Already have teaching experience, but want to equip yourself to educate students with special needs, such as learning disabilities? You can qualify for special ed teaching jobs with one of the best online special education certification programs in this article. Such programs enable you to work as a special ed teacher without acquiring a dedicated degree. Let’s break down what online special education certification programs are, how you should choose one, and 10 of the best available right now.
Article Navigation: What is Special Education? | Special Education Certificate Tracks | Online Programs | How To Choose The Right Program | How to Apply to a Special Education Certification Program | Top Programs Online | What Can You Do with a Special Education Certificate? | FAQs | Apply to a Special Education Certification Online Program Today!
What is Special Education?
Special education involves teaching students with learning disabilities or other special education needs. Depending on the school where you teach, special education students may have designated classrooms or learn with other students in standard classrooms. While degrees in special education exist, teachers don’t need them to educate special education students.
Instead, teachers can acquire special education certificates. These certificates qualify teachers to work in special education classrooms or to assist certain students with developmental or other disabilities. Graduate certificates in special education are an excellent way to improve your resume and qualify for special education teaching jobs. Students can complete these online certificate programs in less than one year, as many are designed for working professionals.
There are a few different types of special education certificates:
- 100% online certificates. These don’t require you to visit a university in person. Many may be completed full-time or part-time.
- Hybrid certificates. These certificates may be primarily online, but they require you to take a few classes in person or visit your university for one reason.
- In-person certificates. These require you to attend class in person 100% or most of the time.
Special Education Certificate Tracks
Working teachers can pursue many different special education certificate tracks and concentrations. Also called specialties or emphases, these include:
- Behavior Intervention Specialist (BIS) – This certificate provides educators with the skills they need to intervene in moments of crisis or to assist students who have difficulty controlling their behavior
- Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) – This prepares graduates to work with young students who have one or more disabilities
- Emotional Behavior Disorders (EBD) – This certificate allows graduates to work with students with different emotional, learning, or behavioral challenges.
- Intellectual Disabilities (ID) – This certificate prepares graduates to support many different types of students who have intellectual disabilities.
- Learning Disabilities (LD) – This certificate prepares graduates to work with students with one or more learning disabilities.
There are many concentrations aside from these, as well. Be sure to research a prospective university before signing up for one of their programs so you pursue the concentration that best suits your needs or preferences.
Online Programs
Online special education programs and certificates are more available than ever. In addition, most programs include certain core similarities.
Most online special education certification programs take less than one year to complete. These programs typically cover a few core courses in topics, as well as one or two classes that focus on your chosen concentration or declared specialty.
Online Special Education Certification Courses
Each online special education certification program comes with different courses. However, the majority of certificate programs cover topics including but not limited to:
- Assistive technology. These courses teach about technological tools and advancements that help students with disabilities perform everyday tasks, boost their learning skills, and engage with classmates.
- Curriculum development. These courses include how teachers can assess and assist students with disabilities and develop curriculums or schedules that best fit their learning needs.
- Exceptional children. These classes explore why students with disabilities must access learning and participation models in classroom environments.
- Supporting children with significant behavior challenges. These courses explore different intervention and support strategies that teachers can use to help students manage multiple or significant disabilities and maximize their independence.
Admission Requirements
Generally, an online special education certification program includes various admission requirements that you must meet if you want to qualify. These admission requirements include:
- Test scores, either ACT or ACT scores or scores from the GRE (if you choose to pursue a graduate level certificate)
- Letters of recommendation. Most special education certificate programs require at least one letter of recommendation.
- Essays or statements of intent. These are required, so the school knows you will use the certificate for a dedicated purpose.
- Transcripts of previous college performance and grades
In addition, some online special education certification programs require you to be licensed to teach in your state of residence. In other words, you must already be a qualified and working teacher.
