Department of Special Education Academic Programs and Degrees

Saint Joseph's online graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is an effective way to help meet that need while advancing your career goals. A behavior analysis certificate is a valuable credential for professionals in the education, criminal justice, human resources and mental health field.

Today, there is a greater understanding of the specific needs of individuals with ASD, driving a need for professionals with expertise in research and best practices related to teaching and caring for them. To meet this expanding need, Saint Joseph’s University offers a four-course Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate that prepares students to assist and empower members of this population.

Saint Joseph's University's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education PK-12 Certification program is designed to serve those interested in the education of the 40 to 50% of children impacted by hearing loss.

Saint Joseph’s University’s Intensive Structured Literacy with Wilson Level I Certificate program provides teachers with the skills they need to help students become fluent, independent readers. Earn your certificate from a University with accreditation at both levels of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading. Certificate credits can also be applied towards the Special Education MS and Education MS  and you may be eligible to earn your Wilson Reading System ® Level 1 certification upon completion of the certificate program.

This online program is designed for teachers who have an initial teaching certification and a master's degree and want to add a PK-12 Special Education Certification. The 25-credit program includes a required 140-hour student teaching component in PK-12 classsroms, giving students hands-on experience in teaching students who have Individualized Education Program (IEP) plans.

Although research supports social-emotional learning (SEL) programs as a core curriculum component, it's rare for teachers to have the formal training needed to seamlessly help children develop these skills in tandem with academic learning. To prepare for the barriers your students may face and support their growth, you need to add to your own skillset, which is why earning a certificate in Social, Emotional and Behavioral Wellness (SEBW) of PK-12 students can be so beneficial.