

Moreover, pursuing a graduate certificate can ensure that educators stay updated with the latest research, methodologies and best practices in special education. The completion of this certificate can be a steppingstone toward further pursuits, such as pursuing a master's or other advanced special education programs.

Empowering Educators: Discover the Online Special Education Credential

The College of Education at GCU takes great care in preparing you for your own career in education, as well as teaching you how to lead your own classroom. This graduate certificate in special education online allows you to focus on critical competencies within special education for your chosen path of teaching in moderate to severe special education classrooms.

With just 18 credits to completion in an online format, you can earn your graduate certificate in special education in an efficient manner. Visit our Admission Requirements page for more information on how to be admitted into this program to work toward pursuing an online special education credential.

Coursework

Special Education Teaching Techniques for Students With Exceptionalities

If any of your students present exceptionalities in any form, they will typically need extra support to aid their growth and development toward becoming successful and engaged graduates. The program places a strong emphasis on fostering critical thinking and leadership skills among educators, equipping them to provide the necessary assistance to students with diverse needs.

Professionals in this moderate to severe special education certificate program will have the opportunity to investigate diagnostic and assessment tools for determining student eligibility and monitoring for progress. Foundational knowledge is built regarding the use of multiple methods of assessment and data sources for diagnostic and educational decisions for individuals with moderate to severe exceptionalities.

Careers

Career Paths for Certificate Holders

Graduates of this program have the potential to enjoy enhanced career opportunities, such as:

Special education teacher (preschool and kindergarten)
Special education teacher (elementary school)
Special education teacher (middle and secondary school)
Special education teacher (all others)

Earning a certified special education certificate allows you to work with a wide range of student ages, grade levels and abilities.^{(See disclaimer 1)} It may also open doors to finding work that involves performing instructional and behavioral interventions and consulting with students and families who face learning exceptionalities. By adopting this approach, the specific and unique instructional needs of each child can be met, enabling students to be grouped based on their developmental stage (ability) rather than age, ensuring a more tailored learning experience.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

FAQ

Moderate to Severe Special Education Online Certificate FAQs

We have compiled essential answers to frequently asked questions regarding our online certificate program. Whether you're a prospective candidate or an interested educator, this may help provide clarity and guidance on the program's details, benefits and requirements. Explore the key information about our specialized online certificate for moderate to severe special education.

What can I do with a graduate certificate in special education?

The moderate to severe special education certificate can provide career paths that have the potential to be rewarding and meaningful. You may find that being able to teach and lead a classroom of students toward a successful education and life to be emotionally fulfilling. Special education teachers can find careers not just in a traditional classroom, but also in nonprofit organizations, health agencies and clinics, government agencies or state programs that promote education and assistance for those with learning exceptionalities.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

What skills does a moderate to severe special education teacher need?

Moderate to severe special education teachers should embody specific skills, such as patience, creativity, strong organization methods and a calming nature. These skills can help teachers develop innovative productive styles that cater to the needs of their classroom and students. An intuitive teacher who has found growth in flexible communication skills may be better prepared to understand and support the nuances of their students’ behaviors.

Can you become a certified teacher without an education degree?

Yes. Many states and countries offer alternative pathways to teacher certification for individuals with a bachelor's degree in a subject other than education. If you earned a bachelor’s degree in any subject, a certificate program in education can help put you on a path to becoming a certified teacher. Certificate programs help bridge the gap into teaching by focusing on pedagogy skills, licensure exam preparation and gaining teaching experience under the mentorship of an experienced educator. Be sure to check your state’s department of education, as each state has its own certification requirements.

Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in fields like science, math, literature or history, who are passionate about teaching, can take advantage of these alternative routes to become certified teachers and contribute to the field of education.

Is it difficult to get into the Graduate Certificate in Special Education program?

This can vary depending on several factors, such as the specific requirements of the program. Typically, graduate certificate programs have specific admission criteria, such as holding a bachelor's degree, meeting a minimum GPA requirement, submitting letters of recommendation and providing a statement of purpose. The program may also consider relevant work experience or prior coursework in education. Demonstrating your passion for special education, relevant experience and a strong commitment to the field can positively influence the admission process. Remember to thoroughly review the program requirements or fill out the form on this page and a university counselor can help you learn more about the specifics on getting into this certificate program at GCU.

