Certificate in Special Education
Description
The Graduate Certificate in Special Education will prepare you to work with students with a wide range of diverse needs. Trinity’s program focuses on evidence-based instructional strategies and data-driven best practices to enhance the skills needed to help those with varying social and learning abilities in today’s inclusive classrooms. Educators learn to develop effective behavioral interventions, differentiate instruction, and provide appropriate accommodations. Coursework will explore the intersecting relationships of school, home, and community and how they can work together to ensure all students meet their full potential.
Trinity has small class sizes for individualized attention and faculty teach foundational knowledge in an applied format, integrating students’ work and life experiences with the course information. All courses can apply towards a Master’s Degree in Special Education at Trinity.
Trinity’s faculty have extensive experience in a variety of special education areas and the courses are designed to provide you with the content knowledge and skills needed to enhance education opportunities for students with special needs.
Program Requirements
Core Requirements (15 credits)
EDCI 650 Global and Ethical PerspectivesImproves knowledge about diverse learners and issues in educating these learners by exploring different theoretical, national, and cultural frameworks and perspectives. Develops an understanding of education of diverse learners at the global level.
3 Credits
Prerequisites: None
EDTE 629 Teaching Students with High Incidence DisabilitiesParticular attention will be paid to the role of educators/individuals working with children identified as having learning disabilities, emotional or behavioral d isabilit ies, speech and language disabilities, mild intellectual disabilities, autism, and those presenting with learning/emotional difficulties. Educational approaches developed to meet the special needs of these students will be discussed. Field observations/visits are an integral component of the course. Formerly EDTE 629, Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities and Emotional Disturbances. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits
Prerequisites: EDCC 510, EDCC 530, and EDCC 541
EDTE 630 Human Relations and Career Education in Special EducationThis course examines contemporary trends and issues in career education and various strategies and methods established to provide for, and to improve the delivery of, appropriate educational and vocational services for students with disabilities as well as personal/social adjustment. A major focus is on the importance of transition planning. Parent/family and professional collaboration in multicultural settings is stressed. The field experience and practica assignments are integral components of this course. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
3 credits
Prerequisites: EDCC 510, EDCC 530, and EDCC 541
EDTE 634 Teaching Students with Significant DisabilitiesThis course provides an in-depth examination of the theory and research associated with the etiological, psychological, and social factors related to students with signif icant di sabilities (including intellectual disabilities, autism, and multiple disabilities). Curriculum development, materials and resources, and teaching strategies and methodologies for students with significant disabilities are introduced, with an emphasis on inclusive settings. Includes field component. A grade of B or higher is required to advance.
Formerly EDTE 634, Teaching Students with Intellectual Disabilities.
3 credits
Prerequisites: EDCC 510, 530, and 541
EDTE 691 Practicum in Special EducationThis course requires candidates to fulfill clinical fieldwork requirements associated with licensure in special education. The internship requires candidate to complete clinical fieldwork associated with the following areas: IEP development; Assessment and Evaluation; Collaboration (with other professionals as well as with parents and families); Culture, Language, Race/Ethnicity (as it is associated with disability issues); and Instructional planning and implementation for students with diverse learning needs.
3 credits
Prerequisites: EDCC 510, EDCC 530, & EDCC 541
Program Policies
Transfer Credit Policy: Transfer credits may be accepted for a post-baccalaureate certificate program if they meet the student’s planned degree program just as they are for graduate degree programs. Students may transfer up to six total credits in alignment with the certificate curriculum. All other Trinity transfer credit policies apply.
Stackable Credential: Trinity certificate courses may be applied to degree programs depending on the graduate degree program. Students enrolled in degree programs at Trinity may simultaneously pursue a certificate and these courses will count toward both credentials.
Academic Standing: Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the post-baccalaureate certificate program and may count no more than one course in which a “C” was earned toward the post-baccalaureate certificate. Courses in the certificate programs are repeatable. Satisfactory academic progress is a criterion for the award of financial aid. Students not making academic progress will be referred to their academic advisor for academic counseling. All other Trinity academic policies and procedures apply to certificate courses.