Design, implement, supervise and assess special education programs and services with CU’s director of special education online certificate.
Ranked in the top 50 Most Affordable Christian Colleges in the U.S.
Program Details
Next Start Date: 10/14/2024 (Level I and II)
Course Length: 8 Weeks
Estimated Length: 1 Year
Director of Special Education Overview
The director of special education online certificate from Campbellsville University provides you with critical leadership skills to impact student learning and advance your career in special education. The program is perfect for those seeking opportunities outside of the classroom, including careers as a special education administrator or program director.
Through the online certification, you’ll explore the best practices related to planning, continuous improvement and quality in special education. You will also discover the legal and ethical aspects of professional practice in American public schools, as well as the administrative responsibilities for special education leadership and supervision. In addition, a practicum course provides supervised field experience in the functions of a director of special education, such as ensuring policies and procedures are enforced, budgeting and the utilization of support services.
If you wish to complete the Level II certification, you will additionally study the theories of learning, effective curriculum planning, instruction and assessment and how to identify and analyze the causes and consequences of issues associated with the delivery of services to students with disabilities. You will also be able to choose from a variety of electives, including contemporary social issues, human development and sociology of deviant behavior.
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 degree offers the flexibility and convenience of being able to complete coursework when it best fits your schedule and is additionally taught by faculty members who have real-world experience in the special education field.
“This whole program has exceeded my expectations. It is so easy to have communication with anyone you need to from the college. I was also scared of how I would keep up with due dates, but every class has had a detailed due date section and I appreciate that!” – Briannah Isaacs, B.S. Elementary Education
Course Map
Campbellsville’s director of special education online program can be completed in as little as one year. The certification is 18 credit hours. If taken with the Rank I Master of Arts in School Improvement program, it is 30 credits.
- SED 710: Finance & Management
- SED 711: Administration & Supervision of Special Education
- SED 712: Special Education Law
- SED 714: Leadership Practicum
- AED 721: School Law
- AED 811: Fundamentals for Central Office Administration
- SED 715: Seminar – Principles of Conflict Resolution
- AED 812: Leading Assessment
Take two courses in psychology, sociology or school counseling. Speak to an enrollment counselor for course selections.
Admissions Requirements
In order to apply to Campbellsville University’s accredited director of special education online certificate, prospective students must submit or complete the following:
- Complete the online application
- All official college transcripts confirming a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 or a 3.0 on the last 30 hours
- Master’s degree or planned fifth-year program
- Copy of teaching certificate
- Three years of experience as a special education teacher, or one year as a special education teacher and two years as a school psychologist
- Submit the name and email address of a colleague and of a building or district administrator to your enrollment counselor for School of Education requirements.
- Submission of a complete statement of purpose regarding enrollment in the certificate program
*Some additional requirements will be requested upon acceptance into the program.
Costs & Financial Aid
The director of special education online certificate costs $310 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.
Students can transfer a maximum of nine credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university.
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
After graduating from the program, you can pursue a career as a director of special education. PayScale reports that the median salary for the position is $74,203 per year. Depending on location, experience and the institution, median wages range from approximately $48,500 to $108,500 annually.
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.