This program leads to Kentucky certification for Moderate and Severe Disabilities, grades P-12. Applicants to the program should have excellent academic credentials as well as successful experience working with children and/or adults with Moderate and Severe Disabilities (MSD). The Alternative Certification program requires that students become employed in an MSD classroom on a temporary provisional certificate. Classes start in the Summer each year, and admitted students must secure employment before the start of the Fall term. Those who are not employed may have the option to pursue the traditional version of the program, which requires field placements and student teaching. Completion of this degree/licensure program will lead to certification as an MSD teacher only (not an Elementary, Middle or Secondary content area teacher).

Initial Assessment: Admission to Teacher Education.  Minimum GPA 2.75, GRE 800 (V+Q), three letters of recommendation, professional statement, , bachelor’s degree, C or higher in English 102 and oral communication.

Certification and Degree Assessment: Satisfactory dispositions assessment; 3.0 cumulative GPA(and no more than a total of two “C’s” in degree courses); satisfactory portfolio; passing scores on PRAXIS exams; positive recommendation from the Special Education Program Committee.

Degree Candidacy: If not enrolled during the semester in which you are graduating, you will need to register for a degree candidacy as outlined in the graduate catalog, http://louisville.edu/graduatecatalog/academic-policies-and-requirements/, under the section called academic policies and requirements.