Graduate Certificate in Special Education Online (Moderate to Severe)

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Overview

Empower Your Teaching Journey 

The Graduate Certificate of Completion: Special Education, Moderate to Severe from Grand Canyon University can prepare you to grow as an effective communicator and mentor for those with moderate to severe learning exceptionalities. In this special education certificate program, you will study behavior management, special education law and assessment. You will also explore individualized education program planning and methods, all integrated with a foundation of our Christian worldview.

Whether you're seeking to enter a new industry, enhance your current skill set or advance your career, a moderate to severe special education certificate program can provide a streamlined and efficient path to achieve your goals. This certificate also meets requirements for an Arizona provisional mild/moderate disabilities, pre-K-12 endorsement and exceeds credit count requirements for an Arizona full mild/moderate disabilities, pre-K-12 endorsement by three credits, as well as meets the Higher Learning Commission’s certificate and endorsement requirements. 

Special Education Teacher Working With Student at Table
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.

Special Education Teacher Works with Student on Tablet

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.

Throughout this online special education graduate certificate, you have the ability to create safe, inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments through collaboration with colleagues and other professionals. Strategies to develop your student’s emotional well-being, positive social interactions and self-determination are prioritized. 

You will also investigate how speech-language pathologists, special education teachers and others assist individuals with moderate to severe exceptionalities in the use of:

  • Augmentative and alternative assistive technology
  • Modifications and accommodations to enhance students’ communication and learning skills in math and sciences
Teacher Bonds With Student With Exceptionalities at Classroom Table
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.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.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.

Special Education Teacher Works With Student at Their Desk

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. Enroll today.

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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).

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

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