The Graduate Certificate in Special Education provides candidates with the specialized knowledge of assessment and intervention strategies that support the learning of children with exceptional learning needs for grades K-8 (Elementary) or grades 7-12 (Secondary). The graduate certificate program leads to an endorsement in special education on an existing teacher certificate in the State of Alaska.
This program is designed to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in the State of Alaska. However, the program might not meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in other states. Please see UAA’s Licensure and Certification website for more information.
Admission Requirements
- Complete the Admission Requirements for Graduate Certificates.
- Complete the admissions requirements for the program:
- Hold a current teaching certificate.
- Submit a resume documenting one year of appropriate, recent experience with children experiencing disabilities.
- Provide three professional references.
- Submit a writing sample.
- Contact the School of Education (SOE) for an admissions packet.
Candidates must receive approval from their advisor prior to taking coursework from another institution intended to satisfy requirements for the graduate certificate.
The School of Education allows access to coursework through a variety of methodologies and delivery formats, including distance education. Candidates must have the technological knowledge, skills and access to engage in distance learning.
Background Check Requirements
See School of Education Field Placements.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete the General University Requirements for Graduate Certificates.
- Complete the following major requirements:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| EDSE A610 | Clinical Assessment: Eligibility and Program Planning | 3 |
| EDSE A612 | Curriculum and Strategies I: Low Incidence | 3 |
| EDSE A622 | Curriculum and Strategies II: High Incidence | 3 |
| EDSE A623 | Language and Literacy: Best Practices in Assessment and Intervention | 3 |
| EDSE A625 | Teaching Mathematics to Special Learners | 3 |
| EDSE A692 | Internship Seminar in Special Education Teaching | 1-2 |
| Concentration | ||
| Complete one of the following concentrations: | 9 | |
| Elementary Education | ||
| Family Partnerships in Early Childhood Special Education | ||
or EDSE A623Y | Strategies and Interventions: Preschool Special Education | |
or PSY A623Y | Strategies and Interventions: Preschool Special Education | |
| Advanced Internship in Special Education: Elementary | ||
| Secondary Education | ||
| Transition Services for Secondary Students with Disabilities | ||
| Advanced Internship in Special Education: Secondary | ||
| Total | 25-26 | |
Meet the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) standards.
A minimum of 25 credits is required for the degree.
Coursework applied to the certificate may apply to the MEd with faculty advisor approval.
State-Approved Verification Form & Alaska Teacher Certification
Following are the requirements for a state-approved verification form for a special education endorsement.
- Hold a professional teacher certificate.
- Completed all required courses with a minimum grade of C and a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
- Completed internships and a professional portfolio documenting attainment of Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) standards.
- Passed the Praxis II in Special Education as required by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.
- Posted Graduate Certificate on transcript.
- Demonstrated technology skills appropriate to the field.
Note Concerning Alaska Teaching Certification:
The state-approved verification form for special education endorsement on an existing teaching certificate will be at the grade range of that certificate. DEED may have additional requirements for certification/endorsement. Additional requirements for teaching certification within the state of Alaska can be found at the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Student outcomes for the Special Education Graduate Certificate program are based on the professional standards of the Council of Exceptional Children (CEC) located at www.cec.sped.org. Students who complete this program will be able to:
- Utilize a variety of assessments to identify specific areas of student strengths and weaknesses and use the results to guide instruction.
- Individualize instruction to meet the specific needs of students with disabilities in inclusive settings.
- Support and promote inclusiveness and equity for students.
- Apply the legal and ethical principles associated with special education.
- Promote a positive social environment for all students, particularly those with significant emotional and/or behavioral disorders.
- Develop and maintain an atmosphere of collaboration with teachers, parents, administrators, and paraprofessionals.
- Critically analyze and apply principles of research.
- Demonstrate literacy regarding theoretical perspectives associated with human development and learning.