Acquiring a certificate in special education online or on-campus is one way to say that you have been trained on how to give adequate and effective instructions to students with learning challenges such as behavioral issues, physical impairments, and many other disabilities.
Mostly, the population of special education students is dominated by children in kindergarten, primary and secondary schools. This does not mean that adult learners are missing, as the methodologies used in special education can also be applied to college students.
Special education certificate programs were established to help teachers in the special education sector by giving them training on how to identify and follow up students who need special teachings, manage behavioral patterns, and initiate personal and group lesson plans for special education students.
The introduction of online learning platforms has made it possible for teachers, educational instructors, and career professionals who are working to enroll in the special education training held online, and still be able to juggle other life priorities.
With access to the internet, and also being able to use the online tools for learning, anyone who is interested in the special education programs can easily sign up, take the training, and graduate within a short period of time.
A special education online certificate program is usually completed within six to twelve months, rather than the typical graduate program which takes years, and it can be taught using two modes which are synchronous instruction and asynchronous instruction.
In the course of this article, we will be looking at how to enroll and obtain a certificate in special education using online or distance learning. You can also check out this post on childhood education free courses taught online if interested.
What Is A Certificate In Special Education?
If you followed me to this point, I am sure that from my explanation, you have gotten an idea of what a certificate in special education is. But to buttress further, a certificate in special education is a program that prepares educational administrators and teachers on how to design individual lesson plans and instructions to meet the needs of students with different disabilities.
What Is Unique About Special Education?
Special education is an alternative solution to the traditional educational techniques which were designed to give individual instructions, support, and services to students who have behavioral issues, physical impairments, and other disabilities.
Its uniqueness is its ability to cater effectively to the needs of those with disabilities, and equip them with knowledge gotten in other traditional settings or classrooms.
What Can You Do With A Certificate In Special Education?
You can do numerous things when you possess a certificate in special education. The degree opens you up to many career paths such as teaching in a school, working in private centers, or even running your personal consultations.
You can work as an applied behavior analyst, early intervention specialist, special education advocate, education writer, special education teacher, special education consultant, and many others.
With a certificate in special education, you can help in assisting people with emotional challenges, mentally disabled patients, etc. In all, teachers in special education sectors do a lot of work as they get to know their students intimately, however, the returns are rewarding.
How To Obtain A Certificate In Special Education Online
These are the requirements for obtaining a certificate in special education online.
- You must have access to the internet and online learning tools so that you can be able to take your lessons.
- You must possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a recognized institution.
- You must be ready to complete your student teaching internship in a special education classroom.
- You must present all official documents, and certifications of previous colleges attended if required.
- Having prior knowledge on how to handle children with disabilities places you on a higher pedestal.
- You must take all required tests for special education teachers.
Schools Offering Certificates In Special Education Online
There are many schools offering certificates in special education online. Below are the top and accredited ones;
Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University located in Jonesboro Arkansas offers an education degree specialist certificate in special education online. The school helps in preparing teachers with the know-how of coordinating and handling special education students. It is recognized and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Armstrong State University
Armstrong State University is another institution that offers a special education program with certificate online. The school helps the teachers in advancing their skills as special education instructors. The teachers are taught how to use online learning tools effectively to meet the needs of the students. It is recognized and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Ball State University
This institution offers M.A. in special education online. It has eight key areas of specialization such as applied behavior analysis, autism, director of special education/exceptional needs, early childhood special education, deaf education, and others. It is recognized and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Bowling Green State University
This school is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education to offer a master of education in special education. The program aims at equipping the teachers on how to use tech to effectively meet the needs of the special education students.
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville University is another school accredited to offer M.A in special education. It is designed to equip the special education instructors on how best to handle and coordinate the students under their care. It is a teacher leader program with about 30 credit hours.
Top 10 Online Certificate Courses In Special Education
Here are the top online certificate courses in special education which you can enroll in to become a special education teacher. The data are gotten from our research on sources like individual school websites, Alison, etc.
- College Of Southern Nevada Online Special Education Program
- East Carolina University Online Special Education
- Oakland University Online Special Education Program
- Notre Dame College Online Special Education Program
- Northern Arizona University Online Special Education Program
- Emporia State University Special Education Program Online
- Fontbonne University Online Special Education Program
- Fort Hays State University Special Education Program Online
- Working With Students With Special Education Needs
- George Washington University Online Special Education
1. College Of Southern Nevada Special Education Program
This special education program is designed to provide special education teachers with the skills needed to become more effective paraprofessionals. The program explores things like utilizing the latest technology to give out instructions, different multicultural education, conventional appraisal techniques, etc.
2. East Carolina University Online Special Education
East Carolina University also offers an online special education program with certificate. The program focuses on four areas which are behavioral emotional disabilities, intellectual disabilities, low incidence disabilities, and learning disabilities. It is a 39 semester hours program and accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
3. Oakland University Online Special Education Program
Oakland University offers an M.Ed. in special education online, specifically in emotional impairment through the school of education and human services.
The program explores how to coordinate special education students, and is open to anyone interested (teachers or not). It earns accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and Teacher Education Accreditation Council, Accreditation Committee.
4. Notre Dame College Online Special Education Program
This institution offers a certificate in special education online with a focus on mild to moderate intervention specialists. The program is for teachers who work in a k-12 environment.
The courses are taught by industry experts, and upon completion, successful graduates earn a Master of Education degree certificate. It is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
5. Northern Arizona University Online Special Education Program
Northern Arizona University offers an online master of education in special education. The program has three key areas in which you can specialize on; disabilities studies, early childhood, and cross-categorical/high incidence.
The program has 30 credits- 12 in core classes, and 18 in the area of emphasis. It is also accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
6. Emporia State University Special Education Program Online
This online special education certificate program aims at equipping special education instructors with the skills needed to effectively meet the needs of students in special education. It is a 36 credit hours program, and upon graduation, students are offered a Master of Science in special education.
7. Fontbonne University Online Special Education Program
Fontbonne University also offers a B.Sc. certificate in special education online. This program enables teacher assistants, paraprofessionals, and others in the special education sector to earn certification in k-12 mild/moderate cross-categorical.
It is fully online and taught by highly-experienced faculty. Accreditation is from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
8. Fort Hays State University Special Education Program Online
This online special education program is designed to offer a master of science in special education upon successful completion. It earns accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and focuses on equipping students with action research and best practices to be used in a special education learning environment.
It is a 36 credit hours program and can be completed within 18- 24 months.
9. Working With Students With Special Education Needs
This is an online certificate program in special education offered by Alison. The program is designed to provide teachers with an in-depth understanding of educational psychology for effective role performances.
It contains six modules and can be completed within an accelerated period of time. To apply, use the link below
10. George Washington University Online Special Education
George Washington University through the department of education & human development offers a master of art in special education. The program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
It is a 33 credit hours program and can be completed in about 1.5 years.
Conclusion
At this point, I can say that you have been provided with all the details on how to obtain a certificate in special education online, and I hope you make good use of them. I wish you luck as you apply.
Do look at the frequently asked question below to gain more insights.
Certificate In Special Education Online- FAQs
Here is one of the frequently asked questions about certificate in special education online.
[sc_fs_faq html=”true” headline=”h3″ img=”” question=”Which Course Is Best In Special Education?” img_alt=”” css_class=””] There are many courses in special education which are top-notch, however, picking out the best depends on your area of focus or interest. [/sc_fs_faq]