The 18-credit Graduate Certificate in Gifted Education is designed to address the needs of educators who are seeking Gifted and Talented Specialist certification in Maryland.
Candidates will study the foundations of gifted education, characteristics of gifted learners, and hone their knowledge and skills in curriculum, instruction, and assessment to meet the needs of academically talented students in their classrooms. As part of the program, candidates will observe gifted students and design and present lessons that are appropriate for gifted students’ cognitive and affective needs. The program is designed to meet all state of Maryland and national standards for teaching gifted education.
Program Requirements
The certificate is designed to be completed in three semesters, with students typically taking two courses per semester—though students may elect to take longer. A new cohort begins each year (subject to sufficient enrollments), with courses being delivered online.
Students may combine this certificate with a second certificate to pursue the Masters of Science in Education-Educational Studies. Students interested in the two-certificate pathway to the master's degree must apply for admission into the master's degree and certificate programs concurrently.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ED.885.501 | The Gifted Learner | 3 |
| ED.885.604 | Social and Emotional Needs of the Gifted | 3 |
| ED.885.512 | Twice Exceptional Learners | 3 |
| ED.885.505 | Creativity in Education | 3 |
| ED.885.510 | Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Advanced Learners | 3 |
| ED.885.820 | Practicum in Gifted Education and Talent Development 1 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
- 1
All candidates employed in Maryland who are seeking Gifted and Talented Education Specialist certification from the Maryland State Department of Education will undertake a semester-long practicum experience as the culminating course of their program.
Learning Outcomes
Program Goals
The goals of the program are to prepare educators who are able to:
- Understand the diverse factors that inform the identification and support of K-12 gifted students.
- Create safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environments that support the social, emotional, and cognitive learning needs of diverse groups of gifted K-12 students.
- Use assessments to identify gifted and talented students, assess their progress and modify interventions accordingly, and provide summative data on their accomplishments.
- Be reflective, ethical professionals who support and advocate for gifted K-12 students through collaboration with families and colleagues, use of community resources, and on-going professional learning.