University of Phoenix

Program Information

Degree Offered

Special Education Certificate

Format: Campus

Program Description:

The Certificate in Special Education (CERT/SPE) prepares current certified teachers working in a K-12 regular education environment as special education teachers. This program is designed to provide them with the additional coursework required for certification as a K-12 special education generalist. Coursework in this program includes special education methods, special education assessment and interpretation, characteristics of exceptionalities, transition planning for adolescents with disabilities as well as collaboration with families of students with disabilities. Throughout the program, students are required to complete a minimum of 25 hours of verifiable field experiences, covering a variety of special education settings.

Required Course of Study
MTE 500
Orientation to the Special Education Certification Program
This course is designed to provide an orientation to the primary components of the Special Education Certificate Program. Students will be introduced to the program’s components and completion requirements. Electronic Resources, Field Experience, and E-Portfolio will be discussed.
(0 credits)
COM 516
Professional Communications
This course provides new graduate students in University of Phoenix programs with an introduction to strategies for academic success within the University of Phoenix adult learning model. Topics include oral and written communication, methods for finding and evaluating course resources, critical thinking, the purpose and use of portfolios, program standards, stress and time management, and tools for collaborative learning, in preparation for team assignments in future classes. (1 credit)
MTE 505
Child and Adolescent Development
This course explores the range of issues related to human development from birth through age 18. The focus of the course is on defining the various stages as they impact instructional practice and decisions in a K-12 environment. Emotional, intellectual, physiological, social, and cultural factors are discussed. Peer and family influences, along with issues
related to media themes and gender bias, are examined. (3 credits)
SPE 513
Orientation to the Exceptional Child
This course provides an overview of the different categories of exceptionality. Students will be introduced to special education laws and their implications for delivery systems, transition plans, and identification and placement procedures. (3 credits)
SPE 511
Special Education Methods
This course provides an overview of methodologies used in teaching learners with special needs from early childhood on, with an emphasis on students with learning disabilities, mental retardation, and emotional handicaps. Students explore the relationship between individual student characteristics and the development of the Individualized Education Program, instructional implications of special education categories, characteristics of various service delivery models, task analysis, unit and lesson development, instructional strategies, classroom organization and management, behavior management, crisis prevention, and transition planning/career counseling. Communication through consultation and collaboration and professional/ethical practices are also considered.
(3 credits)
SPE 512
Special Education Assessment & Interpretation
This course focuses on the task of assessing the exceptional child, with an emphasis on measuring a child’s abilities and diagnosing his or her strengths and needs. Commonly used tests and evaluation systems used in public school special education programs are examined. The course also addresses specific diagnostic procedures and the link between interpretation and the instructional process. Basic instructional, assessment, and behavioral recommendations are discussed. (3 credits)
SPE 590
Characteristics of Exceptionalities
This course examines teaching and managing students with mild disabilities. Special emphasis is placed on learning disabilities, mental retardation, and emotional disabilities. The etiology, characteristics, philosophies, service delivery models available, methods of instruction, and behavior management techniques of each disability area are discussed in depth. (3 credits)
RDG 530
Curriculum Constructs and Assessment: Reading and Language Arts
This course focuses on the most current research, theory, and methods of reading instruction, while providing students with the background knowledge in language arts necessary to prepare an integrated unit of instruction. Various instructional and assessment techniques, including research-based phonics, are modeled. A practical application project, based on work with a student in a K-8 school setting, is incorporated into the course requirements. (4 credits)

While widely available, not all programs are available in all locations or in both online and on-campus formats. Please check with a University Enrollment Advisor.

Accreditation:

University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No

Classification: Schools of Business and Management

Institution Sector: Private for-profit

Locale: Large Suburb

Size & Settings: 5,000 - 9,999