Saint Joseph's University Saint Joseph's University

Special Education Certification

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Overview

Today, almost every classroom has a number of students who have a disability, be it's physical, intellectual, emotional or any combination. As a dedicated educator, you may often find yourself looking for resources that will help you effectively these students and help them learn successfully, whether in an inclusive environment or a special education classroom.

Saint Joseph's online Special Education certification helps educators like you meet the demands of teaching learners with exceptionalities in a variety of school environments. The program also includes a required 140-hour student teaching component in PK-8 and 7-12 classrooms, giving students hands-on experience in teaching students who have Individualized Education Program (IEP) plans.

What Is the Special Education Certification?

The Special Education Certification from Saint Joseph's University is an online program that covers best practices for teaching students with special needs. You may choose between two grade-level certifications, PK-8 or 7-12, which will prepare you for Pennsylvania certification.

Online courses combine research-based theory with practice, allowing you to apply the skills you've learned immediately in your career. If you'd like to further your education, the curriculum allows you to complete just nine more credit hours to earn a Special Education M.S.

100% Online Special Education Courses

Saint Joseph's Special Education certification program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals and students seeking to earn the certification as part of their Master of Science in Special Education. The convenient online format of this program, taught by members of Saint Joseph's distinguished faculty, allows working professionals to earn career-building credentials while balancing other responsibilities.

What Can I Do with a Special Education Certification?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of special education teachers is expected to increase significantly in the next several years, as many school districts report problems in finding adequate numbers of certified special education teachers. As this demand for committed and compassionate educators grows, this online certification will allow you to directly help others and fill this critical need.

Students who earn this certification may go on to pursue jobs such as:

  • Special education teacher
  • Adaptive special education instructor
  • Early intervention specialist
  • Educational diagnostician
  • Special education administrator
     

How Will Saint Joseph's University's Special Education Certification Enhance My Career?

Taught by faculty who are experts in their field, the online Special Education certification program will teach you inclusive teaching strategies and special education classroom management. Our graduates learn:

  • Current issues in special education
  • Diagnostic assessment and how to monitor progress
  • How to help students with high and low incidence disabilities
  • How emotional/social and behavioral disorders affect student comprehension
View Curriculum and Courses

At-a-Glance

Length

Average part-time: 4 - 8 semesters, or 12-24 months.

Credits27 credits.

Start Terms

Spring, summer or fall.

Format

Online.

Tuition for 2021-2022

$812 per credit hour.

Learn more about our tuition & fees.

Stack this Certificate into a Master's Program

This certificate can be added as part of your Special Education M.S.

Potential Career Paths

This certification can lead to other jobs such as:

  • Special education teacher

  • Adaptive special education instructor

  • Early intervention specialist

  • Educational diagnostician

  • Special education administrator

Requirements

You must already have a standard/Level 1 certification in Early Childhood Development, Elementary Education or Secondary Education to pursue this certification.

Admission Information

To learn more about the admission process and required materials, Graduate Admission can provide more information or answer any questions.

Financial Aid

Scholarships, federal and state grants, loans and other types of financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Our Office of Financial Aid can help you understand your options.

Discount Eligibility

  • Alumni of Saint Joseph's are eligible to receive 10% off the cost of this program through our alumni discount.
  • Completed a year or more of service with a recognized service organization? You may be eligible for our mission discount.
  • Check with your employer to see if they are an Edcor or a Bright Horizons EdAssist member, which may entitle you to a discount on graduate programs.

*note - discounts cannot be combined.

Veterans

Saint Joseph's is a Yellow Ribbon School that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans Services can help you access and understand your benefits.

For additional information regarding whether SJU’s programs meet educational requirements for professional licensure/certification, please visit https://www.sju.edu/disclosures.

Related Programs

Special Education M.S.

Today, almost every classroom includes a number of students with disabilities — either physical, educational, emotional or a combination of all three. Our innovative curriculum is designed to develop and refine competencies in professional educators in order to meet the demands of teaching students with special needs in a variety of school environments, public and private, urban and suburban. 

You can also add a concentration, endorsement or certificate to your degree including: 

  • Autism spectrum disorder specialist endorsement
  • Supervisor of special education curriculum
  • Teaching deaf and hard of hearing (N-12) certification
  • Social, emotional and behavioral wellness endorsement
  • Applied behavior analysis concentration 

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement

Endorsed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement program at Saint Joseph's features a curriculum that focuses on assessment and research-based strategies. The program places special emphasis on skill development and behavioral modification for students of all ages who have been diagnosed on the autism spectrum.