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 any initial teacher licensure/certification or endorsement for the state of Kansas. State-by-state requirements vary. Completion of a graduate certificate is not a guarantee of licensure or endorsement of any kind. It is each student’s responsibility to determine the licensure and endorsement requirements in his or her state and to apply for the licenses or endorsements necessary for their career goals.
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.
In order to be admitted to the online graduate certificate, a Bachelor’s degree is required. 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.
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 |
Courses are to be taken in order.
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.
