Special Education Certificate
Develop the knowledge, classroom strategies, and leadership skills needed to support students with disabilities through inclusive teaching practices, specialized instruction, and faith-informed educator preparation designed for Oregon licensure advancement.
Accreditation
The School of Education at Bushnell University is nationally accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). In addition, the university’s teaching licensure programs are approved by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). These accreditations ensure alignment with state and national standards for educator preparation.
Why Choose Special Education at Bushnell?
Flexible learning. Personalized mentorship. Practical classroom preparation. Bushnell’s Special Education Certificate helps educators strengthen their ability to support students with diverse learning needs through evidence-based instructional strategies and inclusive teaching practices.
The hybrid cohort model allows you to continue working while completing coursework aligned with Oregon licensure and endorsement requirements. Faculty bring real classroom and special education experience into every course while providing personalized mentorship and practical guidance throughout the program.
Through clinical practice, collaborative learning, and applied coursework, you’ll strengthen skills in assessment, accessibility, behavior support, intervention planning, and family collaboration while preparing to advocate effectively for students in both inclusive and specialized learning environments.
18
Credits focused on special education instruction, intervention, and accessibility practices
9
Months to complete the certificate through a cohort-based hybrid format
1
Special education practicum sequence designed to build classroom-ready experience
What You’ll Study
How the Curriculum is Structured
Bushnell’s Special Education Certificate curriculum combines instructional theory, intervention strategies, accessibility practices, and applied classroom experience to help educators better support students with disabilities across PK–12 settings.
Coursework includes behavior management, assessment and evaluation, instructional supports, accessibility strategies, universal design for learning, special education law, and collaboration practices for working with families and school professionals. Students also complete supervised field experiences and practicum placements that connect coursework directly to real classroom environments.
The curriculum is aligned with Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) expectations and supports educators pursuing special education endorsement and professional advancement opportunities.
What You’ll Study
How the Curriculum is Structured
Bushnell’s Special Education Certificate curriculum combines instructional theory, intervention strategies, accessibility practices, and applied classroom experience to help educators better support students with disabilities across PK–12 settings.
Coursework includes behavior management, assessment and evaluation, instructional supports, accessibility strategies, universal design for learning, special education law, and collaboration practices for working with families and school professionals. Students also complete supervised field experiences and practicum placements that connect coursework directly to real classroom environments.
The curriculum is aligned with Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) expectations and supports educators pursuing special education endorsement and professional advancement opportunities.
Clinical Practice
Clinical practice is a required component of the Special Education Certificate and provides hands-on experience supporting students with diverse learning needs in real educational settings. During supervised practicum experiences, you’ll work alongside licensed educators while applying instructional strategies, intervention planning, accessibility supports, and classroom management techniques.
These experiences help you strengthen confidence in supporting students with disabilities while developing practical skills related to assessment, individualized instruction, family collaboration, and inclusive learning environments.
Requests to add an endorsement require an application and fee as well as other evidence to process. For more information on specific steps to add endorsements to teaching licenses, visit the TSCP website.
Candidates seeking a specialty endorsement are required to pass a content knowledge test mandated by the state of Oregon for teacher licensure.
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Skills You’ll Gain
Through Bushnell’s Special Education Certificate, you’ll develop practical, classroom-ready skills, including:
- Support students with diverse learning needs in inclusive classroom environments
- Apply intervention strategies and accessibility supports effectively
- Develop individualized instructional plans and learning accommodations
- Strengthen classroom and behavior management techniques
- Use assessment data to support student growth and learning outcomes
- Collaborate with families, educators, and school support teams
- Apply universal design for learning and differentiated instruction practices
- Advocate for students through ethical and inclusive educational leadership
- Build confidence in special education instruction and professional practice
I particularly liked the small class sizes and the professors’ willingness to regularly engage with the class over science or life. I can also attest to the professors’ intentional efforts to form relationships and help mentor and guide students towards their vocation and calling.”
Frequently Asked Questions?
Bushnell University’s Special Education Certificate is aligned with Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) expectations and helps licensed educators prepare to add a Special Education endorsement to their Oregon teaching license. Students complete coursework, practicum experiences, and required endorsement preparation focused on supporting students with disabilities in PK–12 classrooms.
Yes. Bushnell’s hybrid cohort model is designed for working educators and combines flexible online coursework with scheduled in-person learning experiences. Many students continue teaching while completing the certificate and practicum requirements.
Students develop practical skills in behavior management, intervention planning, assessment and evaluation, accessibility strategies, individualized instruction, and inclusive teaching practices. The program prepares educators to support diverse learners in both inclusive and specialized educational settings.
The Special Education Certificate helps educators strengthen qualifications for special education endorsement, inclusive classroom support, intervention services, learning support roles, and expanded teaching opportunities in public, private, and faith-based schools.
Contact Us
Have questions about Bushnell’s PE Certificate? An admissions counselor can walk you through requirements, discuss transfer credits, and help you figure out your next step.
Our faculty and staff are 100% committed to your learning and invested in your success.
Come learn with us!
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Next Steps
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