Special Education (K-12): Adapted Curriculum, Graduate Certificate

Special Education (K-12): Adapted Curriculum, Graduate Certificate
Online
21 Credit Hours
Admits: Fall, Spring & Summer
<h2 class="block-title">For More Information</h2> <div class="contact-form block-content" id="form-container"> <form action="/" method="POST" id="request_form"> <input keyname="" name="captcha_settings" type="hidden" value="{"/> <!-- Org ID --> <input name="orgid" type="hidden" value="00D390000005Z6D" /> <!-- Type and Subtype subtype needed for DE, Edit values only--> <input type="hidden" id="type" name="type" value="Recruitment" /> <input type="hidden" id="00N39000004WhxV" name="00N39000004WhxV" value="Recruitment" /> <!-- Case Record Type --> <input type="hidden" id="recordType" name="recordType" value="0120z000000UPl8" /> <!-- Return URL --> <input name="retURL" id="retURL" type="hidden" value="https://professional.charlotte.edu/programs/de/thankyou" /> <!--Event Tag--><input type="hidden" id="00N0z000003O0Xj" name="00N0z000003O0Xj" size="20" value="programs/special-education-k-12-adapted-curriculum" /> <!-- Campaign --> <input data-defaultvalue="yhgf-g.c.%20in%20special%20education%20(k-12):%20adapted%20curriculum" id="00N0z000003GGtU" name="00N0z000003GGtU" type="hidden" value="yhgf-g.c.%20in%20special%20education%20(k-12):%20adapted%20curriculum" /> <!-- Description --> <input name="description" type="hidden" value="Online Graduate Certificate in Special Education (K-12): Adapted Curriculum" /> <!-- Academic Interest --> <input id="00N4X00000AuWxv" name="00N4X00000AuWxv" type="hidden" value="a0n0z000008ZOuy" /> <!-- Form Elements --> <label class="hidden" for="name">Name</label> <br><input class="form-control" id="name" maxlength="80" name="name" placeholder="Name *" required="required" size="20" type="text" /> <label class="hidden" for="email">Email</label> <br><input class="form-control" id="email" maxlength="80" name="email" placeholder="Email *" required="required" size="20" type="email" /> <label class="hidden" for="phone">Phone</label> <br><input class="form-control" id="phone" maxlength="40" name="phone" placeholder="Phone *" required="required" size="20" type="text" /> <br /> <div class="form-check"> <label class="form-check-label"> <input class="form-check-input" id="smsCheck" type="checkbox" value=""/> <small>I would like to receive occasional support and advising for the selected program via text message to the phone number provided. Message and data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help or STOP to cancel.</small> </label> </div> <br /> <label class="hidden" for="submitBtn">Submit</label> <div id="submitContainer"> <button class="button button-gold" id="submitBtn" name="submit" type="submit"> <span id="submitText">Submit</span> </button> </div> </br> <div id="ErrorAlert" class="alert-danger alert" role="alert" style="display:none"> <!--Edit text to edit error alert--> There was an error submitting your request. If this issue persists, please contact our registration center at <a href="mailto:ceregistration@uncc.edu">ceregistration@uncc.edu</a> or <a href="tel:704-687-8900">704-687-8900</a>. </div> <div id="recaptchaText"> <!-- Do not edit this text, it is required to be present--> <p><small>This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google <a href="https://policies.google.com/privacy">Privacy Policy</a> and <a href="https://policies.google.com/terms">Terms of Service</a> apply. </small></p> </div> </form> </div>

Program Tabs

Program

The UNC Charlotte Graduate Certificate in Special Education (K-12) with a Concentration in Adapted Curriculum is your pathway to becoming an exceptional educator for students with moderate to severe disabilities, including autism and multiple disabilities. This 21-credit-hour graduate-level program is meticulously designed to fulfill the initial teaching license requirements set by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (Standard Professional I).

Who Is This Program For?

This certificate is ideal for:

  • Educators aspiring to specialize in adapted curriculum
  • Professionals seeking to work with students with moderate to severe disabilities
  • Individuals aiming for a career in special education within North Carolina

Program Highlights:

  • Fully Accredited: Meets the requirements for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Standard Professional I initial teaching license.
  • Specialized Curriculum: Tailored for those looking to make a significant impact on the lives of students with moderate to severe disabilities, autism, and/or multiple disabilities.
  • Flexible Online Learning: Designed with working professionals in mind, the program offers 100% online coursework with required Zoom meetings for most courses.

