Program Description

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.

Admissions

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
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Program Delivery

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

Admissions

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 or current enrollment in a graduate deaf education degree program
• Minimum 2.750 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Evidence of a current deaf education teaching license or in the process of completing (concurrently) teaching licensure in deaf education
• Goal statement and professional objectives
• Two letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency requirements - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Program Delivery

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

Program Description

Full Description

The Behavioral Intervention Specialist graduate certificate is a highly-specialized sequence that imbues the theoretical orientation and practical application of applied behavior analysis. Through coursework in special education, as well as supervised field-based experiences, students gain specialized knowledge and skills to collaborate with professional teams and parents to develop, implement and evaluate positive behavior support programs for children and youths with behavioral concerns.

The program's course sequence has been designated as a Verified Course Sequence by the Association for Behavior Analysis International. Students seeking the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential must meet additional requirements outlined by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

Admissions

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

Admission Requirements

• Admitted to any graduate degree at Kent State University or earned a master's or doctoral degree from an accredited college or institution.
• Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency requirements - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Identify the goals of behavior analysis as a science.
2. Explain the philosophical assumptions underlying the science of behavior analysis.
3. Describe and explain behavior from the perspective of radical behaviorism.
4. Distinguish among behaviorism, the experimental analysis of behavior, applied behavior analysis and professional practice guided by the science of behavior analysis.
5. Describe and define the dimensions of applied behavior analysis.
6. Define and provide examples of the following:
   1. behavior, response and response class;
   2. stimulus and stimulus class;
   3. respondent and operant conditioning;
   4. positive and negative reinforcement contingencies;
   5. schedules of reinforcement;
   6. positive and negative punishment contingencies;
   7. automatic and socially mediated contingencies;
   8. unconditioned, conditioned and generalized reinforcers and punishers;
   9. operant extinction;
   10. stimulus control;
   11. discrimination, generalization and maintenance;
   12. motivating operations;
   13. rule-governed and contingency shaped behavior;
   14. verbal operants and define; and
   15. derived stimulus relations.

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • Fully online

Program Description

Full Description

The Autism Spectrum Disorders graduate certificate prepares students for understanding and addressing the needs of individuals with autism across the spectrum, across the lifespan and in varied contexts, including general and special education classrooms and community settings. Students gain knowledge and skills related to diagnostic and learning style characteristics, causes and medical intervention, early signs and assessment protocols, social-communicative development and disorders, theoretical models and implications of those models for intervention, family characteristics and evidence-based intervention practices.

This certificate is most relevant for students who want to specialize in autism spectrum disorders and/or professionals assuming leadership roles in supporting individuals on the spectrum and their families in the programs and organizations in which they work.

Admissions

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
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadline

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Describe the diagnostic and learning style characteristics of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
2. Identify early signs of autism spectrum disorder and identify and evaluate instruments used to screen for and diagnose autism spectrum disorder in children and adults.
3. Identify neurobiological and environmental factors implicated in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder.
4. Describe medical and complementary and alternative medical interventions used by individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
5. Compare the social-communicative development of individuals with autism spectrum disorder to that of neurotypically developing individuals.
6. Describe different theoretical models for understanding autism spectrum disorder.
7. Implement evidence-based interventions to address the needs of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • Fully Online
  • Mostly Online
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Program Description

Full Description

The Ph.D. degree in Special Education is designed to prepare highly qualified, experienced persons for academic faculty and research positions in colleges, universities and research centers, in addition to leadership, administrative and advocacy positions. The program enables students to master a comprehensive field of emphasis in special education; employ intellectual and innovative methods for addressing the needs of exceptional children, youth and adults; and acquire a breadth of understanding of related disciplines that focus on the professional roles of college teaching, research, administration and clinical-, educational- and agency-based services for individuals with exceptionalities.

Students participate in research studies, learn methods for conducting research and design independent and collaborative studies in their specialty area. In addition to conceptualizing, designing, implementing and interpreting research, all doctoral students are also expected to demonstrate competence in teaching at the college level during their doctoral training.

