Graduate Certificate in Moderate Disabilities

Build the expertise to support students with diverse learning needs.

Emmanuel College’s online Graduate Certificate in Moderate Disabilities prepares licensed educators to design inclusive learning environments and deliver instruction that meets the needs of all learners. Through three graduate-level courses, you’ll explore advanced pedagogy, assessment practices, and curriculum strategies for teaching students with exceptionalities in today’s classrooms.

The program provides a strong foundation in individualized instruction and inclusive education. Coursework emphasizes how to design and adapt curriculum, apply assessment data, and use assistive technology to support students with diverse learning styles and abilities. You’ll also gain a working knowledge of federal and state special education regulations, Individualized Education Plan (IEP) development, and best practices for collaboration among educators, specialists, and families.

The certificate can be applied toward Emmanuel’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) program, which offers initial licensure in elementary teaching (grades 1–6) and non-licensure concentrations. Graduates may also pursue an endorsement in Teaching Students with Moderate Learning Disabilities to advance their professional credentials.

The Curriculum

The three-course program provides licensed educators with advanced pedagogy in strategies for teaching students with disabilities and diverse learning styles.  

The courses and seminar meet the following competencies for an add-on Moderate Disabilities license:

  • Educational terminology for students with mild to moderate disabilities;
  • Preparation, implementation, and evaluation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs);
  • Design or modification of curriculum, instructional materials, and general education classroom environments for students with moderate disabilities;
  • Federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to special education;
  • Coverage of knowledge of services provided by other agencies;
  • Ways to prepare and introduce students with disabilities for general education classrooms;
  • Instruction on the appropriate use of augmentative and alternative communication and other assistive technologies.

Applicants must provide undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts. Prior to acceptance, a transcript review will be conducted to determine that previous course work addressed license required content and competencies. 

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for a Certificate in Moderate Disabilities

  • EDUC5018 Behavior Management
  • EDUC5750 Teaching Students with Disabilities for General Education Professionals
  • EDUC5762 Moderate Disabilities Practicum/Seminar