Skip to main content

Certificate in Special Education

School of Education

Overview

Biola’s Certificate in Special Education — an online, 12-credit certificate offered at both the undergraduate and graduate level — will equip you as an educator to better serve students with special needs in the classroom. This program assists aspiring educators, general education classroom teachers who serve students with special needs, teachers who plan to later earn their Preliminary Education Specialist (Mild to Moderate Support Needs) Instruction Credential, and administrators and curriculum specialists who desire to strengthen their special education expertise.

Yes! Tell Me More!


Courses

Below are the course requirements for this academic program. For full program details, visit Biola's academic catalog.

Note: This list is intended to give you a quick glimpse into the program's academic offerings, and should not be used as a guide for course selection or academic advising.

Undergraduate Students

Courses for the certificate can be embedded into the liberal studies, multidisciplinary major, liberal studies, elementary education major, and can also be added to other majors at Biola. Courses from the certificate can also count toward the California Preliminary Education Specialist (Mild to Moderate Support Needs) Instruction Credential. After taking LEDU 301: Introduction to Teaching, you can choose four of the five available courses.

LEDU 361Issues in Special Education
This course provides a basic introduction to the history and educational philosophy of special education. It includes study of mild/moderate disabilities (specific learning disabilities, cognitive impairments, and emotional and behavioral disturbances). The course examines legal issues and laws pertaining to special education giving attention to school compliance and student and parent rights. Notes: Education Specialist Credential and Certificate candidates must pass with a grade of "B-" or higher. Grade Mode: A.
LEDU 362Assessment and Evaluation of Exceptional Learners

This course introduces the types and uses of assessments to identify the strengths and needs of exceptional learners and evaluate results to develop meaningful educational practice. It provides knowledge and skills necessary for selecting, administering, interpreting and reporting results of tests related to cognitive, affective, psychomotor and social development. Emphasis will be given to translating assessment data into making informed educational decisions. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 10-hour field practicum component is required. Notes:Education Specialist Credential and Certificate candidates must pass with a grade of "B-" or higher. Valid Certificate of Clearance and negative TB test results required for fieldwork. Grade Mode: A. 

LEDU 363Teaching Students with Mild to Moderate Support Needs in Inclusive Settings

The focus of this course is to provide teacher candidates with knowledge of learning disabilities including definitions, causes, and characteristics of learning disabilities in children. The course will provide students with the knowledge and skills to make accommodations and modifications (including adaptations with technology) for individuals with mild to moderate disabilities. Particular emphasis will be given to working on Student Study Teams to design instruction to meet the individual needs of underperforming students, to making referrals with appropriate documentation and to writing Individual Education Plans for students with identified learning disabilities. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 10-hour field practicum component is required.

LEDU 364Behavior and Classroom Management for Students with Special Needs

This course focuses on principles and procedures for modifying behavior in the classroom with emphasis given to the identification of factors that contribute to behavioral problems, systematic data collection, objective reporting, and implementation of various methods of reinforcement. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 10-hour field practicum component is required. Notes: Education Specialist Credential and Certificate candidates must pass with a grade of "B-" or higher. Valid Certificate of Clearance and negative TB test results required for fieldwork. Grade Mode: A.

LEDU 369Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders

This course offers an overview of student characteristics, theory and teaching applications for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Major theories, teaching approaches, trends, etiological and diagnostic issues, classroom structure and environmental arrangements, research based instructional strategies, and family involvement will be discussed. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 10-hour field practicum component is required. Notes: Education Specialist Credential and Certificate candidates must pass with a grade of "B-" or higher. Valid Certificate of Clearance and negative TB test results required for fieldwork. Grade Mode: A.

Graduate Students

The 12-credit Certificate in Special Education can be taken as a standalone program or can be applied to the M.S. in Special Education, M.A. in Teaching, M.A. in Education, or Special Education (Mild to Moderate Support Needs) Credential program. Including SEED 561 (a required course), you can choose three of the four available courses.

