Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.G.S.) in Special Education

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in special education is a post-master’s level certificate that allows a graduate student to pursue an area of concentration within our Graduate Education Program. It comprises 30 graduate credits beyond the Master’s Degree, nine of which may be transferred from another institution if they are post-master’s credits, meet the concentration area, and are approved by the advisor. The CAGS is an individually designed program based on the goals and needs of the student and is planned with an academic advisor. The structure of this program allows students to craft an educational experience that is specifically tailored to their professional interests and goals in the area of special education. Students have a wide array of courses offered through the entire graduate education department from which to choose. If desired, the CAGS program may include coursework for an additional endorsement as a Special Educator or a Consulting Teacher.

Requirements for C.A.G.S. Completion

Candidacy. Prior to the completion of four courses, the student must achieve Candidacy. With an advisor, the student fills out a Candidacy form. It includes a list of courses taken, courses proposed, and a “Statement of Goals.” Up to nine post-master’s-level credits may be transferred from another institution with the academic advisor’s approval.
Completion. When the student has completed thirty credits, a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study is granted.