Earn an Online Special Education Certificate That Changes Futures

Middle and high school is crunch time: coursework becomes more challenging, IEP goals shift to college and career readiness, and students with disabilities require teachers who can guide them every step of the way. The Special Education – General Curriculum Secondary (Grades 6–12) Graduate Certificate provides this expertise through short, practical online special education courses.

This 100% online graduate certificate program is designed for licensed teachers who seek an add-on endorsement in Special Education – General Curriculum Secondary Education (6-12). To be eligible for this endorsement, applicants must hold an active teaching license in one of the following endorsement areas: (a) Middle Grades Education with endorsement(s) in English, history and social sciences, mathematics, or science, or (b) Secondary Grades Education with endorsement(s) in English, history and social sciences, mathematics, biology, chemistry, Earth science, or physics. The Special Education General Curriculum Add-on Endorsement only applies to the grade band of the initial license (e.g., Secondary Education).

Why educators choose this program

• Champion inclusion. Master evidence-based strategies to adapt math, science, English, and history, so students with disabilities learn beside their peers without watering down rigor.
• Lead effective IEPs. Use assessment data to write clear, measurable IEP goals and conduct collaborative meetings—skills districts want when they list “special needs teacher qualifications.”
• Advocate with confidence. Understand IDEA, Section 504, transition law, and strategies to provide students meaningful access to Virginia’s general education curriculum in inclusive classroom settings.
• Boost your career. Add a high-demand endorsement that expands your career options and equips you to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities accessing the general curriculum in middle and high school.

Built for busy professionals

Courses run in 7-week blocks, letting you finish this special education certificate online in about a year while you keep teaching. Faculty members are veteran leaders in special education who have experience writing IEPs and supporting exceptional learners in accessing the general curriculum, so every lesson is grounded in real-world practice.

Once you complete this state-approved certificate, you’ll be eligible for the add-on endorsement in Special Education General Curriculum – Secondary Education (6-12). You’ll be equipped with the tools and knowledge to turn “I’m not sure I can” into “Watch me succeed!” for every learner you serve.

Certificate courses can count towards the MEd in Special Education or be combined with another graduate education certificate in the Build-Your-Own MEd.