SEED 561Issues in Special Education

A basic introduction to the history and educational philosophy of special education. Study of mild/moderate disabilities (specific learning disabilities, cognitive impairments, and emotional and behavioral disturbances). Examination of legal issues and laws pertaining to special education, giving attention to school compliance and student and parent rights. Notes: Special Approval required. Education Specialist Credential and Certificate candidates must pass this course with a grade of "B-" or higher. This course is waived if LEDU 361 was taken as an undergraduate. Grade Mode: A. 

SEED 562Assessment and Evaluation of Exceptional Learners

Introduction to the types and uses of assessments to identify the strengths and needs of exceptional learners and evaluate results to develop meaningful educational practice. Provides knowledge and skills necessary for selecting, administering, interpreting and reporting results of tests related to cognitive, affective, psychomotor and social development. Emphasis is given to translating assessment data into making informed educational decisions. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 10-hour field practicum component is required. Notes: Education Specialist Credential and Certificate candidates must pass this course with a grade of "B-" or higher. Valid Certificate of Clearance and negative TB test results required for fieldwork. This course is waived if LEDU 362 was taken as an undergraduate. Grade Mode: A. 

SEED 563Teaching Students with Mild to Moderate Support Needs in Inclusive Settings

Provides teacher candidates with knowledge of learning disabilities including definitions, causes, and characteristics of learning disabilities in children. Provides students' teachers the knowledge and skills to make accommodations and modifications (including adaptations with technology) for individuals with mild to moderate disabilities. Particular emphasis is given to working on Student Study Teams to design instruction to meet the individual needs of underperforming students, to making referrals with appropriate documentation, and to writing Individual Education Plans for students with identified learning disabilities. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 10-hour field practicum component is required. Notes: Education Specialist Credential and Certificate candidates must pass this course with a grade of "B-" or higher. Valid Certificate of Clearance and negative TB test results required for fieldwork. This course is waived if LEDU 363 was taken as an undergraduate. Grade Mode: A. 

SEED 564Behavior and Classroom Management for Students with Special Needs

Focus on principles and procedures for modifying behavior in the classroom with emphasis given to the identification of factors that contribute to behavioral problems, systematic data collection, objective reporting, and implementation of various methods of reinforcement. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 10-hour field practicum component is required. Notes: Education Specialist Credential and Certificate candidates must pass this course with a grade of "B-" or higher. Valid Certificate of Clearance and negative TB test results required for fieldwork. This course is waived if LEDU 364 was taken as an undergraduate. Grade Mode: A.

SEED 580Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders

This course offers an overview of student characteristics, theory and teaching applications for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Major theories, teaching approaches, trends, etiological and diagnostic issues, classroom structure and environmental arrangements, research-based instructional strategies, and family involvement will be discussed. Lecture/Lab Hours: A 10-hour field practicum component is required. Notes:Education Specialist Credential and Certificate candidates must pass this course with a grade of "B-" or higher. Valid Certificate of Clearance and negative TB test results required for fieldwork. This course is waived if LEDU 369 was taken as an undergraduate. Grade Mode: A.

Request Information
Apply NowSchedule a Visit

Undergraduate Students

If you want to earn a child development permit at the undergraduate level apart from earning a bachelor's degree, submit a Special Student Status application.

Base Tuition Cost

$8,376

Credits

12

Duration

1 semester

Mode

Fully Online

Start Months

January, May or August

Office of Admissions
Biola University
13800 Biola Avenue
La Mirada, CA 90639

1-800-OK-BIOLA

12
Total Program Credits
Every program at Biola University features rigorous academics, biblically integrated curriculum and vocational preparation.
WSCUC
Accreditation
Biola University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Additional accreditations may apply to specific programs.

Admissions & Deadlines

As a Christian institution, Biola seeks to admit applicants whose backgrounds clearly demonstrate scholarly aptitude, a commitment to the historic Christian faith, personal character and integrity, and a positive service-oriented motivation toward their field of study. Biola does not discriminate on the basis of the applicant's race, color, sex, socio-economic status, disability, or national or ethnic origin.

Education and GPA Requirements

  • You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution by the time you plan to start coursework at Biola, with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
  • Note: If you do not meet the degree or GPA requirements above, you may still be considered for admission. Please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions office at graduate.admissions@biola.edu. If you are an international student, contact grad.international@biola.edu.

