Start a rewarding career teaching students with our initial teacher certification in special education.
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Program Details
Next Start Date: 1/15/2025
Course Length: 8 Weeks
Estimated Length: 18 months
M.A. Special Education Initial Cert. Overview
Campbellsville University’s online master’s in special education will prepare you for a rewarding career as a special education teacher. You will learn the necessary skills and knowledge to work with students and gain certification to teach in Kentucky. Additionally, you will gain insight into modern trends that are changing special education, including those involving technology. The program is taught by faculty members who have real-world experience in special education.
Through our special education certification online program, you will learn fundamentals of teaching while learning the history of education, as well as the basics to special education while reviewing a case study. In addition, you will explore how to develop lesson plans that include safe behavior interventional strategies that will help improve a student’s behavioral challenges. The program examines curriculum methods for learning and behavioral disorders, behavior and classroom management, educational technology and how to create prescriptive teaching plans.
Available in either Traditional or Option 6, Option 6 is for special education teacher while completing coursework. With the traditional format, you will complete an additional 12 hours of student teaching in which you will complete a videotaped lesson and receive feedback from your professor and a supervising teacher.
Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Campbellsville’s education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and are approved by the Education Professional Standards Board of Kentucky (EPSB) for teacher education and certification. The fully online certificate offers the flexibility and convenience of being able to complete coursework when it best fits your schedule.
“As a three-time graduate from Campbellsville University, having been both a traditional and online student, I can say the fully-online program was good and life-changing. I would highly recommend CU Online for anyone wanting to find their calling in life.”
– Joe Milazzo
Course Map
The MA in special education alternative certification online program provides initial teacher certification in 39-48 credit hours and can take as little as 18 months to complete.
Take all of the following:
ED 500: Human Growth and Development
This course is designed to familiarize pre-service teachers with theory and practice that identifies strategies for promoting the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional growth of children and adolescents. Three core developmental issues will be examined – the relationship between biological and environmental influences on development, universality and diversity of developmental changes, and the qualitative and quantitative nature of developmental change from a chronological perspective.
ED 604: Introduction to Teaching
This course is designed to familiarize students with the broad field of education. Emphasis is given to historical, social, and philosophical foundations of education in America. Through the study of the history of education, emphasizing diversity in the United States, the focus will be on changing conceptions of teachers and teaching. Examination will be made of the influence of different philosophical movements on schools and schooling to inform students as they formulate their own evolving philosophy of teaching. Students will investigate government and finance of American education including recent innovations such as charter schools, vouchers, and school choice. Students will examine how ethics and law influence rights and responsibilities of teachers and students.
ED 605: Research Methods
Utilize ERIC Search for research paper.
ED 606: Educational Technology
This course explores instructional technology as hands on aids to teaching and learning. Included is instruction in the usage of various technologies with linked learning elements such as developmental and cognitive change in the classroom.
ED 607: Graduate Practicum/Seminar
Create a portfolio based on the ten KY Teacher Standards. Complete professional portfolio. Update Professional Growth Plan. Collaborate with parents at ARC meetings Collaborate with school psychologists and other assessment personnel. Academic Portfolio Review and revise professional growth plan. Implement a leadership project.
ED 608: Student Teaching
Videotaped lesson with feedback from professor and supervising teacher. Formative and summative assessments with evaluation analysis including student work. Professional portfolio documentation: communication of IEP goal/objectives and ongoing progress, newsletters, parent conferences. Reflection journals will be required, and well as reflections on lessons taught in the public school setting. Student will reflection and evaluate video teaching and attend school-based professional development workshops, as well as parent conferences.
SED 503: Introduction to Special Education
A three hour course where students are given a case study to review. Students will be expected to use the appropriate KDE eligibility form and the KDE IEP form to produce an accurate representation of the eligibility to support the correctly filled out IEP form for the student represented in the case study. Students will develop a Professional Growth Plan, use assistive technology from the KDE web site, reflection on field experience, and reflect on a professional growth plan.
SED 504: Emotional Disturbance and Behavioral Disorders
Involves developing a lesson plan in a content area of choice. Write reflections of field experiences noting what effect the classroom had on creating and maintaining a positive learning environment. Include in the plan behavior interventional strategies to improve student/s behavioral challenges (as noted from field experience observations). Develop an IEP, an FBA, and a behavior intervention plan (BIP) for one student identified with emotional behavioral disorder with the theme being: managing students safely.
SED 505: Curriculum Methods in Learning and Behaviors Disorders (P-12)
Students will complete a unit of study with five lesson plans focusing on literacy in the content area. Students will address diversity and connect student learning to real life experiences.
