The 27-credit hour Graduate Certificate in High Incidence Disabilities prepares teachers to assess student knowledge, identify, and implement evidence-based practices to increase the success of students with high incidence disabilities, academically as well as behaviorally.
The Graduate Certificate in High Incidence Disabilities prepares students to add a high-incidence disabilities endorsement to their existing Kansas license. Students are required to complete 21 hours of required coursework and two fieldwork practica (6 hrs.) that let one apply coursework to real-world situations, supervised by an expert faculty member. Program completers who pass the state-required licensure exam are eligible to add a high-incidence special education endorsement to their existing Kansas license. Students seeking to obtain a license or certification in a state other than Kansas or a US territory after completion of ytheir program should refer to our Licensure Disclosures page - https://soehs.ku.edu/current-students/licensure/disclosures.
The Department of Special Education online programs are comprised of rigorous eight week courses. A majority of the work is completed asynchronously, meaning that it does not happen “live.” Courses are typically eight weeks long (2 courses per a traditional semester) and typically contain multiple milestones throughout the course. Students are expected to follow the course modules in order, submit assignments on time, and participate in online discussions with classmates. Potential students must ensure that they are prepared to be successful. Online coursework will require approximately 15- 20 hours of undivided attention per week (including readings, online discussions, individual projects, etc.). Consistent access to high speed internet services (basic broadband- 1Mbps) and a personal computer that features Office 2016 or equivalent will be necessary. A tablet or mobile device (i.e., smartphone) will not be sufficient as the primary means of accessing the Internet for the online coursework.
Graduate Admissions Requirements
Applicants must meet both the University and departmental admission requirements to be considered for the program.
University of Kansas Graduate Admission Requirements
- All applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the Admission to Graduate Study policy.
- Bachelor’s degree: A copy of official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements is required.
- English proficiency: Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required. There are two bands of English proficiency, including Admission and Full proficiency. For applicants to online programs, Full proficiency is required.
Graduate Certificate in High-incidence Disabilities application requirements:
- A completed graduate application.
- Application fee.
- Official transcripts of all degree-granting post-secondary institutions you have attended and an official transcript for each degree earned.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Personal statement declaring your interest in the program and it's relationship to your graduate course of study and/or career objectives.
- Current resume or CV.
Students that are currently enrolled (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.
The 27 credit hours required for the on-line Graduate Certificate in High-Incidence Disabilities program include:
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| SPED 730 | Characteristcs, Methods & Assessment:Intro Struggling Learners & Studnts High-Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 741 | Methods & Assessment:Literacy Interventions Struggling Learners&Students High-Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 743 | Methods: Functional Behavioral Assessment, Positive Behavior Support and Classroom Management | 3 |
| SPED 841 | Advncd Methds&Asmnt:Learng Stratg&Contnt Mastery Struggling Learners&Stdnts High-Incidence Disabilit | 3 |
| SPED 843 | Advanced Methods&Assessment:Strategies for Students with Significant Behavior, Social&Emotional Need | 3 |
| SPED 854 | Family and Interprofessional Collaboration in Special Education | 3 |
| SPED 856 | Transition Education and Services from Childhood through Adulthood | 3 |
| SPED 775 | Practicum with Children and Youth with Disabilities: _____ | 3 |
| SPED 875 | Practicum with Children and Youth with Disabilities: _____ | 3 |
| 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 the catalog.
At the completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate critical-thinking and analytical skills to facilitate supportive and collegial inclusive learning communities premised on flexible and collaborative practice among general and special educators and parents of students receiving special education services.
- Demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based and high-leverage practices in special education.
- Demonstrate knowledge of characteristics, strengths, and typical areas of instructional need for students receiving special education services.