Pathway to Advanced Credentials

Upon completing the Graduate Certificate, students have the opportunity to advance their education and career:

  • Master of Arts in Teaching: Eligible to pursue further studies and qualify for the North Carolina Standard Professional 2 (SP2) Educator’s License in Special Education.
  • Comprehensive Skill Development: Engage in Phase II of the program to refine teaching skills, conduct research, and enhance leadership abilities through advanced classroom management, consultation, collaboration, and individual master’s projects.

Why Choose UNC Charlotte?

  • Expert Faculty: Learn from educators with extensive experience in special education.
  • Career Advancement: Gain the qualifications needed to excel in special education roles across various educational settings.
  • Community and Support: Join a network of professionals dedicated to making a difference in the field of special education.

Request More Information

Explore how this program can help you achieve your professional goals by connecting with an Enrollment Specialist. Complete the For More Information box on this page or contact us using the links below.

Admissions

Application Deadlines: 

  • August 1 (fall)
  • December 1 (spring)
  • May 1 (summer first half term)
  • June 15 (summer second half term)

  • Complete the Graduate School Admission Application.
  • A bachelor’s degree from a university accredited by a US Department of Education-recognized institutional accreditor.
  • A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.7 (If you do not have at least a 2.7 GPA, please see our GPA Forgiveness process).
  • Copies of unofficial transcripts from all academic coursework beyond high school.
  • A statement of purpose.
  • Two online professional recommendations coming from individuals in a supervisory capacity (i.e. principal or manager) and/or academic reference (i.e. professor).
  • A clear criminal background check, which will be requested after application submission. The cost of this will start at $18 and could take 2-4 weeks to be processed. Please note your application cannot move forward until this step is complete.
  • The online Graduate Certificate Program requires classroom observation, clinical, and internship hours to be completed in the state of North Carolina. See the "Courses" tab for a description of the internship.
Courses

Required Courses for Adapted (21 credit hours)

  • SPED 5173: Diagnostic Assessment (3)
  • SPED 5274: General Curriculum Access and Adaptations (3)
  • SPED 5300: Lifespan Development for Exceptional Individuals (3)
  • SPED 5370: Culturally Responsive Positive Behavior Support (3)
  • SPED 5380: Multiple Disabilities and Systematic Instruction (3)
  • SPED 5400: Practicum: Integrated Instructional Applications in Special Education (3)
  • SPED 6476: Internship/Seminar: Special Education K-12 - Adapted Curriculum (3 to 6)

Note about course delivery: Courses are delivered online both synchronously and asynchronously.

Internship Information

A year-long internship (YLI) is required for Graduate Certificate students. The YLI consists of a semester of clinical experiences in the fall semester followed by a full-time experience in the spring semester. The graduate-level internship is the culminating experience of the Graduate Certificate program, and offers students the opportunity to demonstrate their readiness for the North Carolina Initial Professional License (IPL) in Special Education. Students are assigned to an appropriate classroom for a full-time semester-long experience under the supervision of the Clinical Educator and University Supervisor.

This internship can be done in a student’s place of employment if the setting is determined to be appropriate. The University can also find placement for the student if needed. During the application period (late January to early February before the YLI starts in the fall), residency teachers and teacher assistants will work with the Office of School and Community Partnerships to determine the appropriateness of their classroom for the internship experience and licensure requirements. Students will be invited to begin the application process by the Program Director via advising communications in January before the YLI begins in the fall.

Note about the Graduate Certificate in Teaching

UNC Charlotte's Graduate Certificate in Teaching offers an efficient pathway to initial teacher licensure for candidates who have already earned a bachelor's degree and meets the  Educator Preparation Program (EPP) enrollment requirement for candidates seeking Residency Licensure. Course instruction is delivered 100% online using Canvas and, in most concentrations, is paired with clinical labs that meet on UNC Charlotte's campus or at school sites in the Charlotte area. Lab courses have an 'L' designation on the plans of study available on the program site. Please contact the Office of Teacher Education Advising and Licensure at 704-687-8725 with questions about course format.

Tuition

*Rates are subject to change* 

Resident:

  • $288.82 per credit hour

Outside of NC Non-Resident:

  • $536.98 per credit hour

Non Resident:

  • $1,098.21 per credit hour

Find more information regarding tuition and fees here ».