English Proficiency Requirements

  • If English is not your first language, you are required to display your English proficiency before admittance into a Biola University graduate program. See “English Proficiency” in the application steps section below.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Semester
    • Early Action: May 1
    • General: July 1
    • International Students
      • On Campus: June 1
      • Online/Hybrid: July 1
  • Spring Semester
    • Early Action: October 1
    • General: November 1
    • International Students: October 1
  • Summer Semester
    • General: April 1

Application Steps

  1. Complete and submit the online application

  2. Submit a non-refundable $65 application fee

  3. Submit supplemental application materials through your online application portal:

    4. Official Transcripts

    • Submit all official transcripts from previous academic institutions.
      • Request official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
      • If enrolled at the time the application is filed, be sure to request transcripts of work finished to date and final transcripts upon completion of your course of study.
      • Transcripts will be considered official only when a) mailed directly from the institution to Biola, b) sent electronically through an approved vendor or c) physically delivered in an untampered envelope sealed by the institution. Final approval for admission is contingent on receiving an official transcript.
        • Mail transcripts to:
          Biola University Office of Graduate Admissions
          13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 90639
    • Note for International Students: All international transcripts need U.S. grade equivalencies noted (i.e. GPA on a 4.0 scale). If your transcripts do not show U.S. grade equivalencies, you must have them evaluated by a credential evaluation agency like SpanTran (Biola Discount), World Education Services (WES) or Foundation for International Services (FIS). Be sure to choose "course by course report" and have SpanTran/WES/FIS send them directly to Biola University via online portal or post (13800 Biola Ave, La Mirada, CA 90639) in order to be considered official.

    Reference Letters

    • Note: Additional instructions can be found in the online application.

    Essays

    • Note: The essay prompts can be found in the online application.

    English Proficiency (required for non-native English speakers)

    • Evidence of English proficiency is required for all students to support student success. Proficiency must be shown through one of the methods described below:
      • Minimum test score on a qualifying standardized test
        • TOEFL: minimum score of 100 iBT
        • IELTS: minimum score of 7.5
        • Duolingo: minimum score of 125
      • A degree (bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral) issued by an institution where English is the medium of instruction.
        • Official written communication from the institution (Registrar, Controller of Examinations Office, or Undergraduate College)
        • Official degree statements or transcripts may be accepted given English is stated as the medium of instruction
        • Official catalog verification
        • Note: For universities from non-Anglophone countries, further language assessment may be required.
      • Completion of the English Language Scholars (ELS) with passing status on the ELS's final exit exam, which must be approved by the ELS Director in collaboration with the academic program committee. An updated TOEFL or IELTS score may be used at the end of a term to test directly into the graduate program for the following term.
      • Qualify for English Language Scholars (ELS), which allows students who do not meet the minimum TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores to still enroll in their graduate degree program. Students would be taking academic English courses concurrently with the graduate degree program courses.
        • Students eligible for ELS will be assessed by the ELS Director to determine the total number of academic English courses to take while enrolled in their graduate program courses. The following are the scores needed to qualify for ELS: TOEFL iBT 90 / IELTS 7.0 / Duolingo 110–124.
        • Note: Students must be admitted to the graduate program first to be considered for ELS.

  4. Complete program-specific admissions requirements:

    5. Certificate in Special Education

    • Verify Certificate of Clearance — If an active California credential is not held — Verify possession of Certificate of Clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
    • Fieldwork Eligibility (outside of California) — For non-California residents: Provide proof of eligibility to complete fieldwork in non-California classroom.

  5. Interview with a faculty member

    • After your application and all supplemental application requirements are submitted and approved, you will have a video interview with a faculty member.

    6.  

    Things to Note

    • Track your application status at any time. You do not have to complete the application in one sitting. You can complete a portion and finish at a later time. Your information will be saved. When you apply, to guarantee confidentiality, you will be asked to create a user name and a password, and will receive a personalized identification number. Track your application status by logging in to the online application.
    • Official documents presented for admission or evaluation become part of the student’s academic file and normally cannot be returned or copied for distribution.

You may also be interested in

M.A. in Education

School of Education

M.A. in Teaching

School of Education

M.S. in Special Education

School of Education

Minor in Special Education

School of Education

Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential (Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN))

School of Education