Special Education Leadership Graduate Certificate (E1-CERG-SELE)

This 15 credit certificate provides training for those who administer or lead program implementation efforts for learners with exceptional needs. A critical need exists for program administrators who are prepared to meet the unique requirements of exceptional learners and those who teach them. The certificate is designed to address this significant need. Each course has been planned in accordance with professional standards and current research to maximize the effectiveness of the program. This certificate is appropriate for central office personnel in special education, building level supervisors of special education, and lead teachers/department chairs. It is also appropriate for general education administrators who have an interest in expanding their knowledge and skills regarding special education program administration. The objective of the program is to prepare program administrators in the knowledge and skills necessary for leading school reform in which all participants in the educational process are led to better support each and every learner.

Admissions

Students are encouraged to apply to the certificate program before starting their coursework or immediately upon beginning their first course. Students pursuing a 15 credit certificate must complete at least 8 credits after admission to the certificate program. There are no pre-requisites for entry into the program, other than eligibility for a graduate program at Mason.

The certificate courses in the program can be applied as electives in the MEd in Special Education program or to the PhD in Education as a concentration area. Students planning to pursue both the MEd in Special Education and Certificate in Special Education Leadership are advised to apply to the MEd in Special Education program and, upon acceptance, contact Jancy Templeton to add the certificate program to their record.

Required Courses

EDSE 743: Leadership in Special Education Administration (3 credit hours)
EDSE 744: Current Issues in Special Education (3 credit hours)

Elective Courses (select three from the following):

EDSE 626: The Inclusive Classroom (3 credit hours)
EDSE 701: Legal Issues and Special Populations (3 credit hours)
EDSE 702: Managing Resources for Special Education Programs (3 credit hours)
EDSE 703: Creating a Collaborative Culture (3 credit hours)

Tuition Assistance and Grant Funding

Cohort program: The Special Education program works collaboratively with a number of Northern Virginia school divisions to offer special education certificates and degree programs to school employees using a cohort model. This model provides convenience to the students and forms a better link between academia and school realities. Additional benefits of the cohort model include tuition discounts, classes located in the students’ school divisions and course scheduling in alignment with school division calendars.

PhD Special Education Leadership Grant: The primary purpose for this grant is to prepare educators who are already certified and practicing in special education, general education, school administration, or related services areas to earn doctorates from Mason with a major in Special Education and a minor in Special Education Leadership. Ultimately, the grant’s purpose is to prepare and support financially (and in other ways) doctoral students whose career goals include leadership and research that improve services and service delivery for students with high-incidence disabilities who are found eligible for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Graduate Research Assistantships: Part time positions are available for students interested in providing research support to faculty.