You can focus on Special Education, Moderate and Severe Disabilities (MSD) at the graduate level in various ways. The first option for those holding special education teaching certification in learning and behavior disorders (LBD). This option involves taking 19 credit hours in special education which focus on teaching students with moderate and severe disabilities combined with the core courses in the Master of Arts in Education: Teacher as leader, This is a way to achieve Rank 2 teaching certification in Kentucky while also attaining your special education certification in moderate and severe disabilities. For those with a valid teaching certificate but no certification in special education – learning and behavior disorders, you may earn your certification in MSD by taking the prerequisite courses (15 hours) and then the 19 credit hour course sequence in MSD. This option can also be combined with the Master of Arts in Education: Teacher as Leader.
All earned credit hours over 30 may also count toward a Rank 1 certification. It is also possible to pursue special education certification in moderate and severe disabilities as a non-degree student. Those without current teaching certification may be able to pursue this route. Within any of these options, you will develop the knowledge and skills needed to work with students, families, and other professionals to ensure that students with moderate and severe disabilities reach their learning potential.
The special education certification program in moderate and severe disabilities prepares students interested in teaching children with moderate and severe disabilities; including children with moderate and severe intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, autism, and other moderate to severe impairments. Careers in special education can involve a variety of roles, including teaching in self-contained settings, teaching resource classes, co-teaching with general education teachers, supporting general education teachers through consultation, and/or some combination of these roles.
Ms. Lesley Webster
Specialist, Graduate Education
859-572-1567
GradEdu@nku.edu
Our NKU Teacher Education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
This new knowledge could also be used to provide tutoring, respite care, or while employed in day habilitation programs or residential facilities for individuals with severe disabilities in the community.
