College of Education Health and Human Services
School of Lifespan Development and Educational Services
www.kent.edu/ehhs/ldes

About This Program

Special Education Mild-Moderate Needs Additional Licensure Preparation program provides a comprehensive approach to teaching and learning, including specialized instruction, classroom management and assessment. Read more...

Contact Information

• Nathan Stevenson | nsteve15@kent.edu | 330-672-2294

• Connect with an Admissions Counselor: U.S. Student | International Student

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• Questions in Anticipation of Licensure form
• Evidence of valid four-year Resident Educator or five-year Professional State of Ohio teaching license (no longer required starting with spring 2025 admission term)
• Starting with spring 2025 admission term: Evidence of valid Resident Educator or Professional State of Ohio teaching license

Application Deadline

• Fall Semester
  • Priority deadline: July 1
• Spring Semester
  • Priority deadline: December 1
• Summer Term
  • Priority deadline: April 1

Applications submitted by these deadlines will receive the strongest consideration for admission.

Program Requirements

Licensure Requirements

Graduation Requirements

• Additional Coursework: An analysis of additional content-area coursework required at the post-undergraduate level will be completed before entering into the program, and a Plan of Study will be created based on transcript analysis and current licensure requirements by the Ohio Department of Education. A minimum C grade is required in each of these courses. This coursework would be in addition to requirements for the Special Education non-degree program.

Licensure Information

Prior to program completion, the candidate must demonstrate proficiencies in the following areas (including but not limited to): data literacy and analysis; use of research and assessment data; leadership and collaboration; utilizing and supporting appropriate technology for the discipline; and application of professional dispositions, laws and policies, codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to their field of specialization.

Candidates seeking Ohio teaching licensure are required to pass specific requirements in order to apply for licensure from the Ohio Department of Education. The candidate must earn the qualifying score on the Ohio Assessments for Educators. Students should consult the Special Education Department for specific program requirements and refer to the Ohio Department of Education - Educator Preparation website for more information on assessments specific to licensure type.

Program Learning Outcomes

Completers of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of
   1. learner development and individual learning differences;
   2. the learning environment; curricular content knowledge;
   3. assessment;
   4. instructional planning and strategies; and
   5. professional practice and collaboration.
2. Demonstrate the dispositions necessary to be a successful special education teacher/professional.
3. Demonstrate preparation for the profession by successfully completing the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Special Education Assessment.

Residence Requirement Policy for Non-Degree Teacher Education Licensure/Endorsement Preparation Programs

• Non-degree licensure (initial and additional) and endorsement programs  that are a total of 15 credits or above: Students must complete 60% of the coursework at Kent State University, including the course that addresses the CAEP A.1.1 Standard as designated by the program area.
• Non-degree licensure (initial and additional) and endorsement programs that are less than 15 total credits: Students must complete 100% of the coursework at Kent State University.
• Students are permitted 6 years to complete licensure  programs and  4 years to complete endorsement programs at Kent State University.
• Coursework transferred from another university cannot be more than 6 years old at the time the licensure/endorsement program is completed.
• Students who do not meet the residence requirements will not be recommended for licensure by Kent State University.

Full Description

The Special Education Mild/Moderate Needs Additional Licensure Preparation non-degree program will prepare students to obtain an additional Special Education Mild/Moderate Educational Needs (Ohio Intervention Specialist) license. This program is designed for individuals who have a current teaching license and want to become licensed through the State of Ohio to teach students with mild/moderate disabilities, grades K-12.

Students with mild/moderate disabilities are distinguished from students with more severe disabilities by greater participation in the general academic curriculum. Mild/moderate disabilities include learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, ADHD, mild intellectual disabilities and (in certain cases) autism spectrum disorder.

Completion of the coursework is a prerequisite to being recommended by Kent State University for licensure, and licenses are granted by the Ohio Department of Education.

This program does not culminate in a master's degree. Students interested in a master's degree at Kent State must be fully admitted into and complete the requirements for the master's program, in addition to courses that are prescribed here for licensure. Completing a master's degree in special education in addition to licensure will in most cases require an additional 15-18 credit hours.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.