Graduate Certificate in Special Education

Plan Description

The Graduate Certificate in Special Education targets both part-time and full-time graduate students who wish to develop specialized knowledge in one of five special education strands: autism, learning disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders, gifted, intellectual disabilities. Each strand is relevant for those who work with individuals with disabilities or gifts and talents in a school setting, community setting, day care, or home-based setting. Each of the five strands is comprised of 15-credits that provide a strong knowledge base and pragmatic-practice base. Hours earned for each of the five strands may be applied to a degree program in special education at the master’s or doctoral degree levels. Hours earned in the master’s or doctorate programs in special education may not be used toward the certificate. Each certificate strand requires 15 credit hours.

For more information about your program, including your graduate program handbook and learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Directory.

Plan Admission Requirements

Application deadlines

Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.

All applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements. 

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. The student also must complete and submit the Graduate Certificate in Special Education (indicating the strand of study) application through the Graduate College. This should include a letter indicating the purpose of the study in the certificate strand selected. Accepted students can begin taking courses the term following acceptance.

Students are accepted into a certificate program as described in the Graduate Catalog. The faculty and corresponding sub-disciplines and sub-plans within the described programs are subject to change at any time.

Plan Requirements

See Subplan Requirements below.

Subplan 1 Requirements: Gifted 

Subplan 2 Requirements: Intellectual Disabilties

Subplan 3 Requirements: Emotional Behavioral Disorders

Subplan 4 Requirements: Learning Disabilties

Subplan 5 Requirements: Autism

Certificate Requirements

Completion of the 15 credits specified in the selected strand of study with  B or better grade is required.

Certificate Completion Requirements

1. Students must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her certificate requirements.
2. Certificates will be awarded upon successful completion of the certificate requirements and filing of all required forms to the Graduate College.