Special Education - Certificate
Why Pursue a Special Education Certificate?
Pursuing a Special Education Certificate offers a meaningful career path that makes a real difference in the lives of students with mild disabilities. Piedmont University’s Special Education Certification-Only option provides a pathway to teaching certification in Georgia, whether you are new to teaching or an experienced educator transitioning to special education. This certification-only option is designed for individuals who hold at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and prefer not to pursue a master’s degree while working toward certification in Special Education: General Curriculum.
Through flexible, online coursework and practical field experiences, this program equips candidates with the skills to succeed in a special education classroom setting. After a review of each candidate’s transcript, an advisor designs a customized program of study that meets state certification requirements and aligns with the candidate’s background. This proposed program, once approved by the department chair, serves as the candidate’s advisement sheet. Candidates must also apply for and be admitted to Teacher Education and pass the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) content exams in their chosen field. While this certification-only course of study does not lead to a degree in special education, it enables candidates to transition into a rewarding career as special education teachers in Georgia.
How a Piedmont Special Education Certificate Helps You
A Special Education Certificate from Piedmont University provides a flexible pathway to becoming a certified special education teacher in Georgia, without the need for an additional degree. This certification allows you to build on your existing skills and experience while gaining essential classroom knowledge to succeed in a special education setting.
Courses are offered in an online, flexible format designed for working professionals, making it easier to transition into this rewarding field. Completing the individualized program of study leads to teacher certification in special education in Georgia, opening up new opportunities to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.
Degree Options
The certificate in Special Education: General Curriculum is your pathway to a rewarding career working with students who have mild to moderate disabilities. You’ll gain the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to help students succeed in inclusive classrooms—supporting their academic growth, building their confidence, and ensuring they thrive alongside their peers. With a strong demand for special education teachers, this program gives you the opportunity to step into a high-need, high-impact role in today’s schools.
General Curriculum CourseworkDo you want to make a difference in the lives of students with significant cognitive disabilities? The certificate in Special Education: Adapted Curriculum prepares you to do just that. In this program, you’ll learn how to design and deliver meaningful instruction that helps students with moderate to severe disabilities access the core curriculum while also building critical life, adaptive, and community skills. Whether you’re guiding students in the classroom or preparing them for greater independence beyond school, you’ll be equipped to have a lasting impact.
Adapted Curriculum CourseworkMore About Special Education Certification
Learn more about Special Education Certification and the variety of options available to you as a Piedmont student.
The Special Education Certificate program at Piedmont University offers an entirely online pathway to becoming a certified special education teacher in Georgia, without the need for an additional degree. This certification builds on your existing skills and experience while equipping you with essential classroom knowledge to excel in special education. The fully online, flexible format is designed to accommodate working professionals, allowing you to advance your career on a schedule that suits your needs. Completing the individualized program of study leads to teacher certification in special education in Georgia, opening new doors to make a meaningful impact in students’ lives.
Piedmont’s special education certificate program will provide you with certification for the state of Georgia. Teaching options will include for public and private systems or as a teaching assistant. It also qualifies you to pursue add–on certifications, administrator certifications, counseling, coaching, and other graduate level degree work in or outside of education. Our students typically receive their certificate two weeks after graduation (provided paperwork is successfully completed and submitted).
To enroll in Piedmont’s special education certificate program, you must have a minimum of a master’s degree with a 2.5 cumulative GPA from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also provide/complete:
- Graduate Admissions Application
- Official, final transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Two Professional References
- Personal Affirmation Form
- If you are a returning BA or MA Educational Studies graduate from Piedmont University, you may return within five years as a certification only student. A prerequisite for admission as a certification-only student is successful completion of the appropriate GACE content tests.
The special education department chair approves certification-only courses, based on a transcript analysis, to meet minimum state certification requirements. Your academic advisor can discuss the criteria for experiential credit and will review your transcript to create an individualized plan specific to your individual needs. Certification-only is not a degree program. All other procedures and requirements of Piedmont University and the College of Education apply. Candidates must apply for and be admitted to Teacher Education at the beginning of the program.
A Special Education Certificate from Piedmont University qualifies you to teach special education in Georgia, opening doors to a range of professional opportunities in schools and districts across the state. This certification also lays the foundation for continued academic and career growth, positioning you to pursue advanced degrees such as an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) or doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in the future.
Related Programs
Intrigued by a special education certificate? You might also be interested in one of these programs:
Meet our Faculty
Our Special Education faculty are experienced educators and scholars who specialize in teaching methods, curriculum development, and educational leadership. They mentor future teachers through practical training, research-based instruction, and field experiences to prepare them for success in diverse classroom settings.
Where do I start?
To begin your journey toward earning your Special Education certificate, you can start by applying today! Or, schedule a campus visit and meet with admissions and financial aid advisors, as well as faculty members in the Education department.