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Special Education (Certificate)

15 Credits  |   Main Campus

Preparation to work with exceptional learners K-12 while earning credits towards a future Master's Degree.

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The Graduate Certificate in Special Education will prepare you to work with students with a wide range of needs. Trinity’s program focuses on evidence-based instructional strategies and data-driven best practices to enhance the skills needed to help those with varying social and learning abilities in today’s inclusive classrooms. You’ll learn to develop effective behavioral interventions, differentiate instruction, and provide appropriate accommodations. Your courses will explore the intersecting relationships of school, home, and community and how they can work together to ensure all students meet their full potential.

Gaining a certificate from an accredited university can advance your career and put you a step closer to earning a degree! Trinity has small class sizes for individualized attention and faculty teach foundational knowledge in an applied format, integrating students’ work and life experiences with the course information. All coursework can apply towards a Master’s Degree in Special Education at Trinity.

Trinity’s faculty have extensive experience in a variety of special education areas, and our courses are designed to provide you with the content knowledge and skills needed to enhance education opportunities for students with special needs.

What You’ll Learn

  • Analyze the historical, professional, ethical, and legal policies in Special Education
  • Apply multiple ways to teach students with exceptionalities within a range of educational settings
  • Develop skills to collaborate with other professionals in multiple settings (e.g., general education classroom, inclusion, resource room)

Local Internships

  • Basis DC
  • Ivymount School
  • Center City PCS

Global Careers

  • Special education teacher (teaching endorsement for grades preK-3)
  • Residential Facilities Staff
  • Special Education Advocate

Contact Your Recruiter

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You May Also be Interested in These Programs

Students interested in Special Education (Certificate) are sometimes interested in these other Trinity programs:

Master’s Degree
Special Education

Master’s Degree
Secondary Education

Master’s Degree
Elementary Education

Applying to the Special Education (Certificate) Program

Applying to Trinity is free, and Trinity reviews each application as soon as it is complete: you’ll get our decision right away.

We’re here to help at 202-884-9400 or admissions@trinitydc.edu.

Apply Now

School of Education Graduate Certificates Admissions Requirements

Applying to the School of Education (EDU) is a 6- step process:

  • Step One: Apply to Trinity
  • Step Two: Submit Two (2) Professional References
  • Step Three: Submit Curriculum Vitae/Resume
  • Step Four: Statement of Purpose
  • Step Five: Submit Official Transcript w/ Conferred Bachelor’s Degree Date.  International Transcripts must be evaluated prior to submission
  • Step Six: Once your application is submitted, use your log-in credentials to check your status

Admissions Criteria:

  • Priority Admission Given to applicants with a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Applicants must note certificate programs are designed for educators and education professionals.
  • Praxis Core is NOT required for admittance to the certificate programs. However, all certificate coursework does transfer to the MAT and students wishing to continue to the MAT will need to submit passing Praxis Core scores OR demonstrate they have an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 OR submit passing scores on the SAT, GRE and ACT scores.
  • Students must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended at the undergraduate level. Transcripts submitted directly from an applicant are considered unofficial unless received in the original, unopened envelope from the issuing institution.
  • The first professional reference should be in support of the application testifying to the applicant’s aptitude for graduate education and potential for professional growth and development. The second reference should be written by supervisory personnel such as a principal or department chair.
  • For the admissions team to become better acquainted with you, please submit a one to two-page personal statement. In a self-appraisal, identify your strengths and how you believe they will serve as an asset to the academic program of your choosing. Additionally, identify and address any areas of weakness that you hope to strengthen throughout your course of study. Finally, discuss what personal characteristics set you apart from others and will help you achieve success as you pursue your academic and professional goals.
  • Transfer credits may be accepted for a post-baccalaureate certificate program if they meet the student’s planned degree program just as they are for graduate degree programs. Students may transfer up to six total credits in alignment with the certificate curriculum. All other Trinity transfer credit policies apply.
  • Applicants who do not meet the standard admission requirements but who demonstrate potential may be admitted on a provisional basis and may take up to six (6) credits of program course work during their first semester to demonstrate academic preparedness for graduate level studies. A minimum grade of “B” or higher must be earned and official transcripts for course work must be submitted for evaluation in order to be considered for full admission into the Education graduate programs.
  • International Students must adhere to International Student Checklist: https://www2.trinitydc.edu/admissions/international-applicants/