Certificate in Special Needs Education - Options for aspiring educators

Certificate in Special Needs Education

For aspiring special education teachers, there are multiple accredited routes to earn certification or an advanced degree. Some are flexible and designed for working adults. Below are ten approved programs across the U.S. that meet state or national standards for special education licensure. These pathways range from online teacher preparation and master’s programs to specialized endorsements in behavior support and inclusive education. Each option provides a structured, evidence-based foundation for helping diverse learners thrive in today’s classrooms.

1. American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) – Online special education certification accepted in multiple states
   https://www.americanboard.org/special-education/

2. SUNY Empire State University (New York) – MAT in Middle Childhood or Adolescent Education, MAT and MEd in Adolescent Special Education
   https://sunyempire.edu/academics/graduate-academics/childhood-special-education.html

3. Southeast Missouri State University (Missouri) – Initial Teacher, Advanced Educator, and Specialized Personnel Preparation program
   https://aaqep.org/accredited-programs

4. Southern Oregon University (Oregon) – Educator Licensure Programs including special education
   https://aaqep.org/accredited-programs

5. Stevenson University (Maryland) – Initial Teacher Preparation programs approved for special education licensure
   https://aaqep.org/accredited-programs

6. Texas Tech University (Texas) – Teacher Education Programs with special education focus
   https://aaqep.org/accredited-programs

7. University of Vermont – MEd in Special Education (K-12) with Vermont state approval
   https://www.masters-in-special-education.com/best/top-innovative-masters-degree-programs/

8. Ohio State University (Ohio) – MA in Special Education accredited by NCATE
   https://www.masters-in-special-education.com/best/top-innovative-masters-degree-programs/

9. Appalachian State University (North Carolina) – Online master’s program in Intellectual Disabilities and Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
   https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/degrees/masters-programs/best-online-masters-in-special-education/

10. University of Missouri (Missouri) – MA and MEd in Special Education specializing in behavior disorders and early childhood
    https://www.masters-in-special-education.com/best/top-innovative-masters-degree-programs/