Home | Special Education Transition to Adulthood Online Graduate Certificate

12-Credit Online Graduate Certificate Program in
Special Education Transition to Adulthood

Are you interested in moving into the secondary special education field? Looking to enhance your current job credentials?

If so, take a close look at the University of Connecticut's (UConn) four course, 12-credit online graduate certificate program, Special Education Transition to Adulthood. This program will prepare you to address the challenges that high school students with disabilities face when transitioning from the K-12 education system into adult life, such issues as:

Lower employment rates and lower wages than their peers without disabilities.
Lower retention and degree completion rates for students in postsecondary education.
Longer time frames for completing their degree.
Difficulties adjusting to higher education environments.

This growing population of students—now estimated to be 11% of college students alone according to the U.S. Department of Education—is in need of unique disability support services in the area of secondary transition. With your UConn special education certificate, you can make a real difference in the lives of high school students with a broad spectrum of physical and cognitive disabilities, including autism, learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, among many others.

At the completion of the program's four special education courses, students will be able to:

Learn how to interpret and apply current special education policy and law to practice, and gain the skills required to be professional and ethical educational leaders and advocates for students with disabilities.

Examine relevant legislation and recommended practices related to person-centered transition planning for students with disabilities in post-school and adult life, including postsecondary education, employment, community participation and independent living.
Gain a sound understanding of the common challenges facing students with disabilities as they transition to adulthood, while working directly with them to develop transition and community-based instruction plans.
Create a portfolio through the final Capstone project that demonstrates your mastery of the teaching and administrative competencies necessary for implementing a successful secondary transition program for students with disabilities.

The Special Education Transition to Adulthood Online Graduate Certificate program accepts students in the Spring and Fall semesters. Apply early to avoid last minute processing delays.