Graduate Certificate in Special Education Transition Services
The Graduate Certificate in Special Education Transition Services provides training and preparation for professional positions that support individuals with disabilities with the transition to postsecondary education, employment, independent living, and community participation. Professionals holding a bachelor's degree or master's degree looking to improve their skills in preparing individuals with disabilities for the transition to adult life are ideal candidates for this certificate. The program courses are aligned with the Council for Exceptional Children’s Advanced Special Education Transition Specialist standards and comprise 12 credit hours.
This Graduate Certificate is eligible to receive Title IV funding – Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS loans by request. To be considered for aid, students need to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.
Applicants seeking admission to the Graduate Certificate in Special Education Transition Services must submit the following directly to the Office of Graduate Admission:
- Graduate Application
- Application Fee
- Official transcript from all degrees earned
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of a 3.0, either overall or in the last 60 credit hours
- Two recommendation forms
- Curriculum vitae or resume
The Graduate Certificate in Special Education Transition Services is comprised of four special education courses to facilitate transition from secondary education to adult settings. This program affords access to the necessary online learning resources, including access to materials and support from the SHSU Newton Gresham Library as well as technology support from IT@Sam.
The specialization courses for the Graduate Certificate in Special Education Transition Services is offered online and includes the following required courses:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate in Special Education Transition Services | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| SPED 5306 | Transition Services for Individuals with Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 5307 | Transition Assessment and Instruction | 3 |
| SPED 5308 | Career Development & Employment for Youth with Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 5309 | Leadership in Transition Services | 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state's 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers. Marketable skills are those valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.
The Graduate Certificate in Special Education Transition Services is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:
- Utilize transition assessments on an ongoing basis to develop transition plans.
- Align instructional activities and related activities with postsecondary goals and objectives.
- Use evidence-based practices and research to develop transition programs and services.
- Develop and maintain professional transition-related ethics for working with community and related agency personnel.
