Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education
The Early Childhood Special Education certificate combines early childhood education and special education courses to provide additional training for individuals who teach or work with children with special needs.
This certificate has been approved by the Higher Education Coordinating Board and is awarded by Sam Houston State University.
This Graduate Certificate is not eligible to receive Title IV funding – Direct Loans, Pell Grant, TEACH Grant, SEOG Grant, or Federal Work Study. Students enrolled in this program should explore alternative funding options and are encouraged to contact the financial aid office for assistance.
Note: This certificate in Early Childhood Special Education DOES NOT lead to teacher certification.
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 program in Early Childhood Special Education must submit the following directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
Spring 2025
- Graduate Application
- Application fee
- Official transcript from the baccalaureate degree granting institution
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of a 3.0, either overall or in the last 60 credit hours
- Two Recommendation Forms
For recommendation forms, please contact the School of Teaching and Learning or visit the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education program landing page.
Fall 2024
- Graduate Application
- Application fee
- Official transcript from the baccalaureate degree granting institution
- List of three professional references with contact information and relationship to applicant.
- Writing sample
For recommendation forms and writing sample instructions, please contact the School of Teaching and Learning or visit the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education program landing page.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education | ||
| Required Course | ||
| SPED 5301 | Education of Individuals with Disabilities (Offered summer only) | 3 |
| Special Education | ||
| Select two from the following: | 6 | |
| Teaching Methods for Learners with Mild to Moderate Disab | ||
| Transition Services for Individuals with Disabilities | ||
| Transition Assessment and Instruction | ||
| In-Home Training and Family Issues | ||
| Study of Behavior Disorders in Children | ||
| Outcomes in Behavioral Interventions | ||
| Early Childhood Education | ||
| Select two from the following: 1 | 6 | |
| Curriculum Development-Early Childhood Education | ||
| Language and Literacy Development in the Young Child | ||
| Current Practices in Early Childhood Settings | ||
| Building Relationships with Diverse Families and Children | ||
| Theoretical Perspectives in Early Childhood Education | ||
| Development Of The Young Child | ||
| Special Topics in Early Childhood Education (May be taken twice with varied topic) | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
- 1
One graduate early childhood (ECHE) course is offered per semester.
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 skills 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 Early Childhood Special Education is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:
- Learn about child development and best practices for students with special needs
- Teaching methods for young children and families
- Learn how to assess young children with additional learning needs
- Community and family relations skills