Admissions

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

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale (minimum 3.500 GPA is recommended) starting with spring 2026 admission term, minimum 3.000 GPA will be required
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Goal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• Interview
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

1. Formulate ideas, concepts, designs and/or techniques within and beyond the current boundaries of knowledge and practice in the field of special education; demonstrate breadth within their learning experiences.
2. Articulate research problems, potentials and limits with respect to theory knowledge or practice in the field of special education; create research and scholarship that makes a substantive contribution to the field.
3. Share knowledge and research in the field of special education with students in a clear and engaging manner; effectively communicate with students within and outside of class; advance contributions of the field of special education to society.
4. Communicate complex ideas in a clear and understandable manner to a variety of audiences.
5. Demonstrate the ability to work well with others, participate in professional organizations and adhere to ethical standards of research protocol and professional behavior.

Program Delivery

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

Accreditation

The Ph.D. degree in Special Education is accredited by the Council of Education of the Deaf for coursework that focuses on deaf education.

Program Description

Full Description

The Master of Education degree in Special Education provides students with advanced understanding of contemporary research and practice issues in special education. Students in the program are typically interested in pursuing enhanced professional competence, career advancement, leadership roles, advocacy and systems change; or they may be wanting to prepare for doctoral-level study. Students do not need to have an undergraduate degree in special education (or in education) to be successful in the master's degree; however, they should be motivated to develop a deeper understanding of the field of special education.

The M.Ed. degree program does not prepare students for teacher licensure; however, some of the coursework required for the degree may count toward licensure. Students interested in both licensure and a M.Ed. degree will need to apply and be fully admitted into both the master's degree and the non-degree graduate licensure preparation program.

The Special Education major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Deaf Education concentration focuses on needs of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• The Early Childhood Intervention Specialist concentration focuses on needs of young children with or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities, birth to grade 5 (birth to age 10) and their families.
• The General Special Education concentration provides a broad focus on special education across all ages and types of student needs. Students  work with a graduate adviser to develop a personalized plan of study.
• The Mild/Moderate Educational Needs concentration focuses on needs of students with mild to moderate educational needs who most often participate in the general education academic curriculum with special education supports.
• The Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs concentration focuses on students with moderate to intensive educational needs who most often require modifications to the general academic curriculum and/or other extensive special education supports.
• The Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs concentration focuses on the needs of preschool children with or at risk for developmental delays or disabilities.

Admissions

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 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores may be considered for conditional admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

1. Develop advanced skills in designing, implementing and evaluating research-based practices that meet the special education needs of learners with disabilities.
2. Understand the conceptual underpinnings of special education, as well as policies that guide its implementation in school and community settings.
3. Analyze contemporary issues surrounding special education and the impact of exceptionality on individuals and their families.
4. Understand the roles that research plays in special education theory.
5. Demonstrate mastery of special education content within a particular specialization (e.g., mild/moderate, deaf education).

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • Online (General Special Education concentration only)
  • Mostly online
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Accreditation

The Deaf Education concentration is accredited by the Council of Education of the Deaf.

Program Description

Full Description

The Educational Specialist degree in Special Education provides an advanced degree in specialized areas of educational programming for children and youth with exceptionalities. The program meets the needs of post-master's degree students who wish to assume leadership roles in schools and agencies that provide special education and related services to children, youth and adults who have disabilities.

The Ed.S. degree is designed for the accomplished, experienced practitioner with specific professional aspirations. The program is not designed for those who wish to pursue a research emphasis as a prelude to doctoral study.

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.

Admissions

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

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 graduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale (minimum 3.250 GPA is recommended) starting with spring 2026 admission term, minimum 3.000 GPA will be required
• Official transcript(s)
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Goal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:¹
  • Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
  • Minimum 58 PTE score
  • Minimum 110 DET score

¹

International applicants who do not meet the above test scores will not be considered for admission.