Acquired Skills
By the end of an online special education certification program, you’ll have acquired valuable skills such as how to:
- Analyze and design curriculums for special needs students
- Teach special needs students using specific or custom-tailored techniques
- Teach mixed classes with both standard and special needs students
- And more
Furthermore, if your special education program includes a concentration, you’ll gain additional skills or knowledge to help you master that concentration.
Special Education Certification Program Curriculum
Most special education certification programs include between five and six courses. Most of these courses are anywhere between three and five credits in value.
How Long Does it Take to Earn a Special Education Certificate?
Generally, it takes less than one year to earn a special education certificate. Most students can achieve most certifications in between eight and ten months. However, note that some special education certificates include courses that are part of schools’ graduate programs in special education. Therefore, you can often complete a special ed certificate, then apply those credits to a master’s program in the same major.
Paying for Your Online Certificate
Many online special education certification programs offer tuition discounts or financial aid opportunities. You can apply for internships, scholarships, grants, and more through your chosen university. Even better, many universities offer discounts or financial aid packages for practicing teachers in their states. Therefore, you may find earning a special education certificate significantly cheaper if you attend a university in your state of residence.
How To Choose The Right Program
You can choose between online special education certification programs by looking at critical factors.
Cost
Always consider cost before signing up for a program. Online programs from schools in your state are almost always cheaper than alternatives. You should also look into opportunities for financial aid.
Admission Requirements
Then consider the admission requirements for a given program. Remember, some programs have stricter GPA requirements than others. At the same time, some programs also require you to be a working teacher to qualify.
Program Format
Some online programs are 100% online. Others are hybrid programs and require you to visit your chosen university from time to time. Before signing up for your desired program, know the format.
Location
A school’s location can impact whether a hybrid program will work for you (based on its distance from your home) and the cost you’ll pay in terms of tuition.
Accreditation
Only apply for and attend a special ed certification program if at least one authoritative organization accredits the school. You must attend an accredited school so future employers see your certificate as valid and worthwhile.
Certification Opportunities
Lastly, some online special ed certificate programs offer certification opportunities in other specialties. Certification programs may be on how to teach reading to special needs students, how to teach students with severe development of disabilities, etc.
How to Apply to a Special Education Certification Program
Applying to a special education certification program is straightforward:
- First, choose the certification program you want to pursue
- Then, apply to the program and submit all required materials, like letters of recommendation and transcripts
- Next, wait for a reply from the certification program
- If you are approved, log into the online portal and prepare for your classes by purchasing the necessary textbooks
Top Programs Online
Those who want to bolster their resumes can choose from several online special education certificate programs.
1. East Carolina University
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Graduate Certificate in Behavior Specialist
Duration: 1-2 years
East Carolina University’s graduate certificate focuses on behavioral specialist skills. This online graduate certificate program teaches candidates how to demonstrate and apply knowledge of characteristics of individuals facing emotional, social, or behavioral challenges.
Specifically, all students in this program learn how to implement multi-tiered positive behavior interventions. These can include individualized strategies. Program students will also learn how to develop collaborative support programs and plans with caretakers, teachers, family members, and so on. In other words, it’s a robust and comprehensive graduate certificate for future special education teachers or assistants.
2. University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Duration: 1-2 years
The University of North Carolina provides a graduate certificate specifically for future special education teachers who want to improve their knowledge of how to help students with autism spectrum disorder. It’s 12 credit hours in total and a non-licensure program. Keep this factor in mind if you plan to teach special ed students in the future, as you’ll need to fulfill further requirements to acquire licensure.
Regardless, this program meets the standards the Council for Exceptional Children set. It is well-designed and perfect for giving you real-world skills to help students in need. The program is offered through a flexible online platform. Each class is taught by professors with expertise in helping students with ASD.
Note that this program can be applied toward the M.Ed. in Special Education from the University of North Carolina. If you want to put the credit toward your master’s degree, you must earn a grade of “B” or better in each class. Furthermore, if you want to complete the program quickly, you can do so in just two semesters if you enroll full-time.