What is the difference between a special education graduate certificate and a degree?

The main difference between a special education graduate certificate and a degree program typically lies in the scope, depth and duration of study. If you are looking to gain training or knowledge in a specific career field, a certificate program may be right for you. Graduate certificates are often shorter and more focused on a specialized area of knowledge and skills, such as special education. This particular certificate only requires 18 credits to complete. It can enhance your expertise in a specific area of special education within a more condensed timeframe, while acknowledging that a traditional bachelor’s degree program typically entails a 120-credit completion requirement.

However, earning a degree, such as a master's or doctoral degree in special education, can provide a comprehensive and in-depth study of the subject. Degrees typically cover a broad range of coursework and practical experiences. A degree program may be a great choice for those looking to pursue management or leadership-level positions. Degrees often take longer to complete than certificates. The choice between a certificate and a degree depends on your career goals, your time commitment and your desired level of specialization in the field of special education.

What is a mild to moderate special education certificate?

A mild to moderate special education certificate is specially designed to provide teachers with the necessary knowledge, skills and strategies to support and nurture students with high-incident disabilities. This moderate to severe program teaches assistive technology, modifications and accommodations to help educators create a safe and inclusive environment to those with greater exceptionalities. These students are typically in a self-contained setting.

What is the difference between mild/moderate and moderate/severe special educational learning difficulties?

Mild and moderate learning difficulties are high incidence exceptionalities and can include communication disorders (speech and language impairments), mild/moderate intellectual disabilities, emotional or behavioral disorders, cognitive impairment or a certain spectrum of autism. These programs are usually taught in an inclusive, self-contained, resource classroom or a combination of these settings.

These are different from moderate to severe (low incidence) exceptionalities which include intellectual disabilities, blindness, low vision, deafness, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blindness, significant developmental delay, complex health issues, serious physical impairment, multiple disability or a certain spectrum of autism. Individuals with moderate to severe exceptionalities are normally taught in a self-contained setting.

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

Major18 credits

Degree Requirements18 credits

Core Courses

MSS-520

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates will learn to create and maintain safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environments that foster the academic and social growth of students with disabilities. Emphasizing collaboration and evidence-based practices, the course focuses on identifying diverse factors affecting student learning and motivation and analyzing various measures of data for identifying the purpose or function served by interfering behavior and designing effective interventions. Instructional strategies will focus on promoting emotional well-being, positive social interactions, self-determination and regulation, and intensive small group instruction to enhance collaborative skills in both physical and virtual settings. Candidates will also develop expertise in establishing routines and using technology to support productive learning environments, and in evaluating and creating data-driven behavior management plans for students with moderate to severe exceptionalities. Practicum/field experience hours: 25. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: MSS-508 or approved enrollment in the Graduate Certificate of Completion: Special Education, Moderate to Severe.

MSS-540

3 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, teacher candidates delve into the science of reading and phonics with an emphasis on understanding both typical and atypical language development and the effect of disabilities and disorders on literacy. Candidates are guided to use this knowledge to make informed programmatic and instructional decisions that support individuals with moderate to severe exceptionalities. Research-based strategies for phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension are explored, along with methods for accommodating the general education curriculum to enhance access to the core curriculum and support individualized learning needs. Candidates will examine the role of speech-language pathologists, special education teachers, and others in utilizing augmentative and alternative communication to promote literacy and communication skills. Focus is placed on planning and implementing instruction and assessments using assistive technologies that facilitate communication and learning for students with moderate to severe exceptionalities, ensuring that modifications and accommodations are effectively integrated to maximize student success. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: MSS-530 or approved enrollment in the Graduate Certificate of Completion: Special Education, Moderate to Severe.

