Graduate Licensure Preparation
The Non-Degree Graduate Licensure Preparation program is for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree and are interested in becoming special education teachers. Individuals who already have a teaching license in a non-special education field can often complete their licensure preparation coursework within one year.
Licensure preparation coursework in one of the special education (SPED) concentration areas is typically sought by individuals who:
- Have an undergraduate degree in something other than education and are seeking an initial teaching license in SPED;
- Are general education teachers seeking an additional license in SPED; or
- Are special education teachers seeking an additional license in a different SPED concentration area.
Students will learn about evidence-based strategies for working with individuals with disabilities in diverse settings. Coursework provides knowledge and training for teaching and adapting academic content for students with disabilities, assessment and the development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), classroom behavior management strategies, and family and professional collaboration. To be eligible for licensure, students are also required to student teach and complete licensure exams as outlined by the Ohio Department of Education.
What Graduate Licensure Options are Available?
- Deaf Education Licensure Preparation - teaching students who are deaf or hard of hearing: preschool to grade 12 (ages 3-21)
- Early Childhood Intervention Specialist Licensure Preparation - teaching young children with disabilities: preschool to grade 3 (ages 3-8)
- Mild/Moderate Educational Needs Licensure Preparation - teaching students with disabilities who most often participate in the general education curriculum with SPED supports: kindergarten to grade 12 (ages 5-21)
- Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs Licensure Preparation - teaching students with disabilities who most often require modification to general education academic curriculum and/or other extensive SPED supports: kindergarten to grade 12 (ages 5-21)
Admissions Requirements
Official transcript(s) from Baccalaureate program(s), minimum 2.75 GPA; goal statement; two letters of recommendation and proof of a valid (unexpired), Ohio Resident Educator or Professional Teaching License (additional licensure prep only).
Annual Application Deadlines for the Non-Degree SPED Initial Licensure Preparation programs (these deadlines do not apply to additional licensure preparation programs)
Fall Initial Licensure Application Deadline: July 1
Spring Initial Licensure Application Deadline: December 1
Summer Initial Licensure Application Deadline: April 1
For those Seeking Financial Aid:
Please note, the Graduate non-degree licensure programs do not quality for graduate level federal financial aid. Non-degree licensure program students should refer to the post-undergraduate section of the Student Financial Aid website for information on possible federal funding or reach out to the One Stop for Student Services.
Professional Licensure Disclosure
This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.