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There are three options in special education for advanced study. A Graduate Certificate program will be available to individuals who possess a teaching license and are teaching out of field. The certificate program is a flexible credit program of study that requires a minimum of 18 credits to obtain special education as an add-on to an existing initial or standard license. Candidates will be prepared to deliver non-categorical services to a variety of learners with disabilities. Through supervised practice, candidates will be required to demonstrate competencies required of K-12 special educators. This program does not result in teaching licensure.

Admissions

To be admitted, students must have one of the following:

• Admission to the Graduate School (an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.7 or better, or 3.0 in the last 60 baccalaureate hours), without an initial or standard license
• Admission into an initial licensure program in Early, Middle, or Secondary Education with a minimum of 12 hours and a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Candidates electing this route must sign an acknowledgement form that they were advised that the certificate in special education does not result in licensure in special education.

Transfer students may be admitted with an official transcript from a state-sanctioned graduate program. A total of 9 credits may be approved with a GPA of 3.0.