Available entirely online!
Whether you're a classroom teacher, paraprofessional, instructional coach, school administrator, social worker or another education professional, this four-course graduate certificate helps you build the specialized knowledge needed to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
You'll study current federal and Massachusetts special education requirements, evidence-based instructional practices, classroom management, academic interventions and inclusive teaching strategies taught by experienced faculty.
Courses may also be applied toward UMass Lowell's Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction, if you choose to continue your graduate education.
A graduate certificate in special education can strengthen your qualifications for roles in:
The specialized knowledge gained through this program can also enhance your effectiveness in your current role while preparing you for additional responsibilities in inclusive educational settings.
Develop strategies that improve learning outcomes for students with disabilities while strengthening your effectiveness in today's classrooms.
Study research-supported instructional methods, intervention strategies and classroom management techniques that can be applied in diverse educational settings.
Gain a deeper understanding of federal and Massachusetts regulations, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), disability rights and legal compliance.
If you decide to continue your education, certificate courses may be applied toward UMass Lowell's non-licensure M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction.
Through this certificate, you'll develop the knowledge and skills to:
-Total Courses Required: 4 (12 Credits)
This course will examine special education laws and ethical practices in K-12 settings.
CSCE Graduate Restrictions
Examines the methods of teaching students with moderate disabilities at the secondary level. Topics include curriculum (including the Massachusetts frameworks), IEPs, and instructional modifications appropriate for students with special needs.
This course prepares participants to create and maintain a safe and collaborative learning environment through the development of effective rituals, routines, and appropriate responses in the classroom. With attention to the development of Positive Behavioral Supports, participants will examine and apply basic behavioral theories, evidence-based principles, and relevant policies. Based in the Three Tiered Philosophy, the course learning progresses for Universal Design concepts to more prescriptive individualized interventions and incorporates the practices of personal reflection, professional collaboration and effective communication.
This course will focus on practices to support the teaching and learning of Multilingual Learners (MLs) with or at risk of learning disabilities and will be divided into two main parts: the first part will focus primarily on issues of assessment and identification of MLs with learning disabilities, while the second half will focus on legal implications and instructional practices for when dually classified students. This course emphasizes the importance of meaningful collaboration between Special Education and Multilingual Learner educators and delineates the key processes for establishing such partnerships.
Students enrolled in graduate certificate programs through UMass Lowell must complete all courses indicated in the curriculum outline. Students may complete the certificate program at their own pace by registering for and successfully completing one or more courses each semester, depending upon his/her personal time constraints. Students are required to maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.000 with no more than one course grade below B to receive the certificate.
Online courses meet throughout the year during the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters (see Calendar for details). Online students generally log into their online course website one or more times per week to retrieve lectures and assignments or to participate in a chat session. Online students should expect to spend 6 to 10 hours per week engaged in course-related activities for each course. For more information on online courses, visit our online program home page .
Graduate certificate courses must be completed within a five-year period with a minimum 3.000 grade point average and no more than one course with a grade below B. Once all courses for a graduate certificate have been completed, students must complete and submit the Graduate Certificate Clearance Form. Students must submit their clearance form to their coordinator. The coordinator will apply them in SIS, Graduation Tracking.
Tuition at UMass Lowell is typically half the cost of private colleges, and our online tuition is among the lowest in the nation. Tuition for online programs offered through the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies is the same whether you live in-state, out-of-state or outside of the U.S.
Please note: Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Estimate the cost of this program with our online tuition calculator.
Currently this program does not qualify for financial aid. UMass Lowell offers a variety of scholarship options.
Certificate students may be able to receive federal financial aid if they are simultaneously enrolled in a degree program.
You can apply anytime. There are no deadlines. Applications are accepted throughout the year.
F1 student visas are not issued for this program.
You may apply to more than one certificate program but can only take 12 credits maximum before enrolling in an advanced degree.
Certificates must be completed within 5 years.
Official transcripts can be sent to us directly from your previous institution either electronically or mailed to:
We cannot accept previously opened transcripts, photocopies, PDF email attachments or faxed transcripts.
Email Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu or call 800-656-4723 (for U.S. students) or 978-934-2390 (for international students).
For general questions about registering for courses or to find out who the advisor is for your graduate program, call 800-480-3190. Our admissions and advising teams are here to help!