Certification Programs in Special Education
All certification programs offered at WVU are based on principles of evidence-based practice in special education and disability services as well as on current best practice in higher education. We pride ourselves on programs that meet the highest standards in higher education and in personnel preparation in this discipline. West Virginia University is fully accredited by the North Central Association (NCA), while the program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and meets professional standards of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).
5 YEAR TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM
The College of Human Resources and Education offers a 5 Year Teacher Education Program that leads to certification in Elementary Education plus additional endorsement in special education in the following area:
More information about this program is available at the link above.
POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS
The Department of Special Education offers post-baccalaureate programs leading to teaching certification in West Virginia in the following areas:
- Autism Spectrum Disorders for Grades K-6 and/or 5-Adult
- Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education for Grades
Birth-PreK-K - Gifted Education for Grades 1-12
- Multicategorical Special Education for Grades K-6 and/or 5-Adult
- Severe/Multiple Disabilities for Grades K-Adult
- Low Vision/Blindness for Grades PreK-Adult
More information about specific programs is available at these links. Programs are available as either certification only or certification plus master's degree.
Individuals who already have a master's degree in some other area should consider a SECOND master's degree to establish their expertise in special education or disability services, enhancing opportunities for other career options or eligibility for advanced degree programs. For most programs, a master's degree can also be earned for a little as 3-6 credits.
ALL programs qualify as alternative certification programs in West Virginia.
Individuals who seek certification outside of West Virginia should consult with local, state or national education agencies about requirements in those states or countries to determine if the WVU program will satisfy them. Contact information for state certification agencies is available at the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification.
For assistance in understanding certification requirements or completing and submitting forms, please contact the WVU Certification Officer.
For more details about admission to these programs, please review the information provided under Future Students.
For more details about completion of these programs, please review the information provided under Current Students.