10 Fast-Track Special Education Certifications

If you already have a bachelor's degree in special education, a fast-track special education certification can help you transition quickly to a rewarding teaching career. You'll need to know what schools offer these programs and how long they take.

Keep reading as we look over fast-track teaching certificate programs and answer related questions you may have about special education certification and degree programs.

What Are Fast-Track Special Education Certifications?

There are many pathways to becoming a teacher. The traditional path is to complete a bachelor's degree program specifically for teaching. However, if you already have a bachelor's degree, you can pursue a post-baccalaureate certification in teaching to earn these same credentials.

Fast-track special education certifications are specialized post-baccalaureate programs. They allow students to complete special education-specific coursework and student teaching requirements to obtain teaching certification or licensure in their state.

Top Fast-Track Special Education Certification Programs

Many accredited institutions offer fast-track certification programs for aspiring teachers. Consider the following programs listed below.

1. Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington offers an online fast-track special education program. This program leads to initial licensure in exceptional needs: mild intervention for grades prek-12.

This certification requires 24 credit hours to complete. Students taking a full courseload can complete the requirements within four semesters or 18 months.

2. University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaii at Manoa enrolls students in a post-baccalaureate special education program leading to licensure in Hawaii. Students can specialize in mild to moderate or severe disabilities for pre-K-3rd, K-6th, or 6th-12th grade levels.

The program runs for about 18 months and is delivered in a hybrid course format. Funding is available to cover tuition costs for students who agree to teach at a Hawaii Department of Education school following graduation.

3. University of New Hampshire

The University of New Hampshire offers various post-baccalaureate programs that lead to initial or additional teacher certification. One option is special education.

This program can be completed entirely online and allows students to work as a paraprofessional or teacher's assistant to fulfill student teaching requirements. Students who complete this program can obtain a teaching license in New Hampshire Vermont, Massachusetts, and Maine.

4. Louisiana Christian University

Louisiana Christian University is a private school offering the TEACH Program, a post-baccalaureate program that offers an emphasis on special education. This fast-track program can be completed in just three semesters.

The program consists of 21 credit hours and is completed entirely online. All coursework can be applied toward a Master of Arts in teaching degree for those who plan to pursue further education after receiving their initial teaching certification.

5. Relay Graduate School of Education

The Relay Graduate School of Education offers various post-baccalaureate and graduate teaching programs for students who already hold a bachelor's degree. One of the options is an advanced certification in special education.

This program is open to current teachers with several years of experience who want to pursue special education. Coursework is completed over 18 months and is available in person in several states, including Georgia, New York, and Delaware.

6. Butler University

Butler University offers a graduate certification in special education K-12. The program focuses on mild disability intervention.

The program consists of 18 credit hours and is completed within 18 months. Students complete online classes with one in-person session each semester and in-person field experiences.

7. Louisiana State University Alexandria

Louisiana State University Alexandria offers a flexible online post-baccalaureate program for aspiring special education teachers. Students specialize in either 1st-5th grade or 6th-12th grade. The program focuses on mild to moderate disabilities.

Students complete 18 credit hours online and have opportunities to interact with peers and instructors via videoconferencing sessions. This program is a great option for busy professionals who need a program that fits into their schedule.

8. Drexel University

Drexel University provides a flexible part-time special education certification program. Students typically graduate from the program within 18 months.

The program consists of 27 to 36 credit hours, depending on whether you've completed prerequisite coursework for your degree program. Students must also complete fieldwork requirements. This program leads to special education certification in Pennsylvania.

9. Immaculata University

Immaculata University's fast-track special education certification is available in a hybrid format. The program consists of 24 credit hours of graduate-level courses.

Courses are offered in accelerated seven-week sessions. A 12-week student teaching experience is built into the program.

10. Kutztown University

Kutztown University in Pennsylvania offers a post-baccalaureate certification program for students interested in becoming special education teachers. The 30-credit program provides a broad range of instruction, focusing on providing educational services for preK-12 students.

Courses are completed entirely online aside from the student teaching component. Students can complete the program in 18 months if they take summer and winter courses, in addition to regular spring and fall courses.

FAQs About Fast-Track Special Education Teacher Certification

If you still have questions about fast-track teacher certification programs, keep reading. Below, we'll answer some common questions you may be wondering about.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a Fast-Track Special Education Certification?

Teacher preparation programs vary in length depending on various factors. Most fast-track programs are completed within 18 months, but some can be completed in as little as a year.

What Are the Job Prospects After Earning a Fast-Track Special Education Certification?

Those who earn a fast-track certification in special education have many of the same career opportunities as those who obtain a bachelor's degree in the field. They often work as certified teachers in their local school district, providing pre-k-12 education for students with autism, dyslexia, and other special needs. They may work in early childhood education, elementary education, and secondary education.

What Is the Difference Between a Fast-Track Certification and a Traditional Certification?

Traditional certification is obtained by earning a bachelor's degree which leads to licensure in special education. In contrast, fast-track certifications are for those with a bachelor's degree in another field. These programs help college graduates transition to a special education teaching career without having to earn a second bachelor's degree or a master's degree.

Find a Special Education Program Today

If you're ready to start your path to becoming a special education teacher, explore the fast-track certifications available through schools here on Learn.org. Reach out to any schools today to find out which program is right for you.