Program benefits
- Start in January, May, or August
- Take courses 100% online
- Enhance your professional knowledge
- Apply courses toward a master’s degree in special education
- Add to your credentials
Transition specialists continue to be a highly
in-demand career in education.
#1 public university in Ohio for career prep
The Wall Street Journal
Courses/Cost/Time
12 credit hours
August starts can finish in 2 semesters
Tuition calculator
Submit your graduate college application online
Apply Now or Return to Existing Application
- For Campus/Degree Selection, select “Online – Certificate.”
- For Program of Study, select “Secondary Transition – Certificate (eCampus) (TTW Endorsement)”
Required Application Materials: Transcripts and Statement of Purpose
Advance your career
- Secondary educators—general, special, & 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
Program highlights
Join a vibrant community of practice
We invite you to join our virtual community of practice where you will learn with and from faculty and peers across various disciplines representing secondary education, counseling, career and employment services, and higher education. Students enjoy abundant opportunities for lively discussion as we grapple with contemporary challenges to providing effective transition planning and services. Sharing our unique experiences, knowledge and resources leverages learning for all.
Put transition knowledge into practice
The Secondary Transition Certificate program prepares professionals to advance their careers with relevant coursework and an emphasis on putting transition knowledge into practice. Each course offers opportunities for real-world learning in school and/or community contexts. In fact, our students often comment that the skills they learn in class are immediately applicable to their everyday work with transition-age youth.
Become a leader in Secondary Transition
Program graduates are prepared to assume leadership positions in the provision of transition education and services within their K-12 schools, community agencies, and institutes of higher education. Program coursework is referenced to national Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Advanced Preparation Standards for Transition Specialists. A graduate certificate in secondary transition 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.
Earn a master’s degree
The program can be completed as a stand-alone certificate 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.
The program leads to the State of Ohio Transition-to-Work Endorsement for eligible individuals. The program does not lead to initial teacher licensure.
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
Sample courses
- Transition from School to Adult Life
- Competitive Employment, College, and Careers
- Transition Assessment and Instructional Strategies
- Partnerships in Work-based Learning
- Interagency Collaboration for Transition
#1 university in Ohio – big or small, public or private – students would choose again
The Wall Street Journal
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.
You will be enrolled in and receive your graduate certificate from the College of Education & Human Development
Updated: 10/27/2025 12:02PM