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Undergraduate certificate

Special Education

The undergraduate certificate in special education at Bowling Green State University gives you the skills to support learners with disabilities and create inclusive environments. The certificate is a great add-on to your major if you’re going to become a classroom teacher or plan to work in another setting that supports people with disabilities.

In just four courses, you’ll learn to:

  • Design data-based individualized education programs
  • Provide social, emotional, and behavioral supports for learners 
  • Team up with families and colleagues to support learners with disabilities
  • Create lessons that teach skills step by step

Classes are offered each semester, so you can fit them in with your major. When you finish, the certificate shows up on your transcript – a sign to employers that you have expertise in this highly in-demand field.

Note: This certificate does not lead to a teaching license. You must earn a C or better in all courses to earn the certificate.

Why study special education at BGSU in Ohio?

  • Add a skill set that’s in demand. The need for educators and those with expertise in special education is high. The special education certificate shows up on your transcript and will make your resume stand out.
  • A great fit for education majors. Studying early childhood, middle childhood or adolescence to young adult education? This certificate helps you feel more confident and prepared for field placements and your first classroom. 
  • A smart add-on for any major. Learners with disabilities are everywhere: summer camps, community organizations, museums and more. This certificate prepares you to meet their needs wherever you land.
  • Learn from a team with deep roots. BGSU was founded as a teacher’s college in 1910, and we’ve been preparing educators ever since. Your courses are taught by faculty in the School of Inclusive Teacher Education, home to one of the largest special education programs in Ohio.
  • Flexibility that works for you. The classes can be taken in any order and do not require other prerequisites. The 12-hour format works well for students who have some room in their degree plan or are looking to add another credential. 
  • Professors who care. Our faculty share your passion for helping learners of all abilities thrive. They’ll get to know you and support you all the way through.
  • A path to keep going. Interested in special education beyond the certificate? Talk to your advisor about BGSU’s bachelor’s degree in special education and our online master’s programs and certificates in applied behavior analysis, autism, secondary transition and assistive technology.
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Public university in the nation for career preparation

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Career – what can you do with a certificate in special education?

A certificate in special education makes you a stronger candidate for jobs where you’ll work with learners with disabilities, in and out of the classroom. The need for these skills is growing, and employers are looking for people who have them.

In schools: General education teachers work with students with disabilities every day. With this certificate, you’ll be ready to adapt lessons, use data to see what’s working and support positive behavior. Principals and hiring teams notice that.

In your community: Education doesn’t only happen in schools. Summer camps, recreation programs, museums, nonprofits and youth organizations all serve learners with disabilities. The certificate will help you create programs where everyone can participate.

Career paths

  • Elementary or secondary classroom teacher
  • Early childhood educator
  • Camp or youth program leader
  • Museum or community educator
  • Paraprofessional or instructional aide
  • Nonprofit program coordinator

Curriculum

The 12 credit-hour special education certificate program is made up of four courses. You must earn a C or better in all courses to earn the certificate.

By the end of the program, you’ll be able to:

  • Use assessment data to build individualized programs for students and clients.
  • Develop behavior support plans based on functional behavioral assessment.
  • Collaborate with colleagues and families to support learning and connect students with needed services.
  • Create explicit instruction lessons to teach content, strategies and skills.
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Certificate courses

  • EDSE 4100 – Assessment and Documentation. Learn how educators plan individualized programs and keep the legal paperwork (e.g., IFSP, IEPITP) that document a learner’s progress.
  • EDSE 4200 – Social, Emotional and Behavioral Supports. Learn practical ways to manage behavior and support learners’ social and emotional needs.
  • EDSE 4300 – Collaboration and Consultation. Learn how to work with families, colleagues and students to provide quality services that help learners make progress.
  • EDSE 4400 – Explicit Instruction. Learn the cornerstone of special education teaching: how to break down and teach any topic to any learner.

Questions about the curriculum? Contact Dr. Meg Vostal at mvostal@bgsu.edu.

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University in Ohio – big or small, public or private – students would choose again

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BGSU College of Education and Human Development

The undergraduate certificate in special education is offered through the School of Inclusive Teacher Education in the BGSU College of Education and Human Development.

Updated: 10/27/2026 08:21PM