Application Deadlines

• Fall Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Spring Semester
  • Rolling admissions
• Summer Term
  • Rolling admissions

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

1. Attain the background knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to advance their ability to identify and plan evidence-based educational practices for exceptional learners.
2. Increase their proficiency with the pedagogical and decision-making skills necessary to implement evidence-based educational practices for exceptional learners.
3. Attain an appropriate level of expertise in methods of assessment relevant to providing special education to exceptional learners in schools.
4. Articulate professional positions on critical legal, policy and practice issues in special education that are grounded in logical analysis, empirical research and the ethical foundations of the field.

Program Delivery

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

Accreditation

The Council of Education of the Deaf

Admissions

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students.

First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: First-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students.

First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, as well as the Twinsburg Academic Center, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of proficiency of the English language (unless they meet specific exceptions) through the submission of an English language proficiency test score or by completing English language classes at Kent State’s English as a Second Language Center before entering their program. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Former Students: Former Kent State students who have not attended another institution since Kent State and were not academically dismissed will complete the re-enrollment process through the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center. Former students who attended another college or university since leaving Kent State must apply for admissions as a transfer or post-undergraduate student.

Transfer Students: Students who attended an educational institution after graduating from high school or earning their GED must apply as transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.

Admission policies for undergraduate students may be found in the University Catalog's Academic Policies.

Students may be required to meet certain criteria to progress in their program. Any progression requirements will be listed on the program's Coursework tab

Program Delivery

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

Program Description

Full Description

The Mild to Moderate Special Education minor provides students with valuable knowledge related to meeting the special educational needs of students with mild to moderate disabilities in schools. Mild to moderate disabilities include learning disabilities, ADHD, emotional and behavioral disorders, mild intellectual disabilities, and autism spectrum disorders without accompanying intellectual impairment.

The minor allows students to learn effective practices for differentiating instruction, behavior management, collaboration and supporting students with mild to moderate disabilities in general education classrooms.

This minor is particularly relevant for students seeking to work in the K-12 academic environment, including those with a major or interest in education, special education, psychology, public health, sociology and human development and family studies.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

Students declared in the Special Education major, Mild/Moderate concentration, are not permitted to declare this minor.

To declare this minor, students must have attempted a minimum 12 credit hours at Kent State and earned a minimum 2.000 overall Kent State GPA. Students who have not attempted 12 credit hours at Kent State will be evaluated for admission based on their high school GPA for new students or transfer GPA for transfer students. Transfer students who have not attempted 12 credit hours of college-level coursework at Kent State and/or other institutions will be evaluated based on both their high school GPA and college GPA.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Students will identify effective practices for differentiating instruction for exceptional learners.
2. Students will describe classroom management strategies to support the engagement and learning of exceptional learners.
3. Students will develop lesson plans tailored to the strengths and needs of exceptional learners in general education classroom settings.

Program Delivery

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

Program Description

Full Description

The Early Intervention minor primarily is intended for individuals interested in working with young children — from birth to age three — who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities across a variety of settings.

The minor provides students with the skills and knowledge specific to contemporary and recommended practices in early intervention, typical and atypical development, teaming, family professional collaboration, assessment, legislation, ethical professional conduct, advocacy and inclusive practices.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Admission to a minor is open to students declared in a bachelor’s degree, the A.A.B. or A.A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree (not Individualized Program major). Students declared only in the A.A. or A.S. degree or the A.T.S. degree in Individualized Program may not declare a minor. Students may not pursue a minor and a major in the same discipline.

To declare this minor, students must be at least a sophomore status and have attempted a minimum 12 credit hours at Kent State and earned a minimum 2.750 overall Kent State GPA. Students who have not attempted 12 credit hours at Kent State will be evaluated for admission based on their high school GPA for new students or transfer GPA for transfer students. Transfer students who have not attempted 12 credit hours of college-level coursework at Kent State and/or other institutions will be evaluated based on both their high school GPA and college GPA.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Describe and analyze contemporary philosophical and theoretical orientations about young children and families.
2. Demonstrate empirically-based and ethical practices of early intervention in natural environments.
3. Collaborate with families, caregivers, and professionals to enhance children's growth and development.
4. Identify state and federal legislation related to early intervention.

Program Delivery

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