3. Regent University
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Graduate Certificate in Education/Autism
Duration: 1-2 years
Regent University’s Graduate Certificate in Education teaches skills so you can support students with autism disorder. This online certificate is 12 credit hours in total. It’s perfect for anyone who is not degree-seeking. This may apply to mainstream teachers who want to help special needs students or teachers who already have teaching licenses but want to pivot into special education.
The program teaches students how to identify and assess autism spectrum disorders and design and implement behavioral and academic programs for autistic students. The program culminates with a practicum project with an autistic student. Graduates must create an educational plan and write a Present Level of Performance and Objectives to finish the program.
4. East Carolina University
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Graduate Certificate in Deaf-Blindness
Duration: 1-2 years
East Carolina University’s graduate certificate helps teachers educate students who are deaf or blind. This comprehensive graduate certificate program helps students understand the impact of deafness or blindness on student development and learning.
Furthermore, the program teaches students how to assess the strengths and needs of deaf or blind students. Some classes teach graduates how to work with family members and train and utilize professionals like deaf/blind interveners.
The program is five courses or 15 semester hours in total. A supervised teaching internship aiding deaf or blind students is necessary for graduation.
5. Kennesaw State University
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Duration: 1-2 years
Kennesaw State University’s graduate certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder Education includes an endorsement. It is excellent for teachers who want to bolster resumes or qualify for many special education positions. The program gives teachers the tools they need to intervene positively on behalf of special needs students and better understand the nature of autism in theory and practice.
By the end, students can assess and diagnose individuals with autism to some extent. It’s a great stepping-stone certificate on the way to a master’s degree in special education. Since the program is only nine credit hours, it can be completed in one year or even less, although most students finish it in about 1.5 years.
6. University of Central Florida
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Graduate Certificate in Pre-Kindergarten Disabilities
Duration: 1-2 years
The University of Central Florida’s graduate certificate is for established educators who want to transition into pre-K education or supervision. This graduate certificate offers extra knowledge and skills for professionals who wish to earn the pre-K Disabilities ESE Endorsement. It may also be a good stepping-stone certificate for future special educators of pre-K or kindergarten-aged students.
The program comprises four courses in total. They provide information on competencies and skills to work with children up to age 5 with various disabilities, including emotional and developmental disabilities or at-risk conditions.
Notably, this graduate certificate can be added to teaching certification in any education field, such as primary or elementary education. The program is 12 credit hours and can also be added to a master’s degree. Not all of this program’s courses are available 100% online, so if you want to take your program remotely, you must choose your classes carefully.
7. Missouri State University
Accreditation: HLC
Program: Graduate Certificate in Education of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Duration: 2 years
Missouri State University offers a 100% online graduate certificate with 14 credit hours. It doesn’t lead to teacher certification, but it does help teachers better serve the needs of students who are deaf or hearing impaired.
It’s a perfect choice for non-degree-seeking students or those who want to support professionals in communication sciences, education, psychology, social work, or medicine. The program’s 14 credit hours include five classes covering topics such as speech development for the deaf and hearing impaired and early intervention for those students.
By the end, students will know how to better serve the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing students. They will also be prepared to teach specific subjects like reading or language to those who learn differently from the general student population.
8. Hamline University
Accreditation: HLC
Program: Graduate Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Duration: 1 year
Hamline University’s graduate certificate is in autism spectrum disorder specifically. As a result, students graduate from this program with the ability to engage ASD learners in home, school, community, and clinical settings.
Experienced and respected specialists teach the program in this field. The teachers help students develop core research-based strategies to assist students of any age on the autism spectrum. Courses are 100% online, and you can start this program in the fall, spring, or summer, depending on your preferences.
Most students complete the program in between nine and 12 months, with five courses in total. Should you desire, you can put the credits from this program toward a master’s degree in education or teaching.
