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Visit the School of EducationAs inclusive settings become more commonplace in our public schools, there is a growing demand for teachers who can effectively meet the diverse learning needs of their students. The Special Education Certificate of Completion program offers educators an opportunity to complete further coursework in special education and prepares them to help all of their students succeed.
As legislation calls for additional support to create the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for students with special needs, inclusive classrooms have become the expectation in today’s education system. Currently, many states only require one special education course as part of teacher preparation programs, leaving many educators ill-equipped to create a comfortable learning environment that stimulates each child’s unique abilities.
Learn the strategies needed for today's inclusive classroom.
As children with special needs are identified at earlier ages, the need for educators with strong backgrounds in special education continues to grow. Quinnipiac designed its Special Education Certificate of Completion program to provide general education teachers and pre-service candidates with actionable skills and strategies for differentiation, collaboration and accommodation: tools to create an inclusive classroom environment.
As a student in the program, you will gain a deeper understanding of the strategies and supports necessary to enable students with different learning needs to experience success in accessing the curriculum alongside their non-disabled peers. The program’s coursework provides students with a deeper understanding of the exceptional child and introduces them to creating and teaching in an inclusive classroom. Students also have the opportunity to explore autism spectrum disorders or specific learning disabilities before completing a final independent study as part of their capstone.
Please note that this is a certificate of completion and is not a certification/licensure to teach special education. However, credits earned as part of this certificate may be applied to the MS in Special Education leading to cross-endorsement (CT #165) upon acceptance into the program. Students interested in pursuing this route are encouraged to take both electives offered in the certificate.
The special education certificate of completion is a 12-credit program that may be completed in as few as two semesters. The curriculum examines the exceptional child and frequently identified learning challenges, including courses dedicated to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and specific learning disabilities (SLD). All coursework may be completed entirely online and is designed with working professionals in mind. Credits earned are transferable into the online MS in Special Education upon acceptance into that program.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| SPED 552 | Teaching in the Inclusive Classroom (MAT students only) | 3 |
| SPED 571 | Emotional and Behavioral Disorder Identification, Management, and Assessment | 3 |
| SPED 565 | Specific Learning Disabilities: Identification, Instruction and Assessment (LD) | 3 |
| SPED 566 | Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3 |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| SPED 545 | Introduction to the Exceptional Child | 3 |
| SPED 571 | Emotional and Behavioral Disorder Identification, Management, and Assessment | 3 |
| SPED 565 | Specific Learning Disabilities: Identification, Instruction and Assessment (LD) | 3 |
| SPED 566 | Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3 |
Students who are not currently enrolled at Quinnipiac must complete the graduate application and denote the Special Education Certificate of Completion as their program of interest.
Current students do not need to fill out an application. Instead, current students interested in adding this certificate to their record must first complete the Certificate Declaration Form.
After completing the form, current students can register for certificate courses using the Self-Service Platform.
Complete the Certificate Declaration Form
Register for Certificate Courses
Students also have the option to enroll in courses without matriculating. Students who want to register for courses as non-matriculated or non-degree-seeking should contact Judy Falaro for more information before filling out our Course Registration Form.
Our graduate admissions representatives are here to answer any questions you may have and help you navigate the application process.