Home » Academics » Graduate Programs » Master of Education » Certification Only & Endorsement Programs

Content Specialization & Certification Only Program

Candidates who already hold a master’s degree and initial licensure may complete certificate programs in Educational Leadership (PreK-Adult) or Reading Specialist (PreK-Adult). Candidates be hired full time in the public school system as a licensed teacher in order to complete coursework and/or clinical experiences. Certificate programs do not qualify for financial aid.

Candidates may also choose to enroll as non-degree seeking students and take graduate courses for re-certification, to provide greater specialization within one’s field, or to assist in professional advancement. For more information please review the M.Ed. Policy, Procedures & Clinical Experience Handbook.

The Certificate in Educational Leadership & Supervision Certification Program (18 hrs) requires a masters degree and teacher licensure. Candidates must be hired full time in the public school system as a licensed teacher in order to complete EDEL classes with a clinical experience or internship.

  • EDEL 500 Public School Administration (3hr) 20 hour clinical at the elementary level
  • EDEL 570 Organization and Management for Public Schools (3hr) 20 hour clinical at the high school level
  • EDEL 580 Public School Law (3hr) 20 hour clinical at a county Board of Education Office
  • EDEL 590 School and Community Relations (3hr) 20 hour clinical at the middle school level
  • EDEL 550*Action Research/Internship I (3hr) 107 hour internship at employment location
  • EDEL 560 Action Research/Internship II (3hr) 108 hour internship at employment location

EDEL 500, EDEL 570, EDEL 580 and EDEL 590 must be completed prior to EDEL 550. EDEL 550 must be completed the semester prior to EDEL 560. For more information regarding specific courses, please refer to the Academic Catalog.

All clinical experiences must be completed under the supervision of a licensed administrator.

All candidates seeking an endorsement from WV BOE in Educational Leadership are required to pass PRAXIS II: Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision subject assessment test.

The Reading Specialist Certificate Program (24 hrs) requires a masters degree and teacher licensure. Candidates must be hired full time in the public school system as a licensed teacher in order to complete RDNG classes with a clinical experience or internship.

  • RDNG 510 Foundations of Reading (3hr)
  • RDNG 520 Reading & Writing in Content Areas (3hr)
  • RDNG 525 Literacy Research and Instruction for Culturally Diverse Students (3hr)
  • RDNG 530 Reading Assessment (3hr).
  • RDNG 550 Reading and Language Arts Instruction for the 21st Century (3hr)
  • RDNG 560 Action Research in Reading Education* (3hr).
  • RDNG 570 Reading Practicum (6hr) – course requires participation at a week-long summer reading camp at Concord University’s campus. Reading Camp is typically held at the end of June.

Course assignments/experiences will be completed in candidates’ employment classroom/location.

For more information regarding specific courses, please refer to the Academic Catalog.

All candidates seeking an endorsement from WV BOE as a Reading Specialist are required to pass PRAXIS II: Reading Specialist subject assessment test. 

Required Courses for an Endorsement in Autism (6 hrs.)

All candidates seeking an endorsement from WVDOE for Autism are required to hold a Multi-categorical endorsement/certification.

  • SPED 515: Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder 3 hrs.
  • SPED 516: Methods for Teaching Students with Autism (Prerequisite SPED 515) 3 hrs.

All candidates seeking an endorsement from the WV BOE in Special Education (multi categorical) are required to pass the PRAXIS II: Multi-Categorical Special Education (BD excluding Autism, MI, SLD) Candidates who already hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution and teacher certification/licensure may pursue a content specialization in multi categorical education by completing the 21 hours of pedagogy.

All candidates seeking an endorsement from the WV BOE in Special Education (multi categorical) must hold, qualify for or simultaneously complete a content specialization in biology, chemistry, early childhood, elementary education, English, general science, mathematics, physics, and/or social studies as recognized on a Professional Teaching Certificate. If an individual does not hold any of the endorsements previously identified, they must complete a restricted content endorsement offered through the WVDE in biology, chemistry, early childhood, elementary education, English, general science, mathematics, physics, and/or social studies in conjunction with the Special Education Program. See West Virginia Policy 5100 10.3.d.

Clinical/practicum experiences will be aligned with West Virginia Policy 5202 and the West Virginia Professional Teaching Standards (WVPTS). Clinical/practicum experience assessments are aligned with the Specialty Program Assessments (SPA) as required by the National Council of Accreditation for Teacher Education (NCATE) standards. All appropriate clinical/practicum experiences must be successfully completed.

Special Education Multi-Categorical / Autism Progression Sheet