Why Choose Special Education at Bushnell?
Advance your Special Education endorsement. Learn through real classroom practice. Become a stronger advocate for every learner. Bushnell University’s Special Education Certificate prepares licensed educators to better support students with disabilities through evidence-based instruction, inclusive teaching practices, and practical classroom application.
Through a flexible hybrid cohort model, you’ll continue teaching while building expertise in assessment, behavior support, intervention planning, accessibility, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Experienced faculty mentors bring real-world PK–12 special education expertise into every course while providing personalized guidance throughout your certificate.
Graduate prepared to create inclusive learning environments where every student has the opportunity to thrive. Grounded in Christian values and aligned with Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) requirements, the program equips you to advocate for students with disabilities while expanding your impact as an educator.
What You’ll Study
How the Curriculum is Structured
Bushnell’s Special Education Certificate prepares licensed educators to better support students with disabilities through coursework that combines educational theory, evidence-based instructional strategies, and supervised field experiences. You’ll study assessment, intervention planning, accessibility, and inclusive teaching practices while preparing to earn a Special Education endorsement in Oregon.
Coursework emphasizes differentiated instruction, behavior management, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), special education law, and collaboration with families and multidisciplinary teams. Throughout the program, you’ll develop practical strategies for creating inclusive learning environments and supporting student success across diverse PK–12 settings.
Program Coursework
- Foundations of Special Education I–III
- Assessment & Evaluation in Special Education
- Advanced Classroom & Behavior Management
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
- Accessibility & Functional Skills
- Special Education History & Current Issues
- Supervised Special Education Field Experiences
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Field Experiences
Field experiences are a required component of the Special Education Certificate and provides hands-on experience supporting students with disabilities in authentic PK–12 educational settings. Across three supervised field experiences, you’ll apply evidence-based instructional strategies in authentic PK–12 classrooms while working alongside experienced special education professionals.
You’ll gain practical experience implementing intervention plans, supporting Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), using assessment data to guide instruction, and collaborating with families and multidisciplinary teams. These experiences build the confidence and professional skills needed to effectively support diverse learners while preparing for Special Education endorsement in Oregon.
Planning Your Certificate
Find everything you need to know about program requirements, Oregon licensure, clinical practice, tuition, and next steps as you prepare to earn your Special Education endorsement.
Admission to Bushnell University’s graduate certificate programs includes:
- Completed graduate application
- Official transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Statement of purpose (2–3 double-spaced pages) outlining your career history, professional goals, and guiding principles
- Current resume
- One professional or academic letter of recommendation addressing your academic ability, work performance, and character
- Two completed disposition assessments
- Personal interview with the admissions committee
- Current, unrestricted Oregon teaching license (required for educator licensure and endorsement certificate programs)
- 190 hours total / two 50 hour placements, one 90 hour placement
- Field experiences are coordinated in partnership with the School of Education and the Field Placement Coordinator. Whenever possible, we will work with students and their building administrators to have their field experiences take place in the school they are working in.
Bushnell’s Special Education Certificate is designed to help licensed educators meet Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) requirements for adding a Special Education endorsement. Coursework, supervised field experiences, and program requirements prepare eligible candidates to pursue licensure advancement while meeting current state standards.
Candidates seeking a Special Education endorsement must complete any testing requirements established by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). Bushnell faculty will guide you through current endorsement and testing requirements throughout the program.
Bushnell is committed to making graduate certificates accessible for working educators. Learn more about Graduate Financial Aid and explore employer tuition assistance, military and veteran education benefits, scholarships, and other funding opportunities. An admissions counselor can help you identify financial resources that fit your goals.
Your investment includes tuition along with educational expenses such as books, technology fees, and other program-related costs. Bushnell’s admissions and financial aid teams are available to help you understand tuition, estimate your total costs, and explore available funding options and cost of attendance.
Accreditation
Bushnell University’s School of Education meets rigorous academic and professional standards. The Teacher Education program is nationally accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). In addition, Bushnell’s licensure programs are approved by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). These accreditations ensure the program meets rigorous state and national standards while preparing graduates for PK–12 school counseling licensure and professional practice in Oregon.
I particularly liked the small class sizes and the professors’ willingness to regularly engage with the class over science or life. I can also attest to the professors’ intentional efforts to form relationships and help mentor and guide students towards their vocation and calling.”
Career Outlook
What Can You Do with a Special Education Certificate?
Earning Bushnell’s Special Education Certificate prepares you to better support students with disabilities while expanding your teaching qualifications through a Special Education endorsement.
You’ll be prepared to:
- Add a Special Education endorsement to your Oregon teaching license
- Support students with disabilities in inclusive and specialized classrooms
- Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Deliver evidence-based interventions and differentiated instruction
- Collaborate with families, educators, and multidisciplinary support teams
- Expand your teaching opportunities through specialized expertise in special education
Skills You’ll Gain
Through Bushnell’s Special Education Certificate, you’ll develop practical, classroom-ready skills, including:
- Support students in inclusive learning environments
- Conduct educational assessments and use data to guide instruction
- Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Apply evidence-based intervention and differentiated instruction
- Design accessible learning experiences using Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
- Collaborate with families and multidisciplinary support teams
Frequently Asked Questions?
Bushnell’s Special Education Certificate is aligned with Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) requirements for educators seeking a Special Education endorsement. Through coursework, supervised field experiences, and required assessments, eligible candidates prepare to apply for endorsement according to current Oregon licensure requirements.
Yes. The hybrid cohort format is designed for working educators and combines online coursework with scheduled evening, in-person classes and supervised field experiences. Many students continue teaching while completing the certificate, allowing them to advance their credentials without stepping away from the classroom.
You’ll build expertise in assessment and evaluation, behavior management, intervention planning, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), accessibility, differentiated instruction, special education law, and collaboration with families and school support teams. Throughout the program, you’ll apply these concepts through supervised field experiences in PK–12 settings.
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<p style=”font-size:14px”>Bushnell University’s School of Education meets rigorous academic and professional standards. The Teacher Education program is nationally accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (<a href=”https://aaqep.org/”>AAQEP</a>) and regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (<a href=”https://nwccu.org/”>NWCCU</a>). In addition, Bushnell’s licensure programs are approved by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (<a href=”https://www.oregon.gov/tspc/pages/index.aspx”>TSPC</a>). These accreditations ensure the program meets rigorous state and national standards while preparing graduates for PK–12 school counseling licensure and professional practice in Oregon.</p>
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This certificate is designed for licensed educators and teacher candidates who want to expand their ability to support students with disabilities while earning a Special Education endorsement. It’s ideal for teachers seeking to strengthen inclusive instructional practices, broaden career opportunities, and better serve diverse learners across PK–12 schools.
Contact Us
Have questions about Bushnell’s Special Education Certificate? Your admissions counselor can walk you through requirements, discuss transfer credits, and help you figure out your next step.
Our faculty and staff are 100% committed to your learning and invested in your success.
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Next Steps
Interested in becoming a part of the Beacon community? We’re here to answer questions and help you see if Bushnell is right for you.
