Gifted education

University of Missouri
Graduate certificate
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Graduate certificate

You know tailored instruction benefits gifted students academically, developmentally – and emotionally. That’s why you are drawn to this 100% online graduate certificate in gifted education from the University of Missouri (Mizzou). As one of several top-ranked online graduate programs from Mizzou’s College of Education & Human Development, this program is ideal for current educators who want to develop specific skills for working with gifted students.

You’ll gain essential skills that can help gifted students reach new heights with independent work and practices that further whole-class instruction. With four foundational courses in gifted education, you can apply your learning immediately. Although this graduate program is not designed for those seeking teacher certification, the credits you earn can count toward a future master’s degree from Mizzou. In the end, this graduate certificate will equip you with knowledge that helps you ensure all your students can thrive. For more information about teaching certification, contact the department of education in your state.

Top-ranked programs in two categories

Mizzou’s online graduate education programs ranked among the nation’s finest in two U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs 2023 categories.

Best Online Programs U.S. News and World Report Grad Education 2023 Badge.
Best Online Programs U.S. News and World Report Veterans Grad Education 2023 Badge.

Quick facts

Official name

Graduate certificate in gifted education

Campus

University of Missouri

Program type

Graduate certificate

Academic home

College of Education & Human Development | Department of Special Education

Delivery mode

100% online

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission

Credit hours

12

Estimated cost

$6,741.60

*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.

Teacher helping student with schoolwork

Career prospects

Job titles include: 

  • Occupational therapist
  • Teacher
  • Paraeducator
  • Gifted education teacher
  • Gifted program coordinator
  • Administrators

Program structure

Delivery of this program is 100% online: no campus visits are required.

Courses are cohort-based. Most students study part time, taking one to two classes per semester, and complete the course work in just a year.

Course work includes

  • Nature and needs of gifted and talented students
  • Assessment and evaluation in gifted education
  • Curriculum methods for gifted and talented students
  • Differentiating instruction: reaching gifted, typical and struggling learners

Delivery

100% online

Calendar system

Semester-based

Typical program length

1 year

Typical course load

1-2 classes per semester

Further your education

Students may apply the 12 credit hours earned for this graduate certificate to a variety of master’s in education degrees from Mizzou. For more information, visit the Department of Special Education.

Accreditation

University of Missouri-Columbia is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.

Faculty spotlight

Jena Randolph, assistant professor special education

Jena Randolph is an assistant professor at the University of Missouri in the Department of Special Education and the director of online graduate programs. Before this, she served as the director of training and education at the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment. She has over 25 years of experience working with individuals with autism throughout the lifespan across home, clinical and school settings. Her experience focuses on neurodiversity, collaborative and coordinated care, emergent communication development and supporting the implementation of evidence-based practices in schools.

Jena Randolph, PhD
Assistant Professor and Director of Online Graduate Programs, Department of Special Education

Learn more about this program

This program is administered by the Department of Special Education