Every Learner, Limitless Possibilities
As inclusive education continues to expand, schools are increasingly responsible for meeting the diverse needs of all students, including those with more intense exceptionalities, multiple impairments, and significant behavioral challenges. These students require individualized instruction, specialized strategies, and ongoing support to reach their fullest potential—needs that far exceed the scope of general special education practices.
This certificate program prepares educators to fill that gap. It will prepare teachers to specialize and become licensed in educating learners with intense exceptionalities. Participants will explore foundational theories and practices related to serving learners with intense disabilities including assessment, curriculum modification, communication and collaboration with colleagues and families, and the important role of language and literacy development. This certificate program will provide the necessary coursework for licensed teachers to add Exceptional Needs: Intense Intervention to a state teaching license. In the state of Indiana, this program also meets coursework requirements to additionally add the Early Literacy Endorsement to an Indiana state teaching license.
Once teachers have completed the certificate coursework necessary for licensure, a master’s degree is just a few more courses away. For those who want to dig deeper into topics like curriculum design, assessment, and differentiation, our Master of Education degree is a convenient and affordable option. This degree builds on the certificate coursework and opens doors for more job opportunities, particularly in higher education or at the administrative level, often at a higher pay scale. Just six more courses and eight more months leads to dozens of new possibilities!
Course Curriculum
The following courses earn the Exceptional Needs – Intense Intervention Certificate and the Early Literacy Certificate. They also fulfill the first portion of the M.Ed. with Exceptional Needs – Intense Intervention Concentration. See "Master of Education Core Courses" below for the second portion of the M.Ed. requirements.
Fall
- SE511: Foundations of Special Education: Intense Intervention
- SE525: Collaboration and Consultation for Special Education
Spring
- SE534: Methods for Exceptional Learners: Intense Intervention
- SE564: Assessment Strategies and Planning for Exceptional Learners: Intense Intervention
- SE595: Exceptional Needs Practicum (certificate students only)
The following courses fulfill the requirements for the second portion of the Master of Education in Exceptional Needs – Intense Intervention. All M.Ed. students take these courses regardless of concentration.
Summer
- TBA - Critical Perspectives on Education
- ED525 - Differentiated Instruction and Assessment
- ED599 - Research Methods
- One Elective from the following:
- ED522 - Intercultural Communication
- ED654 - Curriculum Design
- ED577 - Technology Integration
Fall
- ED655a – Research Proposal Writing
- ED655b – Field-based Research
Why Study Exceptional Needs - Intense Intervention at HU?
- Program is completely online with no residential requirements
- Convenience and flexibility of online format with multiple live class options in each course
- High level of interactivity with classmates and professors
- Seven-week courses, taken one at a time
- Certificate can be completed in eight months
- Certificate coursework leads to dual licensure in Early Literacy and Exceptional Needs – Intense Intervention
- All courses follow a similar format and structure so they are easy to follow
- All assignments are discussions, papers, or projects. There are no tests or quizzes.
- The 15-credit hour Exceptional Needs – Intense Intervention Certificate leads seamlessly into the Master of Education in Exceptional Needs – Intense Intervention program
Huntington University also has an on-campus Exceptional Needs – Mild Intervention licensing program as a part of our traditional undergraduate Teacher Education program.
