Special Education (SPED) Alternative Teaching Graduate Certificate

Program Overview

The purpose of this graduate certificate is to meet the State of South Dakota coursework requirements for Alternative Teacher Certification in Special Education. It is intended for individuals who are currently certified as a teacher in South Dakota and are interested in becoming a Special Education teacher outside of a traditional teacher preparation program. This graduate certificate program only provides the coursework required of the South Dakota alternative certification in Special Education. This graduate certificate alone does not result in teacher licensure or certification. Additional requirements must be met through the State of South Dakota Department of Education.  

DELIVERY: Online

Certificate Requirements-15 Credit Hours Required

• SPED 711 - Educating Students With Cognitive Disabilities 3 cr
• SPED 780 - Assessment of Persons With Disabilities 3 cr
• SPED 795 - Practicum in Special Education 1 to 6 cr (6 cr hrs required)
• EDAD 720 - Special Education Law for School Administrators 3 cr

General Application Requirements

1. Completed application
2. $35 application fee
3. Official transcripts*
4. Letters of recommendation*
5. Statement of purpose
6. Resume/CV*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the  “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here: link.usd.edu/grad-catalog

Questions?

Division of Teacher Residency and Education
605-658-6640 | tre@usd.edu | usd.edu/tre

Graduate Admissions  
605-658-6140 | gradadmissions@usd.edu  | usd.edu/grad