The online Graduate Certificate in Low Incidence Disabilities program prepares educators to meet the educational needs of the students with a significant intellectual disability or with multiple disabilities, including cognitive, sensory and physical impairments.
The 24-27 credit hour graduate certificate in low incidence disabilities at the University of Kansas provides graduate preparation focused on meeting the educational needs of students with significant intellectual disability and students with multiple disabilities, including students on the autism spectrum with concurrent cognitive, sensory, and/or physical impairments. Program completers who pass the state-required licensure exam are eligible to add a low-incidence special education endorsement to their existing Kansas license.
If students wish to obtain a license or certification in a state or a US territory other than Kansas after completion of their program, it is highly recommended that they seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency BEFORE beginning the academic program to ensure they can obtain a license of certification in their home state or territory. The website https://nc-sara.org/professional-licensure-directory provides resources for licensure and certification boards outside of Kansas.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with at least a 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited institution or a foreign university with substantially equivalent bachelor’s degree requirements.
Meeting minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission to the program. Other factors considered by the committee include: strength of the letter of application; strength of the letters of recommendation; quality of previous experience and background in special education or a closely related discipline; availability of an appropriate advisor in the applicant's identified area of emphasis; and the fit between the applicant's professional and graduate program goals and the purpose and mission of the KU.
Application checklist:
- Online Application*
- Official transcript of completed bachelor’s degree from accredited university
- Letter of introduction stating your area of interest and licensure status as applicable
- Name, email and position for two professional references
- Current resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proof of English proficiency (for non-native English-speaking applicants)
Applicants who are non-native speakers of English must demonstrate English proficiency in the skill areas of reading, writing, and listening. Please read the full policy and acceptable proof of proficiency options on our policy page. Additional information can be found here.
*Students that are admitted and currently active (not graduated) in a special education master’s program may add a certificate program to their student record without completing the online application, subject to current faculty advisor and graduate certificate program coordinator approval. Please contact your advisor for more information.
Course requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Low Incidence Disabilities include:
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| SPED 742 | Assessment and Methods of Teaching Students with Low-Incidence Disabilities in Inclusive Settings | 3 |
| SPED 735 | Introduction to Teaching Learners with Low-Incidence Disabilities in Inclusive Settings | 3 |
| SPED 675 | Practicum with Children and Youth with Disabilities: _____ | 1-3 |
| |
| SPED 775 | Practicum with Children and Youth with Disabilities: _____ | 1-3 |
| SPED 842 | Methods in Access and Inclusion in the Core Curriculum | 3 |
| SPED 723 | Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports for Students with Low-Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 844 | Advanced Methods in Access and Inclusion in the Core Curriculum | 3 |
| SPED 856 | Transition Education and Services from Childhood through Adulthood | 3 |
| SPED 746 | Assessment and Supports for Students with Complex Communication Needs | 3 |
| SPED 875 | Practicum with Children and Youth with Disabilities: _____ | 1-3 |
| 24-27 |
| |
A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher is required to remain in good academic standing and in order to graduate. Additional information can be found in the graduate regulations section of this catalog.
