Online graduate certificate in secondary special education and transition: Empower students to reach new heights
Every young adult with disabilities deserves meaningful opportunities to thrive in employment, education, and community life. As students transition from school to adulthood, they need skilled professionals who understand how to create bridges between educational settings and real-world success.
KU’s online graduate certificate in secondary special education and transition provides focused training in evidence-based transition planning, assessment, and interagency collaboration. Designed for completion in as little as one year, this program builds on decades of research from the Kansas University Center on Disabilities (KUCD) and prepares you for immediate impact in transition services.
Note: In order to enroll in this program, a bachelor's degree is required.
Program details
- 100% online with no campus visits required
- 5 courses (15 credit hours)
- 8-week courses for focused study
- Complete in as few as 12 months
- No GRE required for admission
- Credits may apply toward the transition master's degree
Build top-tier skills to serve students transitioning to adult life
Online graduate certificate in secondary special education and transition
Complete specialized training in one year
This focused graduate certificate develops essential skills for supporting students with disabilities as they transition from school to adult life. Through evidence-based coursework and practical applications, you'll master transition assessment, interagency collaboration, and career development strategies that create pathways to meaningful employment and independent living.
You'll explore comprehensive transition planning processes and develop practical skills for conducting transition assessments, facilitating interagency collaboration, and implementing work-based learning programs. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices that help students with disabilities achieve their post-secondary goals in employment, education, and community participation. Your learning connects theory to real-world application through practical strategies you can implement immediately.
*This online graduate certificate does not lead to initial or advanced licensure in special education.
Choose this program to:
- Learn evidence-based transition models and assessment strategies
- Gain work-based learning and career development expertise
- Earn credits that transfer to the transition master's program if you choose to continue
Build skills for careers like:
- Special education teachers seeking transition expertise
- Paraeducators working with secondary students
- Vocational rehabilitation counselors
- Community employment providers
- Transition coordinators and specialists
- Anyone supporting youth with disabilities in their transition to adulthood
Online secondary special education and transition course descriptions
The online graduate certificate in secondary special education and transition equips experienced teachers, paraeducators, vocational rehabilitation counselors, and community employment providers with critical knowledge for transition specialist roles. These 5 courses explore transition planning, assessments, interagency services, and career development.
Please note: Course list and sequence is subject to change.
SPED 856: Transition Education and Services from Childhood to Adulthood
SPED 857: Career Development for Youth
SPED 858: Assessment for Transition Planning
SPED 859: Interagency Services for Transition to Adulthood
SPED 862: Work-based Learning
*This online graduate certificate does not lead to initial nor advanced licensure in special education. In order to enroll in this program, a bachelor's degree is required.
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 pathways where every student can soar
The transition from school to adult life represents both tremendous opportunity and significant challenge for students with disabilities. With the support of knowledgeable professionals who understand evidence-based transition practices, these students can achieve remarkable outcomes and build fulfilling adult lives. Whether you're working in schools, vocational rehabilitation agencies, community organizations, or government programs, this focused training provides the expertise to make a lasting difference in students' transition to adulthood.
KU offers multiple pathways to build your expertise:
- The graduate certificate in secondary special education and transition offers specialized training in one year
- The secondary special education and transition master's degree provides the most comprehensive preparation for transition leadership
Each pathway empowers you to make a lasting difference in the lives of students with disabilities and their families.
Ready to transform outcomes for students with disabilities?
KU’s experienced admissions outreach advisors are dedicated to supporting education professionals like you. Working one-on-one, they'll help you clarify your transition leadership goals, explore how this program aligns with your career aspirations, and guide you through the application process.
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.