Why study secondary transition at BGSU in Ohio?
- Maximum flexibility. Complete your 100% online coursework from anywhere and at your own pace while balancing work and personal commitments. Choose from three start dates each year – January, May or August.
- Focus on putting knowledge into practice. The secondary transition certificate program strengthens your professional skills and credentials through relevant coursework that connects directly to your work in school and community settings.
- A vibrant community of practice. You’ll enjoy abundant opportunities for lively discussion in our virtual community of educators, counselors, rehabilitation professionals and other practitioners as we grapple with contemporary challenges to providing effective transition planning and services. Sharing our unique experiences, knowledge and resources leverages learning for all.
- Pathway to a master’s degree. The certificate program can be completed as a stand-alone credential or as part of the M.Ed. in special education with a specialization in secondary transition. Students who complete the certificate program are well on their way to completing the 30-credit-hour secondary transition master’s program. Working professionals can complete the master’s program in under two years.
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Career opportunities
Graduates of the BGSU secondary transition certificate program are prepared to take on leadership roles in transition education and services across K-12 schools, community agencies and institutions of higher education.
Coursework is aligned with National Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Advanced Preparation Standards for Transition Specialists. A graduate certificate from BGSU assures potential employers that you possess the knowledge and skills necessary to support youth with disabilities as they transition from high school to adult life.
Career paths
- Secondary educators (general, special and career-technical educators)
- School counselors
- Parent advocates
- Service and support administrators
- Vocational rehabilitation counselors
- Center for Independent Living staff
- Community rehabilitation providers
- Transition specialists
- Developmental disabilities professionals
BGSU's Secondary Transition program has been an invaluable opportunity for professional growth. As an out-of-state student working in the nonprofit sector with youth, I found the information and resources shared in classes to be relevant across state lines and employment settings.
Kelsey Trevethan
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Coordinator
Watauga Opportunities Inc., North Carolina
I feel that this program provided me with the skills and tools to support students to lead successful adult lives with confidence. I would recommend this program to any educator looking to expand their reach of impact. BGSU offers a top-notch platform to make that happen.
Andrew Hampton
Student Support Coordinator and Former Transition Service Provider
Mahoning County Career & Technical Center
As a school counselor, the program has taught me about resources and tools I can use with my students and families. I would like to see more involvement from school counselors in transition planning for students with disabilities.
Dana Matunas
School Counselor
Columbus City Schools
I work with students who have moderate to significant disabilities. I felt there was more my district could be doing to support my students’ outcomes, and ultimately, I learned there is more I could be doing, too. I am excited that I have the tools to vastly improve students' lives and our district’s stance on supporting individuals with significant disabilities in their pursuit of adulthood. I would recommend this program to anybody in a heartbeat.
Nicole Holder
High School Intervention Specialist [Special Education Teacher]
Upper Arlington City Schools
I chose the BGSU secondary transition program because it aligned with my vision to help students with developmental disabilities live more meaningful lives. It also provided me with an opportunity to grow as a professional and continue to inspire and empower others.
Katie Klug
Assistant Director, Service and Support Administrator
Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Curriculum
The secondary transition graduate certificate consists of 12 credit hours of coursework. Each course offers opportunities for real-world learning in school and/or community settings. In fact, our students often comment that the skills they learn in class are immediately applicable to their everyday work with transition-age youth.
Graduates of the secondary transition certificate program will demonstrate the ability to:
- Integrate information about students’ strengths, preferences, interests and needs to develop effective transition plans
- Apply person-centered planning strategies to actively involve students and families in transition planning and IEP development
- Plan and implement transition-focused education and services designed to prepare students for competitive employment, postsecondary education and community living
- Collaborate effectively with families, school personnel, adult service providers and community members on behalf of transition-age students with disabilities
Sample courses
- Transition from School to Adult Life
- Competitive Employment, College, and Careers
- Transition Assessment and Instructional Strategies
- Interagency Collaboration for Transition
BGSU is one of only a handful of universities in the nation – and the only one in Ohio – to earn the Quality Matters Online Learner Support certificate for all of our online programs. This recognition reflects our commitment to providing the critical support and academic services that online students need to succeed.
The secondary transition graduate certificate is a program in the School of Inclusive Education in the College of Education and Human Development.
Updated: 09/18/2026 12:21PM