Marquette University

What you'll study

The program combines online and in-person courses, required field placements, and specified training components. Core courses listed by term include:

• EDUC 5001 – Intro to Special Education (Summer 1) — includes 20 hours of field placement in grades K–9; delivery: online.
• EDUC 5037 – Theory and Methods of Literacy Instruction (Summer 1) — online. (This course includes Act 20-required science-based early literacy instruction training.)
• EDUC 5003 – Assessment & Differentiation (Fall) — in-person.
• EDUC 5002 – Advocacy through Pro-Social Behavior Support & IEP Writing (Spring) — includes 20 hours of field placement in grades 6–12; in-person.
• EDUC 5004 – Consultation & Collaboration in Special Education (Summer 2) — online.

Field placements total at least two discrete 20-hour experiences (grades K–9 and grades 6–12). Summer coursework is offered online; fall and spring coursework is offered in person.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, have a minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.00 scale, and possess a current (or eligible) Tier-II educator license in Wisconsin. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency.

• Submit the Graduate School online application and fee; select Special Education as program and certificate as degree.
• Transcripts: all U.S. coursework (except Marquette) or an approved international transcript evaluation.
• Two letters of recommendation addressing readiness for graduate-level work.
• A personal statement of purpose describing professional and academic goals and a resume.
• A copy of current educator license(s) issued by the state department of education.
• TOEFL or equivalent proof of English proficiency for international applicants.

Preferred start is the summer term; fall and spring starts are possible. Priority application deadline for summer admission is March 31; applications are accepted on a rolling basis thereafter.

Career prospects

Completion of this certificate leads to licensure for special education teachers prepared to:

• Understand and address students’ developmental and learning needs.
• Demonstrate subject-matter and specialized curricular knowledge.
• Use assessment for data-based decision making about learners and learning environments.
• Facilitate learning through effective instruction and support social, emotional, and behavioral growth.
• Collaborate with team members and expand access to Catholic education for underserved populations.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Marquette offers several funding opportunities for students in this certificate program: the Catholic Schools Personnel Scholarship and the Milwaukee Area Teachers Scholarship may be available to eligible students. Merit-based graduate assistantships and fellowships are offered; U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible for need-based federal loans. The program lists a tuition cost per credit of $1080.