Overview

Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia 

Offered through the Mary Frances Early College of Education Special Education (EDSE) program, the University of Georgia’s 15-hour, online Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia (GCD) provides teachers, clinicians, and specialists with specific knowledge related to reading and language development, assessment, instruction, and remediation of reading disability. The program is aligned with the International Dyslexia Association’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading. Students may either be pursuing a graduate degree in another UGA program or department or may apply to the graduate school for non-degree status. Students who have completed a GaPSC-approved initial preparation program (e.g., B.S.Ed.; M.A.T.) are eligible for the Dyslexia Endorsement upon completion of the Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia program.

Accreditations

The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Cost

Tuition & Fees  

Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar's Office website for current tuition and fees.

Online students pay the following fees: Connect UGA, Green, and Technology. Potential additional costs include textbooks, exam proctoring fees, and technology upgrades.

Financial Aid 

Visit the  Office of Student Financial Aid  for information about financial assistance. 

Promising applicants will be considered for program scholarship. 

Corporate Assistance 

Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs. 

Military Assistance 

Active duty military, veterans, and military families should visit  Veterans Educational Benefits  to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.  

University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) 

The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see Tuition Assistance (refer to the Distance Learning section).  

Technology Requirements

  • Computer with current operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Additional peripherals such as webcam, headphones, and printer may be required.
  • High-speed internet access.

Admissions

Admissions Requirements:

1. Must hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., education, communication sciences and disorders, educational psychology) from an accredited institution before enrollment in this program;

2. Must have a competitive GPA in all previous college coursework.

The certificate is open to degree seeking students and non-degree seeking students.

Students applying to The University of Georgia must be accepted by the Graduate School. Students who are not currently enrolled at UGA should apply as a non-degree seeking graduate student. 

Requirements are based on UGA's Graduate School admissions standards for non-degree students.

Deadlines to Apply:

  • May 1st (Summer admission)
  • July 1 (Fall admission)
  • December 1 (Spring admission)

Curriculum

The Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia courses are aligned with the International Dyslexia Association’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading and provide students with practical, hands-on training and experience with research-based methods for reading instruction and intervention. Students will receive: (a) foundational content that will result in a comprehensive understanding of dyslexia and other learning disabilities, (b) direct training in research-based curricula, and (c) fieldwork in delivering reading instruction to elementary and secondary students who struggle in reading.

Completion of the Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia requires 15 semester hours (completed in 3-5 semesters) of specific reading and language-related coursework, and a summer practicum in Intensive Reading Interventions in which students will demonstrate proficiency in working in small groups or one-to-one with students at risk for or who are experiencing reading difficulties.

Courses

*EDSE 7120E: Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities

EDSE 7150E: Designing Reading Interventions for Special Education

EDSE 7020E: Assessment of Dyslexia and Other Learning

EDSE 7250E: Assessment and Intervention for Struggling Writers

**EDSE 7770E: Practicum in Intensive Reading Interventions

*Must be taken in the first semester of the program

**Must take SPED 7150E prior to taking SPED 7770E

 

News & Events

Dyslexia certificate builds instructor’s confidence
UGA alumna earned Graduate Certificate after experience in the field
Student Spotlight: Tiffany Smith
Student Spotlight: Haley Faulkner, GCD

Online Learning interviewed UGA alumna and current online student, Haley Faulkner, on her Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia and her experience with learning online. She explains her passion for educating those with literacy and learning disabilities.

Online Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia: The Zeist Foundation Grants Gift to UGA

Contact Information

Contact the online Dyslexia Certificate Coordinator for answers to any additional questions you may have. 

Email us using the request for information form or call 706-452-7945

Testimonials

Testimonials

"Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can possibly be. When students have a champion at school, they develop a greater sense of self-worth and belief in their academic abilities. The fear of failure is removed, and students take more risks and set higher goals for themselves. In my classroom, my scholars know that I am their champion." - Tiffany Smith, '10


"I was pleasantly surprised to find out how well my professional skills as a speech-language pathologist fit into the world of dyslexia and dyslexia intervention. You have to be disciplined and not wait until the last minute to complete assignments. A planner is your friend" - Kendrall Graham, '19


"The most rewarding part of the coursework and practicum of the dyslexia program is being able to immediately apply what I’m learning in my coursework to my students. There is no delayed return; I can apply what I learn in my readings on ADHD or Dyslexia to my students the next day. I can see daily how beneficial this program has been to me - to my students. I use what I’ve learned to inform instruction, and because of that, my students are making greater and greater gains in reading." - Haley Faulkner, '19