Alternative Certification in Special Education – Learning & Behavior Disorders Online
This online alternative certification program offers you the preparation you need to rise as a certified special education teacher in Kentucky. Learn to leverage the academic and behavioral strengths of each student and further support their learning and growth by differentiating your teaching to their individual needs.
Program Overview
Discover NKU’s online alternative certification – LBD program
As the only special education program of its kind in the state of Kentucky to be nationally recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the Alternative Certification in Special Education – Learning & Behavior Disorders online program from Northern Kentucky University is uniquely designed to help you meet the state requirements to become a fully certified special education teacher in Kentucky. This online teaching program offers you a distinct perspective and understanding of students with wide academic and behavioral exceptionalities.
This CAEP-accredited online alternative certification program in special education is suited for teachers seeking additional credentials and who aspire to effectively teach students with the highest need—a population that is rapidly growing. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 15% of students in Kentucky have been assigned an Individualized Education Program (13% above the national average), meaning more school districts are looking to hire qualified special education teachers.
NKU's Alternative Certification in Special Education – LBD online program equips you with the diverse instructional practices, leveled teaching resources, and differentiated curricula needed to effectively teach students with various learning disabilities and behavioral capacities. As part of the curriculum, you will be able to apply your knowledge to real-world settings in the field experience courses. This specialized online education program prepares you to stand out as a certified teacher in the field of special education.
To fill the need for qualified special education teachers in Kentucky, students in the Alternative Certification in Special Education – LBD online program may apply for tuition assistance through Kentucky's Traineeship Program for special education.*
Plus, upon completion of this alternative certification online program, you will be eligible to apply a portion of your earned credit hours toward any of the five Master of Arts in Education – Teacher as Leader online graduate programs at NKU.
In this online special education certification program, you will:
- Become fully certified to teach special education in the state of Kentucky
- Explore the wide variety of instructional principles, instruments, and procedures recommended to teach students with different academic and behavioral needs
- Learn to accommodate your mathematics and reading instructional practices to align with students' cognitive processes and literate levels
- Understand how to properly implement behavioral teaching methods along with alternative management techniques
- Examine legislation and instructional practices relating to the education of students with exceptionalities
- Review effective communication and collaboration techniques to use when working with parents and families of students with disabilities
- Become fully certified to teach special education in the state of Kentucky
- Explore the wide variety of instructional principles, instruments, and procedures recommended to teach students with different academic and behavioral needs
- Learn to accommodate your mathematics and reading instructional practices to align with students' cognitive processes and literate levels
- Understand how to properly implement behavioral teaching methods along with alternative management techniques
- Examine legislation and instructional practices relating to the education of students with exceptionalities
- Review effective communication and collaboration techniques to use when working with parents and families of students with disabilities
Also available:
Northern Kentucky University offers a variety of education programs online. Check out our other quality online education programs.
Accreditation
The Northern Kentucky University College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Tuition
Pay for your online program by the course
The Alternative Certification in Special Education – LBD online program offers the same affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition for in-state and out-of-state students.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Required Fees | Total Program with Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alternative Cert. in Special Ed. – LBD | $412 | $528-576 | $14,124-15,408 |
Tuition and fees subject to change at any time.
Tuition Breakdown:
“Top Public College”
Ranked among the “Top Public Colleges” by Forbes, 2022
Calendar
Milestones to guide your student journey
With six start dates per year, the Alternative Certification in Special Education – Learning & Behavior Disorders online program is flexible and convenient. View the calendar to find the best start date for you, along with corresponding deadlines.
| Session | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Due |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 1 | 1/13/25 | 1/3/25 | 1/7/25 | 1/10/25 | 1/13/25 |
| Spring 2 | 3/17/25 | 3/5/25 | 3/10/25 | 3/14/25 | 3/17/25 |
| Summer 1 | 5/12/25 | 4/30/25 | 5/5/25 | 5/9/25 | 5/12/25 |
| Summer 2 | 6/30/25 | 6/18/25 | 6/23/25 | 6/27/25 | 6/30/25 |
Now enrolling:
Admissions
What you need to know before applying
The admission process is the first step toward earning your Alternative Certification in Special Education – Learning & Behavior Disorders online.
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 2.75 GPA or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the last 30 credit hours
Alternative Certification in Special Education – Learning & Behavior Disorders Admission Requirements
- Complete online application for admission
- Pay $40 non-refundable application fee
- If you are an NKU alumni or active/veteran military member, your application fee will be waived
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) coursework from accredited institution(s). Transcripts must include completion of a college-level mathematics course (cannot be at the remedial level) with a grade of C or higher.
- Minimum 2.75 GPA or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the last 30 credit hours, including undergraduate and graduate coursework
- Submit a Federal Criminal Background Check; a teaching certificate may be submitted in lieu of the background check (submit copy of current teaching certificate or out-of-state equivalent—new teachers in Kentucky may submit a Kentucky Statement of Eligibility)
- Supplemental application
Upon being admitted, new students will be expected to provide: a signed Professional Code of Ethics for Kentucky Certified Personnel, the College of Education, and the Council for Exceptional Children; a curriculum contract, and a mentorship agreement.
Official documents may be mailed or emailed to:
NKU Office of Graduate Education
302 Lucas Administrative Center
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Have a question? Call us at 800-985-7215.
Courses
Explore the online alternative certification – learning & behavior disorders curriculum
In order to earn the Alternative Certification in Special Education – Learning & Behavior Disorders online, you must complete 12 courses for a total of 33-36 credit hours (capstone course can be 3-6 credit hours depending on student need).
*Tuition assistance is not guaranteed. To be eligible, students must be employed in a Kentucky public school district. For more information, visit kytraineeship.org
