Online graduate certificate in special and inclusive education leadership
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Leadership in SPED Certificate

Create systems where every student thrives

Real change in special education starts with leadership—the people who shape policies, hire teachers, design programs, and set standards that directly impact students with disabilities. Whether you're an administrator, educator, advocate, or family member, effective leadership creates inclusive environments where all students can reach their full potential.

KU’s online graduate certificate in leadership in special and inclusive education provides the deep understanding of special education law, policy, and best practices you need to drive meaningful change. Built on over 50 years of KU excellence in special education, this focused program prepares you to navigate complex systems while championing equity and inclusion for students with disabilities.

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Note: In order to enroll in this program, a bachelor's degree is required.

Program details

  • 100% online with no campus visits required
  • 4 courses (12 credit hours)
  • 8-week courses that fit your schedule
  • Complete in as few as 6 months
  • #2 online master's in special education program in the nation1
  • No GRE required for admission

Step up your leadership impact

Online graduate certificate in leadership in special and inclusive education

Complete specialized training in 6-8 months

This focused graduate certificate develops essential knowledge for leading inclusive education initiatives and advocating effectively for students with disabilities. Through comprehensive study of special education law and policy implementation, you'll gain the expertise to create systemic change that improves outcomes for all students.

What you'll master:

You'll develop comprehensive knowledge of special education law, particularly IDEA and its core principles, while learning to implement inclusive practices that promote equity and access. The program emphasizes critical analysis of current policies and systems, preparing you to identify barriers to inclusive education and develop evidence-based solutions. Your learning focuses on practical leadership strategies that create meaningful change in educational settings.

*This online graduate certificate does not lead to initial or advanced licensure in special education.

Choose this program to:

  • Deep dive into IDEA law and policy implementation 
  • Conduct a critical analysis of special education systems and practices 
  • Learn evidence-based approaches to inclusive education leadership 
  • Build practical strategies for overcoming barriers to equity

This program is ideal for:

  • School administrators and principals
  • Special education directors and coordinators
  • District superintendents
  • Educational advocates and consultants
  • Family members of students with disabilities
  • Anyone seeking to lead inclusive education initiatives

Online certificate in special education leadership course descriptions

The online graduate certificate in leadership in special and inclusive education provides comprehensive knowledge of special education law, policy, and inclusive practices. These four courses prepare you to lead systemic change that improves outcomes for students with disabilities. All courses listed are worth 3 credits.

Please note: Course list and sequence is subject to change.

SPED 756: Special Education Leadership

This is an introductory course in special education law and policy implementation. It is designed to provide school and district administrators, and other special education stakeholders, with a basic understanding of key points in the history of special education law and policy. It focuses primarily on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its core concepts, with particular attention to Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). This course is designed to provide a working knowledge of IDEA’s procedural requirements, the preferred practices associated with implementing the procedures in schools, criticism of these practices and their implementation, and ideas for addressing these criticisms in ways that promote more equitable and inclusive special education practices.

SPED 757: History, Context and Critique of Special Education

This course is designed to provide school and district administrators, and other special education stakeholders, with a general understanding of the history of the treatment of individuals with disabilities and the development of special education law and policy over time. It foregrounds current issues in the post-IDEA organization of the field, highlighting the goals and challenges of democratic leadership and civic professionalism in relation to special education. The course concludes with a final paper and online presentation examining how history, disability, difference, and justice inform special education leadership, both in theory and in practice.

SPED 758: Appropriate Education and Least Restrictive Environment

This course is designed to give school and district administrators, and other special education stakeholders interested in special education leadership, a deep understanding of two core principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These are: (1) appropriate education, and (2) least restrictive environment. The course continues the same pattern established in the previous courses for this four-course special education leadership certificate program. It introduces these core IDEA concepts, features a week of criticisms of those concepts, and follows with a week on remedies to address key issues identified. The last two modules of the course focus on the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) and inclusive practices. The course concludes with a final project.

SPED 759: Non-Discriminatory Evaluation, Parent Participation, and Procedural Due Process

This course is designed to give school and district administrators, and other special education stakeholders interested in special education leadership, a deep understanding of three of the core principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These are: (1) non-discriminatory evaluation, (2) parent participation, and (3) procedural due process. The course continues the same pattern established in the previous courses for this four-course program. It introduces these three core IDEA concepts, features a week of criticisms of those concepts, and follows with a week on remedies to address key issues identified. The last two modules of the course focus on the Individualized Educational Plan and inclusive practices. The course concludes with a final project.

Advance your skills, expand your impact

The University of Kansas online education programs are built for people who want to make a difference—in classrooms, schools, and communities. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, parent, nonprofit professional, you’ll find programs that connect research to practice and provide tools you can put to use right away. With flexible online courses and dedicated faculty support, KU helps you grow your expertise while continuing the important work you’re already doing.

  • ✓ 8-week focused courses
  • ✓ Evidence-based, research-driven curriculum
  • ✓ Practical skills you can apply immediately
  • ✓ Top-ranked by the U.S. News & World Report*

*Retrieved on August 18, 2025 from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-155317

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Create inclusive environments where every student can soar

Students with disabilities deserve educational leaders who understand their rights, advocate for their needs, and create systems that promote their success. Without knowledgeable leadership, these students may encounter barriers that limit their access to quality education and inclusive opportunities. But with skilled leaders who understand special education law and best practices, schools and organizations can become places where all students thrive.

Ready to lead transformational change in special education?

Erica and Tatiana, KU’s experienced admissions outreach advisors, are dedicated to supporting education professionals like you. Working one-on-one, they'll help you understand how this program aligns with your leadership goals, explore career pathways in special education administration, and guide you through the application process.

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Make a lasting impact in education

Ready to join the next generation of educational leaders? KU's online education programs offer three starts per year, making it easier to begin your journey when the time is right for you.

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Admissions Information

Jan
6
Application Deadline
January 6
Spring 2026 Term
Jan
20
Next Start
January 20
Spring 2026 Term
Sources
  1. Retrieved on March 17, 2025, from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-155317