Designed for certified teachers in Texas, this online certificate program prepares you to earn special education certification as well. With a statewide need for special education teachers, certification can open doors to new job opportunities and greater career flexibility in K-12 schools. Through the Specialist in Special Education Certificate program at the University of Houston, you’ll build expertise in supporting students with disabilities and helping diverse learners thrive.

At a Glance

• Format: 100% online
• Completion time: Typically, 1 year
• Semester start: Fall or Spring
• Eligibility: Teaching certification in Texas
• GRE: Not required

Program Overview  

The Specialist in Special Education Certificate prepares certified general education teachers, including dyslexia interventionists, to get certified in special education in Texas. Designed to meet state standards, the program provides a strong foundation in disabilities and disability law, evidence-based instructional and intervention strategies, and principles of behavioral analysis.

Participants learn to conduct behavioral observations, collect and use data to inform instruction, and apply evidence-based strategies to support the learning needs of students with disabilities. The program also emphasizes collaboration and consultation with families and school teams to strengthen support for students with disabilities. Together, the coursework helps prepare candidates for the TExES Special Education EC-12 Exam.

What You’ll Learn 

In this certification-preparation program, you’ll focus on key areas of special education, including:

• Disabilities and disability law in educational settings
• Evidence-based instructional and behavioral strategies
• Data collection, progress monitoring and individualized intervention
• Behavior analysis and ethical intervention design
• The science of children’s reading development
• Collaboration and consultation with families and school teams

Career Pathways

The Specialist in Special Education Certificate is designed for certified general education teachers in Texas, including dyslexia interventionists, who want to move into special education roles. Completers are prepared to work as special education teachers, interventionists and other instructional roles supporting students with disabilities in K-12 schools.

The certificate also can help move you closer to a graduate degree — up to nine hours of completed coursework may be used toward a master’s or doctoral degree in the UH College of Education. 

Coursework

This certificate requires the following  five courses — all offered online:

• SPEC 6360: Individuals with Disabilities
• SPEC 6362: Behavior: Evidence-Based Decisions
• SPEC 6365: Data-Based Individualization of Instruction
• SPEC 7343: Reading Development: From Science to Practice
• SPEC 7391: Strategies for Collaboration, Coaching, and Consultation

Costs & Financial Support

To estimate tuition and fees, use the UH tuition calculator (select 9 hours for typical enrollment). Plus, explore opportunities for funding your graduate certificate program. 

Admission Questions

For questions about the application process, please contact the UH College of Education’s Graduate Student Success Team at coeinfo@uh.edu.