OnlineGraduate Certificate inSpecial Education
- 100% Online
- 15 Credit Hours
- 3 Semesters
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Oral Roberts University's Graduate Certificate in Special Education is a 100% online graduate certificate designed for educators who want to strengthen their ability to teach and support students with mild-to-moderate disabilities. Through research-based instruction, assessment methods, and practical teaching strategies, you'll develop the knowledge and skills needed to address diverse learning needs in today's classrooms.
This graduate certificate focuses on special education instructional methods, behavior management, student assessment, and family engagement. You'll learn how to identify individual learning needs, develop effective instructional approaches, and create supportive learning environments that help students succeed academically and personally.
The program is designed to help teachers prepare for the Mild/Moderate Special Education Oklahoma Subject Area Test (OSAT), an important assessment associated with Oklahoma special education certification.
Rooted in ORU's mission to develop Spirit-empowered leaders, the program combines professional teaching practices with a Christ-centered approach to Whole Person Education. You'll strengthen your ability to serve students and families with compassion, integrity, and effective educational strategies.
Resources for Your ORU Journey
WHAT CAN I DO WITH A Certificate in Special Education?

A Graduate Certificate in Special Education can help you expand your instructional expertise and strengthen your ability to support students with diverse learning needs.
Whether you're an experienced classroom teacher looking to develop additional skills or an educator preparing for special education certification requirements, this program provides focused graduate-level coursework in mild-to-moderate special education.
This certificate can support professional development in areas such as:
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Elementary Special Education
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Middle School Special Education
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High School Special Education
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Inclusive Classroom Instruction
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Student Assessment and Intervention
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Individualized Instructional Planning
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Behavior Management and Student Support
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Family and School Collaboration
Note: Special education teaching positions generally require appropriate state-issued teaching credentials. Earning this graduate certificate does not automatically grant teacher certification or licensure.
What Will I Learn Throughout the Certificate in Special Education?
ORU's online Graduate Certificate in Special Education provides research-based teaching strategies and practical skills to help educators support students with mild-to-moderate disabilities. Through specialized coursework, you'll learn to adapt instruction, assess individual learning needs, and create inclusive classroom environments.
Featured Courses
Parents and Families of Students With Special Needs: Learn strategies for communicating with families, building partnerships, and supporting student success.
Effective Instruction for Mild/Moderate Disabilities: Explore teaching methods and instructional strategies designed to meet diverse learning needs.
Behavior Management Strategies: Develop positive behavior interventions and classroom management techniques that support student learning.
Assessment and Program Planning: Learn to evaluate student needs, interpret assessments, and develop individualized instructional plans.
Elementary Reading Methods: Explore research-based literacy instruction and strategies for supporting students with reading difficulties.
Skills You'll Develop
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Individualized Instruction: Adapt teaching methods to support students with diverse learning needs.
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Student Assessment: Evaluate learning progress and develop targeted interventions.
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Behavior Management: Create positive classroom environments that support student success.
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Literacy Development: Apply effective reading strategies to strengthen student learning.
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Family Collaboration: Build meaningful partnerships with parents and caregivers.
Earn your Graduate Certificate in Special Education 100% online at Oral Roberts University.
Develop research-based teaching strategies, strengthen your skills in student assessment
and intervention, and prepare for the Mild/Moderate Special Education OSAT exam.
Start Your Graduate Certificate in Special Education
Yes. ORU's Graduate Certificate in Special Education is offered 100% online, allowing
educators to complete graduate-level coursework while continuing their teaching careers
and managing personal responsibilities. You can complete ORU's Graduate Certificate in Special Education in as little as 12
months. The program requires 15 credit hours, with courses delivered in accelerated
seven-week terms. Your completion timeline may vary depending on enrollment and academic
progress. Yes. ORU's Graduate Certificate in Special Education is designed to prepare teachers
for the Mild/Moderate Special Education Oklahoma Subject Area Test (OSAT). Coursework
focuses on instructional methods, student assessment, behavior management, and supporting
students with mild-to-moderate disabilities. ORU's Graduate Certificate in Special Education is designed for educators who want
to expand their instructional expertise and strengthen their ability to support students
with mild-to-moderate disabilities. It may be especially valuable for classroom teachers
seeking additional special education knowledge or preparing for further credentialing
requirements. Yes. ORU's 100% online format provides flexibility for working educators. Courses
are delivered in accelerated seven-week terms, allowing you to balance graduate coursework
with teaching responsibilities and personal commitments. Yes. Oral Roberts University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). ORU's College of Education also lists accreditation by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and recognition by the Oklahoma Office of Educational Quality (OEQA). These accreditations and approvals reflect ORU's commitment to academic quality
and preparing educators to serve students effectively. ORU combines research-based special education coursework with a Christ-centered approach
to Whole Person Education. The 100% online, 15-credit-hour certificate can be completed
in as little as 12 months and helps educators develop instructional strategies, strengthen
student support skills, and prepare for the Mild/Moderate Special Education OSAT exam.FAQ
If you want to call and learn more about Online Learning at ORU, call 918.495.6202. Want more info about our Online degree programs? Click the button below!Call Us
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