Online Special Education Graduate Certificate
Graduates of our online special education graduate certificate program will acquire the essential knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to best serve students with disabilities.
Why choose Rowan Online's special education graduate certificate program?
A flexible online special education graduate certificate
Our online Special Education Certificate of Graduate Study program is designed for general education teachers who wish to increase their knowledge of special education, as well as special education teachers who wish to pursue further coursework at the graduate level. The goal of this program is to provide teachers with an overview of the salient issues in special education, as well as opportunities to focus on the essential aspects of evidence-based practices. The six course sequence and corresponding field experiences are aligned with the professional standards set forth by the Council for Exceptional Children, as well as the New Jersey Department of Education; collectively they ensure program graduates acquire the essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to best serve students with disabilities.
2025-2026 Academic Year
Credits, Cost & Completion Time
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Per Credit
Months to Complete
Application Deadlines
Fall Module A Entry Deadline
Spring Module A Entry Deadline
Summer Module A Entry Deadline
Start Dates
Fall Module A Start Date
Spring Module A Start Date
Summer Module A Start Date
Studying special education online at Rowan
What You'll Learn
Rowan’s online Special Education Certificate of Graduate Study program requires the completion of 15 credits (five courses).
Special education online courses
- Teaching Reading to Students with Disabilities
- Implementing Positive Behavior Supports
- Educational Assessment in Special Education
- Education and Psychology of Students with Disabilities
Note: The course information above is not official and is subject to change. For an official list of available courses, please review the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
Information for New Jersey teachers
Teachers in the state of New Jersey may apply to the Special Education Certificate of Graduate Study program through the New Jersey Teacher Outreach Program (NJTOP®). For more information about NJTOP, click here.
The Certificate of Graduate Study program can be used to satisfy the Content Certificate of Graduate Study requirement in the Master of Education in Teacher Leadership program. Teachers who successfully complete the Certificate of Graduate Study coursework can also opt to continue pursuit of the Teacher of Students with Disabilities Graduate Endorsement Program.
The Rowan Online Experience
You don’t have to step away from your career to earn a graduate certificate. Rowan Online offers asynchronous courses, active faculty engagement, part-time coursework and a platform that helps you stay connected to your peers and instructors when the time is right for you.
Admission Requirements
To begin the admission process for Rowan’s online special education graduate certificate program, you must submit the following application materials. Once you apply, a representative from the Rowan University Office of Admissions will reach out to confirm your application or notify you of any missing information. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program.
- Completed online application
- Completed COE TOSD Field Experience Placement Form
- $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
- Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
- Current professional resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Recommended minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Interview (Applicants will be contacted directly by the Faculty Admissions Committee to schedule the interview. The interview may be in person or via telephone.)
- On-site writing sample (conducted during Interview)
- Copy of NJ Teacher Certification (only CEAS or Standard are acceptable). If your certificate was issued prior to 1994, you must also submit official scores from the Praxis II content specialization test.
- The applicant must provide proof of appropriate certification as well as a letter of employment confirming the specific dates (not just years) during which the applicant has taught or served the educational community under the appropriate certificate.
Tuition and Aid
Tuition for Rowan’s online special education graduate certificate program is $877 per credit. This graduate rate reflects the high-quality instruction, faculty support and accessibility Rowan offers its students.
Special Education Careers and Outcomes
Upcoming virtual information sessions and events
Have questions about earning a graduate certificate online? Rowan Online offers virtual info sessions that provide a closer look at the educational leadership degree program and Rowan as a whole. Hear from faculty, connect with admissions representatives and learn how the program supports scholar-practitioners through applied research and flexible coursework.
How Teachers Can Earn a Special Education Certificate Online
If you’re a teacher, you know how important it is to reach every student. But sometimes, even your best efforts aren’t enough when students have unique learning needs that require more specialized strategies. That’s when many educators ask themselves:
- How can I better support students with disabilities?
- How do I get a certificate in special education online—without stepping away from the classroom or committing to a full graduate degree?
If that sounds like you, there’s good news: You don’t have to choose between continuing your career and continuing your education. A graduate certificate in special education online can help you build the skills to make a meaningful difference—on your schedule and your terms.
Rowan University’s online Special Education Certificate of Graduate Study (COGS) is designed for general education teachers looking to deepen their understanding of special education, as well as special education teachers who wish to pursue further coursework at the graduate level. This certificate provides advanced content knowledge to strengthen your practice but does not lead to additional certification or endorsement.
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