A trend toward more inclusive classrooms and the mainstreaming of students with or at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) is creating a demand for teachers who have the specialized knowledge and skills to meet the unique needs of this population.
Few institutions of higher education offer programs with a focus on emotional and behavioral disorders despite the demand, according to the American Association for Employment in Education (AAEE). In fact, this need for specially trained practitioners in EBD greatly exceeds the supply of specialists, according to the AAEE.
This program is offered completely online.
What It’s Like to Pursue a Graduate Certificate in Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Both locally and nationally, schools need teachers with specialized preparation to meet the needs of students with or at risk for EBD.
Ball State’s online graduate certificate in EBD is designed for those with undergraduate or graduate degrees in education, psychology, criminal justice, social work, speech/language, or closely related fields. It may also appeal to special education teachers, social workers, police officers, and juvenile justice system personnel.
The program focuses on the design of educational services for individuals with emotional and/or behavioral conditions, which adversely affect their educational performance. Our certificate program will prepare you to identify, assess, and evaluate students and behaviors; develop individual education plans and behavior intervention plans; and design, implement, and evaluate evidence-based instructional strategies and interventions for individuals with or at risk for EBD.
Course content also covers historical developments in the field of EBD; laws and public policies pertaining to the education and treatment of individuals with EBD; identification, assessment, and evaluation of students and behavior; evidence-based academic and behavioral interventions; and program planning and development.
You can start the certificate program at any semester and you can complete the program in one year.
Course Requirements
This graduate certificate requires the following courses:
- SPCE 632 Introduction to Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (3 credits)
- SPCE 634 Educating Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (3 credits)
- SPCE 635 Advanced Studies in EBD (3 credits)
- SPCE 604 Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers (3 credits)
- EDPS 606 Human Learning and Achievement Motivation (3 credits)
For a complete list of program requirements and courses, see the course catalog.
View Catalog
Meet Your Advisor
The role of your academic advisor is more than telling you which courses to take. For starters, they are student success specialists, and they are dedicated to your academic success. You’ll work with a specialist from application to graduation.
Contact your student success specialist, who can answer questions you have about our program.
Ball State has joined the Federal Academic Alliance and is offering reduced tuition rates for all eligible, non-Indiana resident Federal Government Employees (civil servants), spouses, dependents, and retirees who enroll in online graduate-level programs and courses through Ball State’s Teachers College. Learn more.
More about Online Learning
Ready to Apply?
Review deadlines, admission requirements, and application materials, then start your application.
Ball State is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to accept online students from all U.S. states. However, if you are considering a program that leads to professional licensure, some states may have additional regulations. Review our state authorization website if you live outside of Indiana and contact us if you have questions.
Want to Learn More?
Do you have questions about this program or online learning? We’re here to help! You may request more information using our online form, or feel free to reach out directly to one of our staff.
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