9. University of South Florida
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Program: Graduate Certificate in Disabilities Education/Severe/Profound
Duration: 1-2 years
The University of South Florida’s fully online graduate certificate specializes teachers in assisting students with severe or profound educational disabilities. The certificate supports teachers and other education-related professionals so they can work effectively with students with various disabilities.
Notably, this certificate meets the Florida Department of Education’s Endorsement in Intellectual Development Disabilities (Severe/Profound) requirements. In this way, you can potentially earn an endorsement and maximize your teaching possibilities by completing the certificate.
The program is 12 credit hours in total and comprises four courses. You have five years to complete the certificate program once you begin it. Admission preferences are awarded to current professional practitioners with at least one year of experience working with students with severe or profound learning disabilities.
10. California State University-Dominguez Hills
Accreditation: WASC
Program: Graduate Certificate in Assistive Technology
Duration: 9 months-2 years
California State University’s Dominguez Hills campus offers an online graduate certificate specializing in assistive technology. It’s an excellent certificate program for special ed teachers, psychologists, rehabilitation specialists, speech and language specialists, and many more.
Each course in this program is offered on a year-round trimester schedule so that you can begin the program at any time. If you attend the program full-time, you can complete it in three terms or approximately nine months. Regardless, you must complete five courses, one of which is a capstone course. Licensed specialists teach the program.
What Can You Do with a Special Education Certificate?
Once you have a special education certification, you can continue working as a standard teacher at your current grade level, like elementary school or high school. However, you can also use the certificate to expand your career options.
Special Education Teacher Jobs
Naturally, you can work as a special education teacher. These individuals teach dedicated special ed classes or classes with special needs and standard students. Also, you can work for the public school system or a private institution. Private institutions may cater better to the needs of special needs students, offering enhanced facilities and additional amenities. However, public schools require and are grateful for special education professionals.
Special Education Teacher Salary
If you choose to work as a special education teacher, you can expect an average salary of $61,820. This is around the same amount of money a standard teacher earns. However, the highest paid 10% of special education teachers earn more than $100,000 annually. Generally, you’ll make more money as you acquire seniority and experience and stay at the same educational institution for longer.
Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for special education teachers should grow by 8% until 2030. That’s about as fast as the job growth rate for other occupations and should result in nearly 39,000 job openings for special education teachers per year.
With the proper certificate and other qualifications, you should have no trouble finding employment after graduating from your program.
Related Careers
You can work in different industries with a special education certificate. For example, you can work as a childcare worker. During this time, you attend to the needs of children and foster their early development. Or you can work as an instructional coordinator to oversee and standardize school curriculums and teaching methods.
Professional Organizations
As a current or aspiring special education teacher, you may wish to check out the below professional organizations for networking and career support.
- The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)
- The Council for Exceptional Children
- The Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps (Tash)
- The National Organization on Disability (NOD)
- The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD)
FAQs
How long does it take to get a certificate in special education?
Most special education certificates take less than one year to complete. Many students complete them in between 8 to 10 months.
How do I get a special education license?
You can get a special education license by completing an accredited certificate or degree program in special education. Then you must take one or more exams to acquire state licensure to teach students with special needs.
What are the 14 categories of disabilities?
According to IDEA, there are 14 distinct types of disabilities, including:
- Autism
- Deaf-blindness
- Deafness
- Developmental delay
- Emotional disturbance
- Hearing impairment
- Intellectual disability
- Multiple disabilities
- Orthopedic impairment
- Other health impairment
- Specific learning disability
- Speech or language impairment
- Traumatic brain injury
- Visual impairment, including blindness
Apply to a Special Education Certification Online Program Today!
All in all, the best online special education certification programs are ideal for working teachers who want to expand their skill sets and qualify for special ed jobs. Fortunately, you can check out one of the above online special ed certificate programs right now! Or check out GetEducated’s detailed catalog of the best online schools today.