The 12-credit hour, fully-online Leadership in Special & Inclusive Education Graduate Certificate program helps position educators, leaders, and advocates to lead change and innovation in special education. The certificate grounds leaders in special education policy and law, while exploring advancements in systems change, research, and policy implementation. Graduates will gain a deep understanding of inclusive leadership and methods for reform. Further, they will be prepared to lead and influence systems change in a variety of state, district, and/or school settings.
This certificate program prepares graduates to advance the rights of all students and confront biases about individuals and groups, including how those translate into identification and categorization of students. The certificate requires completion of 4 specific courses (12 hours).
This program WILL NOT lead to recommendation for initial teacher licensure/certification or endorsement of any kind.
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 eight weeks long (2 courses per a typical 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 a 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 Leadership in Special and Inclusive Education 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 12 credit hours required for the on-line Leadership in Special & Inclusive Education Certificate program include:
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| SPED 756 | Special Education Leadership | 3 |
| SPED 757 | History, Context, and Critique of Special Education | 3 |
| SPED 758 | Appropriate Education and Least Restrictive Environment | 3 |
| SPED 759 | Non-Discriminatory Evaluation, Parent Participation, and Procedural Due Process | 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 |
Courses are to be taken in order.
At least 50% of coursework in the certificate degree must be at the 700 level or above.
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.