MSS-545

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course equips teacher candidates with the skills to select and adapt research-based instructional strategies, ensuring access to English language arts content, including literacy, for individuals with moderate to severe exceptionalities. Emphasis is placed on the creation of developmentally appropriate and meaningful learning experiences that address individual strengths, needs, and interests, while providing a functional approach to ELA instruction. Candidates will explore the effect of disabilities like dyslexia on reading acquisition, understanding their variance in presentation and degree. Focus is placed on modifying the general education curriculum and planning specially designed instruction (SDI) to foster skills and strategies enabling students with moderate to severe exceptionalities to access the core curriculum, meet individualized learning goals, and function successfully across diverse settings. Candidates will also learn to develop formal and informal assessments that minimize bias and yield valid, reliable data on student progress and needs. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: MSS-530 or approved enrollment in the Graduate Certificate of Completion: Special Education, Moderate to Severe.

MSS-550

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates will explore a range of diagnostic and educational assessment tools essential for determining student eligibility and tracking progress for individuals with moderate to severe exceptionalities. Candidates will acquire a foundational understanding of using various assessment methods and analyzing data to identify typical and atypical developmental patterns for comprehensive learner profiles, which are used to inform the creation of individualized education programs (IEPs) and effective educational planning. Focus is placed on identifying culturally and linguistically relevant measures and procedures that contribute to fair and accurate eligibility determination for special education services. Additionally, the course emphasizes the importance of clear communication with IEP team members, external stakeholders, and families regarding assessment outcomes and educational decisions. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: MSS-510 or approved enrollment in the Graduate Certificate of Completion: Special Education, Moderate to Severe.

MSS-560

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates will explore professional ethical principles, practice standards, and the legal framework governing special education. They will apply these ethical guidelines and policies to real-world scenarios, enhancing their professional conduct and decision-making with individuals with moderate to severe exceptionalities. The course will also develop candidates' skills in communication, group facilitation, problem-solving, and conflict resolution, fostering culturally responsive collaboration with families and stakeholders. Teacher candidates will focus on developing an individualized education program (IEP) and on building effective partnerships and managing team dynamics, including mentoring and overseeing paraprofessionals. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: MSS-508 or approved enrollment in the Graduate Certificate of Completion: Special Education, Moderate to Severe.

MSS-570

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Teacher candidates will enhance their repertoire with research-based instructional strategies, ensuring access to and engagement with functional mathematics and science content for students with moderate to severe exceptionalities. Candidates will employ a variety of assessments to discern students' prior knowledge and individual needs, enabling the design of personalized and effective lesson plans. A key focus will be the strategic selection and adaptation of instructional strategies, tools, and resources, including technology, to foster higher-order thinking skills and accommodate diverse learning styles. Candidates will also learn to apply flexible grouping techniques to tailor instruction for individuals and small groups. Additionally, the course will cover collaborative strategies for working with general education teachers to support inclusive education and modeling of best practices in both traditional and virtual learning environments. Practicum/field experience hours: None. Fingerprint clearance not required. Prerequisite: MSS-530 or approved enrollment in the Graduate Certificate of Completion: Special Education, Moderate to Severe.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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Start Your Journey Today

Unlock your potential as a compassionate and knowledgeable educator. Join our program today to be taught how to empower and support students with diverse abilities. Begin creating inclusive and impactful learning environments that can make a difference in the lives of those with high-incident disabilities.

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If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).

Teach.com. (n.d.). Teaching Special Education. Retrieved July 26, 2023.

Graduate Certificate in Special Education Online (Moderate to Severe)

Empower Your Teaching Journey

Benefits of Pursuing a Special Education Graduate Certificate From GCU

Empowering Educators: Discover the Online Special Education Credential

Special Education Teaching Techniques for Students With Exceptionalities

Career Paths for Certificate Holders

Moderate to Severe Special Education Online Certificate FAQs

Program Curriculum

Core Courses

We're here to help.

Empower Your Teaching Journey

Benefits of Pursuing a Special Education Graduate Certificate From GCU

Moderate to Severe Special Education Online Certificate FAQs

Special Education Teaching Techniques for Students With Exceptionalities

Empowering Educators: Discover the Online Special Education Credential

Career Paths for Certificate Holders

Program Curriculum

Core Courses