Low Incidence Disabilities Endorsement Program Curriculum & Admission Requirements
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Coursework
Practicum
Program Curriculum
The program’s curriculum prepares educators for a variety of settings. The student will work closely with an advisor to determine a plan of study. The curriculum requirements outlined below are the minimum required for the endorsement. To be adequately prepared for an intended career, the student’s advisor may encourage additional coursework or opportunities which may include courses outside of special education.
Course Requirements
Courses
*Provisional endorsement courses. Other courses may be required based on individual review of advanced education degrees. Please note, this is a potential plan of study. Please consult with your faculty advisor before enrolling.
**SPED 730 or equivalent is required to be admitted to the certificate program. If equivalency is not demonstrated, SPED 730 will be added to applicants program plan.
Students not pursuing a teaching endorsement do not complete practicum – SPED 775 and SPED 875. Instead, these students will work with their advisor to determine appropriate electives.
Graduate Admission
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with at least a 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited institution or a foreign university with substantially equivalent bachelor’s degree requirements. International applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the application process well in advance of the application deadlines in order to ensure adequate time for processing of visa-related paperwork. Meeting minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission to the program. The Department of Special Education reviews applications giving equal consideration of the applicant’s professional experiences and academic preparation as well as professional dispositions related to career paths that align with the program to which the individual is applying.
Application Deadlines
Scholarship Opportunity
Individuals interested in applying to the graduate certificate in low incidence disabilities are encouraged to apply for Project INSTRUCT. This personnel preparation program offered by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs provides tuition and funding to prepare special education teachers and speech-language pathologists to support students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and complex communication needs in inclusive settings.
Application Checklist
Graduate Certificate in Low incidence disabilities (On-campus Licensure Endorsement)
Applicants are required to submit the following materials and meet the following requirements before the application deadline:
List
Online application
Complete through the KU Office of Graduate Admissions.
Application fee
$65 for U.S. residents, $85 for international applicants.
Transcripts
One official copy of academic transcripts from each college or university attended.
Application to student scholarship (optional)
Interested and eligible individuals are encouraged to apply to receive funding.
Resume or CV
Professional resume describing past employment experiences, licensure(s) received, educational preparation, publications and presentations, professional association memberships, and other professional activities.
Letter of Introduction
Specify why Low-Incidence Disabilities is the area of emphasis within the Department of Special Education you have selected for concentration of study. Please be sure to fully address each of the following: (1) What are your career objectives related to improving outcomes for students with extensive and pervasive support needs in inclusive settings? (2) What is your current licensure/endorsement status (e.g., type of undergraduate degree, area of licensure, and other licensure or endorsement information)? (3) What experiences have you had working with people with disabilities, including those with extensive and pervasive support needs? (4) What experiences have you had as an advocate or ally for people with disabilities seeking more inclusive and strengths-based experiences and supports?
English translation of transcripts
Official transcripts from an international university must include an English translation
Letters of recommendation
You will submit the names and email addresses when you apply online. The system will automatically email them requesting them to submit a letter of reference for you.
Proof of English proficiency
Applicants who are non-native speakers of English must demonstrate English proficiency in the skill areas of reading, writing, and listening. Please read the full policy and acceptable proof of proficiency options by clicking the link above for details.
Professional Disposition Assessment Acknowledgement Form (pdf)
Professional Disposition Assessment for Advanced Degree Candidates Acknowledgement Form
Admission & Curriculum Resources
The online application is designed to give you the ability to submit all supporting documents in one form. We invite you to explore our graduate degree information, review our student resources, and learn more on our knowledgeable faculty and the vibrant community of Lawrence, Kansas.
Program Faculty
Jennifer A. Kurth
Karrie A. Shogren
Kathleen N. Tuck
Elissa Lockman Turner
Alison L. Zagona