Special Education

Can a graduate certificate help advance my career in special education?

Graduate certificates can provide the necessary credentials to advance your career in special education. These sought-after qualifications provide the knowledge and skills needed to support the diverse needs of students and adults with disabilities in various settings, including schools, clinics, private practice, rehabilitation centers, vocational programs and nonprofit organizations.

6 reasons to pursue a graduate certificate in special education

  1. Increase your earning potential - Graduate certificates can open the door to advanced career opportunities in special education, with an average salary above $60,000.
  2. Job security - The high demand for specialized support in education, healthcare and workforce training provides increased job security and flexibility.
  3. Convenient for working professionals - Most graduate certificates can be completed in one year or less and include courses that can be applied toward a master's degree if you choose to pursue one.
  4. Become an expert - As new areas of need, such as assistive technology and secondary transition planning, continue to emerge, professionals with these certificates are relied upon for their expertise.
  5. Promoting inclusivity - Supporting people with disabilities creates more inclusive schools, workplaces and communities.
  6. Purpose-driven - Working with individuals with disabilities in education or helping them transition into adulthood can be an incredibly fulfilling and meaningful career.
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Is special education a growing field?

The U.S. Department of Education reports that a record high of more than 7.5 million American students have disabilities that qualify them for individual education plans under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The increase in demand for services combined with a U.S. Department of Education report that 72% of the nation’s public schools with special education vacancies “experienced difficulty” filling the positions points to increased job security within the field. 

Graduate certificate programs in various areas of special education can position educators to advance in a current role, pursue a promotion or explore new career pathways, according to Tracy Huziak-Clark, Ph.D., a professor and director of the School of Inclusive Teacher Education at Bowling Green State University.

“Graduate certificates offer a convenient and flexible path for educators to advance in the field of special education,” Huziak-Clark said. “As the demand for educational and workforce training services for individuals with disabilities continues to grow, educators with advanced qualifications will continue to be highly sought-after professionals.”

What career paths are available with a special education certificate?

Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Behavior Intervention Specialist
Program Coordinator in ABA Clinicist
Consultant for Educational/Healthcare Organizations

Assistive Technology Certificate
Assistive Technology Specialist
Educational Technologist
Consultant for Accessibility Solutions

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Certificate
Autism Specialist
Special Education Teacher with an ASD focus
Therapist or Interventionist

Secondary Transition Certificate/Transition-to-Work Endorsement

Work-Based Learning Coordinator
Career Coach for Individuals with Disabilities
Policy Advocate/Program Developer

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Updated: 02/24/2025 06:50PM