Special Education (K-12): General Curriculum, Graduate Certificate

Required Courses for General (21 credit hours)

• SPED 5173: Diagnostic Assessment (3)
• SPED 5300: Lifespan Development for Exceptional Individuals (3)
• SPED 5370: Culturally Responsive Positive Behavior Support (3)
• SPED 5372: Planning Mathematics Instruction for Students with Exceptional Needs (3)
• SPED 5375: Foundations of Literacy for Students with Diverse Learning Needs (3)
• SPED 5400: Practicum: Integrated Instructional Applications in Special Education (3)
• SPED 6475: Internship/Seminar: Special Education K-12 – General Curriculum (3 to 6)

Note about course delivery: Courses are delivered online both synchronously and asynchronously.

Internship Information

A year-long internship (YLI) is required for Graduate Certificate students. The YLI consists of a semester of clinical experiences in the fall semester followed by a full-time experience in the spring semester. The graduate-level internship is the culminating experience of the Graduate Certificate program, and offers students the opportunity to demonstrate their readiness for the North Carolina Initial Professional License (IPL) in Special Education. Students are assigned to an appropriate classroom for a full-time semester-long experience under the supervision of the Clinical Educator and University Supervisor.

This internship can be done in a student’s place of employment if the setting is determined to be appropriate. The University can also find placement for the student if needed. During the application period (late January to early February before the YLI starts in the fall), residency teachers and teacher assistants will work with the Office of School and Community Partnerships to determine the appropriateness of their classroom for the internship experience and licensure requirements. Students will be invited to begin the application process by the Program Director via advising communications in January before the YLI begins in the fall.

Note about the Graduate Certificate in Teaching

UNC Charlotte’s Graduate Certificate in Teaching offers an efficient pathway to initial teacher licensure for candidates who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and meets the  Educator Preparation Program (EPP) enrollment requirement for candidates seeking Residency Licensure. Course instruction is delivered 100% online using Canvas and, in most concentrations, is paired with clinical labs that meet on UNC Charlotte’s campus or at school sites in the Charlotte area. Lab courses have an ‘L’ designation on the plans of study available on the program site.

Application Deadline: 

• August 1 (fall)
• December 1 (spring)
• May 1 (summer first half term)
• June 15 (summer second half term)

Admissions & Requirements: 

The online Graduate Certificate Program requires classroom observation, clinical, and internship hours to be completed in the state of North Carolina. See the “Courses” tab for a description of the internship.

Complete the Graduate School Admission Application.

A bachelor’s degree from a university accredited by a US Department of Education-recognized institutional accreditor.

A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.7 (If you do not have at least a 2.7 GPA, please see our GPA Forgiveness process).

Copies of unofficial transcripts from all academic coursework beyond high school.

A statement of purpose.

Two online professional recommendations coming from individuals in a supervisory capacity (i.e. principal or manager) and/or academic reference (i.e. professor).

A clear criminal background check, which will be requested after application submission. The cost of this will start at $18 and could take 2-4 weeks to be processed. Please note your application cannot move forward until this step is complete.

Applicants can apply via the Graduate Admissions application portal.

UNC Charlotte alumni who graduated in areas related to Special Education (K-12) are employed in positions such as:

• Special Education Teachers
• Exceptional Children Teachers
• Assistant Principals
• Educational Therapists
• Behavior Specialists

UNC Charlotte alumni in Special Education (K-12) programs also work for these school systems and educational organizations:

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
• Gaston County Schools
• Iredell-Statesville Schools
• Union County Public Schools
• Pearson Education

Advantages of the UNC Charlotte Graduate Certificate in Special Education (K-12): General Curriculum:

Comprehensive Learning Experience

Capstone Project: Complete an individual master’s project, demonstrating your ability to address complex challenges in special education.

Master of Arts in Teaching Pathway: Graduates have the opportunity to further their education by pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching, leading to the North Carolina Standard Professional 2 (SP2) Educator’s License in Special Education.

Phase II Development: Enhance your teaching skills and apply theoretical knowledge in practical classroom scenarios. Gain expertise in research, advanced classroom management, and consultation and collaboration strategies.

*Rates are subject to change*

Resident:

• $288.82 per credit hour

Outside of NC Non-Resident:

• $536.98 per credit hour

Non Resident:

• $1,098.21 per credit hour

Find more information regarding tuition and fees here ».