Program Overview

Overview of the Gifted Education Graduate Certificate

The Gifted Education Graduate Certificate offered by Arizona State University is designed to equip educators, administrators, school psychologists, behavior analysts, and family members with the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and serve highly capable students. This certificate program focuses on the theory and pedagogy related to the special talents and needs of high-performing students, providing participants with the most current and relevant instructional methods and services for gifted learners.

Program Details

• The program consists of 5 courses, each lasting 7.5 weeks, totaling 15 credit hours.
• The certificate can be completed on its own or concurrently with a graduate degree.
• It does not lead to teacher certification or an initial educator license but can assist in qualifying for the gifted education endorsement for K-12 education in Arizona, subject to additional requirements by the Arizona Department of Education.

Skills and Knowledge Acquired

Upon completing the Gifted Education Graduate Certificate, participants will have acquired specialized skills to support high-performing students, including:

• Recognizing learning potential and addressing the distinct needs of gifted and talented students.
• Designing and delivering challenging, differentiated curriculum and instruction.
• Advising, educating, and developing exceptional students.
• Identifying top pupils and measuring and testing in gifted education.
• Teaching methods for talented learners.

Career Opportunities

With a Gifted Education certification, credentialed teachers can seek opportunities in honors classrooms, and administrators can apply for roles as coordinators for gifted students. Support staff can also learn to better understand high-performing students. Potential career paths include:

• Education administrator
• Gifted teacher
• Guidance counselor
• Teacher assistant
• Vocational education teacher

Faculty and Research

The Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines, including cognitive science, psychology, and economics. They are committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments, ensuring that teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution, preferably in education or a related field, with a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's program or the last 12 units of their post-baccalaureate transcript. A GPA between 2.75 and 2.99 may be considered for provisional admission. All applicants must submit:

• Graduate admission application and application fee.
• Official transcripts.
• Personal statement.
• Resume.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The cost per credit hour for this program is $619, with an additional mandatory Student Initiated Fee each semester that varies based on the number of credit hours taken. Most students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. A tuition calculator is available to estimate full-time or part-time tuition fees prior to any financial aid.

Accreditation and Rankings

Arizona State University's Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation is recognized for its excellence, with rankings including:

• #1 best online master’s in educational administration programs.
• #1 best online master’s in curriculum and instruction programs.
• #1 best online master’s in educational/instructional media programs.
• #3 best online master’s in special education programs.

Conclusion

The Gifted Education Graduate Certificate at Arizona State University offers a comprehensive program for educators and professionals seeking to enhance their skills in supporting highly capable students. With its focus on theory, pedagogy, and practical application, this certificate is designed to meet the needs of a variety of roles within the education sector, from teaching and administration to support services. By providing a structured and engaging learning environment, ASU equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a positive impact on the educational journeys of gifted and talented students.