Georgia State University offers range of special ed endorsements

Georgia State University’s College of Education & Human Development offers a range of special education endorsements designed to enhance the expertise of certified educators and those enrolled in teacher certification programs. These endorsements provide advanced knowledge in specific areas of special education, allowing educators to better support diverse learners.​

Available Special Education Endorsements

1. Dyslexia and Other Reading Disabilities Endorsement (Online) This fully online program equips general and special education teachers, as well as other school-based practitioners, with in-depth understanding of dyslexia and related reading disabilities. The curriculum emphasizes foundational reading theories, instructional strategies, and assessment methods focused on reading and writing skills. Completion requires 12 semester hours of coursework, all of which must be passed with a grade of “B” or higher. Applicants should hold a valid teaching certificate in special education or a related field.
2. Special Education Autism Endorsement Designed for educators aiming to deepen their knowledge in teaching students with autism, this endorsement enhances competencies in addressing the unique needs of learners on the autism spectrum. The program consists of a minimum of 12 semester hours. Applicants must hold a special education general curriculum or adapted curriculum certificate.
3. Special Education Preschool Endorsement This endorsement focuses on strategies for teaching preschool-aged children with disabilities. It requires completion of at least 9 semester hours of coursework, each with a grade of “B” or higher. Eligible applicants must possess a level four or higher renewable professional certificate or be enrolled in a special education teacher certification program at Georgia State.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester: June 15 for the Dyslexia and Other Reading Disabilities Endorsement (Online).
• Summer Semester: March 1 for the Special Education Autism Endorsement and Special Education Preschool Endorsement.​

Note: The programs do not admit new students for the Spring semester.​

Contact Information

For more details or assistance with the application process, interested individuals can reach out to the respective program coordinators:

• Dyslexia and Other Reading Disabilities, and Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS):
• Autism: Carina De Fazio
• Preschool Special Education: Sarah Hansen

These endorsements are designed to supplement existing teacher certifications and do not replace the requirement for holding an appropriate base-field certificate. Educators seeking initial certification in special education should consider pursuing the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Special Education.​

For comprehensive information on these programs, including admission requirements and course details, please visit the official Special Education Endorsements page at Georgia State University.