Program Overview

Graduate Certificate in Low Incidence Disabilities

The Graduate Certificate in Low Incidence Disabilities program prepares educators to meet the educational needs of students with a significant intellectual disability or with multiple disabilities, including cognitive, sensory, and physical impairments.

Overview

The 24-27 credit hour graduate certificate in low incidence disabilities at the University of Kansas provides graduate preparation focused on meeting the educational needs of students with significant intellectual disability and students with multiple disabilities, including students on the autism spectrum with concurrent cognitive, sensory, and/or physical impairments.

Admissions

• All applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the Admission to Graduate Study policy.
• Bachelor’s degree: A copy of official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements is required.
• English proficiency: Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required.
• A completed graduate application.
• Application fee.
• Official transcripts of all degree-granting post-secondary institutions attended and an official transcript for each degree earned.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• Personal statement declaring interest in the program and its relationship to graduate course of study and/or career objectives.
• Current resume or CV.

Certificate Requirements

• Course List Code | Title | Hours
  • SPED 735 | Introduction to Teaching Learners with Low-Incidence Disabilities in Inclusive Settings | 3
  • SPED 742 | Assessment and Methods of Teaching Students with Low-Incidence Disabilities in Inclusive Settings | 3
  • SPED 775 | Practicum with Children and Youth with Disabilities | 1-3
  • SPED 723 | Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports for Students with Low-Incidence Disabilities | 3
  • SPED 746 | Assessment and Supports for Students with Complex Communication Needs | 3
  • SPED 842 | Methods in Access and Inclusion in the Core Curriculum | 3
  • SPED 844 | Advanced Methods in Access and Inclusion in the Core Curriculum | 3
  • SPED 856 | Transition Education and Services from Childhood through Adulthood | 3
  • SPED 875 | Practicum with Children and Youth with Disabilities | 1-3
• Total Credit Hours: 27
• SPED 730 or equivalent is required to be admitted to the certificate program. If equivalency is not demonstrated, SPED 730 will be added to the applicant's program plan.
• A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher is required to remain in good academic standing and in order to graduate.
• At least 50% of coursework in the certificate degree must be at the 700 level or above.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate critical-thinking and analytical skills to facilitate supportive and collegial inclusive learning communities premised on flexible and collaborative practice among general and special educators and parents of students receiving special education services.
• Demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based and high-leverage practices in special education.
• Demonstrate knowledge of characteristics, strengths, and typical areas of instructional need for students receiving special education services.