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Gifted Education (Graduate Certificate)

Gifted Education (Graduate Certificate)

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Gifted Education (Graduate Certificate)

Curriculum, Education, Gifted Education, Instruction

Advance your education career by supporting academically gifted children as they explore their full potential. This online certificate prepares you to tailor instruction and pedagogy to individual learning needs.

Program description
Degree awarded: Certificate  Gifted Education (Certificate)

The graduate certificate program in gifted education provides the theory and pedagogy needed to identify and serve gifted children. This program is for teachers, school administrators, school psychologists, early interventionists and family members who want to strengthen their ability to work with this population of learners.

Students of the program learn how to identify learning potential and address specific needs of gifted and talented students. They have an understanding of gifted students' affective and academic needs and know how to design and provide appropriately challenging, differentiated curriculum and instruction.

Students learn how to develop a continuum of gifted programs and services; work with school administrators, teachers, school boards and parents; and advocate for gifted students at local and national levels.

The program also provides coursework in gifted education required for the Gifted Education (K-12) endorsement from the Arizona Department of Education. Students should refer to the Arizona Department of Education website for additional requirements.

This program does not lead to any type of teacher certification in Arizona. This program does not include the field experience and student teaching components or meet other requirements needed to become certified to teach.

At a glance
Degree requirements

15 credit hours

Required Core (12 credit hours)
SPE 585 Creativity: Foundations of Research and Development in Gifted Education (3)
SPE 586 Advising the Gifted Learner: Social and Emotional Needs (3)
SPE 587 Special Populations in Gifted Education (3)
SPE 588 The Gifted Learner: Foundations of Identification, Education and Development (3)

Electives (3 credit hours)
SPE 572 Testing and Measurement in Gifted Education: Methods (3)
SPE 573 Differentiating Instruction for Gifted Learners: Teaching Methods (3)
SPE 589 Gifted Education Programming: Models, Methods and Services (3)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students choose one course from SPE 572, SPE 573 or SPE 589 to complete the elective requirement.

There is no culminating experience required for this certificate program.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree, preferably in education or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement
  4. resume
  5. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

The personal statement should describe the applicant's interests and reason for seeking this degree.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

Career opportunities

Graduates have skills in creating and strengthening gifted programs, developing instructional methods, advocating for learners, teaching gifted learners and working with school districts and families.

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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