Teacher Certification
Earning a special education graduate degree does not guarantee a special education teaching credential. Students (traditional and nontraditional) pursuing special education teaching certification (provisional, standard, alternative) should understand and follow guidelines established by the Oklahoma State Department of Education and OSU’s Professional Education Unit. Candidates pursuing special education teacher certification should also understand “highly qualified” status requirements.
Become Certified in Special Education
HB 1233 provides an alternative pathway to the special education classroom through the completion of provisional intensive preparation and university coursework. As a University Partner with the Oklahoma State Department of Education, this online Boot Camp is designed for education professionals who already hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree and are seeking a career in special education.
The two-phased process begins with the successful completion of a special education Boot Camp. OSU delivers the Boot Camp program in the form of three online graduate courses, all of which require field placement activities. The Boot Camp core is offered during the Spring and Fall semesters and include a choice of the following courses:
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- SPED 5623: Characteristics of Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities
- SPED 5673: Improving Literacy Skills of Individuals with Disabilities
- SPED 5683: Models of Instruction in Inclusive Classrooms
- SPED 5743: Planning, Compliance and Current Practices
- SPED 5783: Assessing Students with Disabilities
- SPED 5883: Classroom and Behavior Management
Upon successful completion of the above coursework and field experience, the candidate must submit a certificate of Boot Camp completion and a Provision Certificate Application, resulting in a one-year provision certificate. The initial one-year provisional certificate may be renewed through submission of proof from an accredited college of successful completion of at least 6 credit hours toward a special education master’s degree. The provisional certificate may be renewed a second time through submission of proof from an accredited college of another successful completion of at least 6 credit hours toward a special education master’s degree.
To convert the provisional certificate to a standard certificate, the candidate must:
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- Pass the state Mild/Moderate or Severe/Profound exam (OSAT)
- Complete 18 credit hours toward a master’s degree in special education
- Successfully complete the PPAT
- Submit an application for a standard certificate
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Applications will be reviewed October and March 15 and applicants will be notified of admission status within four to six weeks of submission.
To apply for the program, submit the following:
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- Graduate College application
- Transcripts from all previously attended institutions (undergraduate degree from an accredited university with a minimum 3.0 GPA required; provisional admission may be considered with a 2.75 GPA)
- Academic vita/resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal goal statement strongly reflecting mission of degree
Resources
Oklahoma State Department of Education Teacher Certification
Nontraditional Route to Special Education Certification (Boot Camp Completers)
Frequently Asked Questions (Highly Qualified Special Education Teachers)