SED 506: Behavior Management of Children and Youth with Learning and Behavior Problems
Develop a behavior management plan focused on creating and maintaining a positive learning climate. Student will write reflections on field experiences, collaborate with a general education teacher and parent to develop a behavior management plan for a student, including a Functional Behavioral Assessment.
SED 600: Theories of Reading and Educational Practices P-12
Develop two TPA lesson plans in consultation with the teacher in the field experience classroom; teach one lesson. Reflection on lesson taught.
SED 601: Prescriptive and Instructional Methods
Develop a prescriptive teaching plan. It must include KY Core Academic Standards for English/language arts; must include accommodations/modifications for student with disabilities, gifted and talented students and for students whose primary language is not English. Develop a standards-based unit of study with five lesson plans focusing on a content area of choice that can be implemented in a collaborative setting. Include methods for all diverse learners. Students will give PowerPoint Presentations, use
ERIC to search for professional articles on RtI, and design a leadership projectSED 602: Classroom Management
Create a classroom management plan to address the needs of all diverse learners.
Collaborate with general education teacher to develop a classroom management plan.SED 603: Teaching Mathematics to Children and Youth with Learning Behavior and Disorders
Develop a unit of study based on information from an informal assessment. Teach one lesson during the field experiences. Collaborate with general education teacher and parent to develop a plan for intervention in the area of math based on the informal assessment
SED 604: Assessment and Instructional Methods
Develop a unit assessment plan. Research and assess the function of standardized and informal assessment tools. Research standardized diagnostic tools for diverse learners.
SED 606: Introduction to Learning Disabilities
This course consists of writing three lesson plans for students with learning disabilities. Include accommodations/modifications needed based on assessment data. Complete an IEP based on the State Approved IEP form and meet the instructions in the Guidance Document for Individualized Education Program (IEP) Development.
Admissions Requirements
In order to apply to Campbellsville University’s accredited special education certificate online, prospective students must submit or complete the following:
- Complete the online application
- All official college transcripts from each college or university previously attended and currently attended
- 2.75 overall GPA from their undergraduate studies or a 3.0 in their last 30 hours
- Submit three names and email addresses of three professional and/or academic references to your enrollment counselor for School of Education requirements
*Some additional requirements will be requested upon acceptance into the program.
Costs & Financial Aid
Special education certification online costs $319 per credit hour. In order to help students afford their education, Campbellsville University’s staff is available to work with students to discover available financial aid options.
Students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what scholarships, grants, loans and payment plans are available for them. There are numerous options available, and not all financial aid is based on need.
A maximum of 12 credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university can be transferred into this program.
Campbellsville University is a military-friendly school and a proud member of the Yellow Ribbon program. Students who are currently serving at home or abroad or are veterans can further their education in a conducive online environment.
Careers in Special Education
A career as a special education teacher earns a median salary of $58,980 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and employment is expected to increase by 8 percent through 2026. While most special education teachers typically work a traditional 10-month school year with summers free, some work year-round.
Why Choose CU?
Campbellsville University Online seeks to provide an affordable faith-based education that fosters personal and professional growth for its students. Learning in small, 100% online classes, you'll have opportunities to connect one-on-one with expert professors who prioritize your success and value the experience you bring to the table. From day one, you'll also benefit from Campbellsville's student services, including a personal online academic advisor who will provide tailored assistance on your journey toward graduation. Access further support in the areas of mental health, career and finance, life management, technical resources and more. Finish strong with CU.
Learn MoreBenefits of Learning Online
Choosing to finish your degree 100% online means having the flexibility to study at the times and places that are most convenient for you. You'll learn from supportive, expert faculty members who are experienced in their fields and deliver the wellrounded education you need to take the next step in your career. Campbellsville is committed to the quality of its online courses and offers a dynamic selection of degree programs that are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? We’re here to help. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
- Yes, you can. CU honors your educational journey with a generous transfer credit policy that empowers you to make the most of your earned credits. Upon your admission to Campbellsville University, we'll complete a transfer credit evaluation to find out how many of your credits will apply toward your degree. For more information, visit our transfer students page.
- Yes. Your first step is to complete the FAFSA form, and then we will determine your eligibility for any financial aid. Visit our financial aid page to learn more about your options, which include scholarships and grants.
- You can apply to our 100% online degree programs through the online application form. Remember to submit official copies of your high school and/or college transcripts, along with any other required documentation that is specific to your degree program. You can visit the admissions process page to learn more about what to expect throughout the process.