Foundations of inclusion and special education

Graduate microcredential
Online
delivery
Advanced
level
3
courses

As classrooms grow more diverse, educators need the knowledge and tools to create inclusive environments where every student can thrive. And no matter where you’re at in your career, earning Oregon State University’s Microcredential in Foundations of Inclusion and Special Education online will enhance your classroom impact and ability to create more student-centered learning spaces.

Learn how to identify diverse student needs and apply inclusive strategies to support all learners, all while working toward higher earning potential and specialized roles. Rooted in equity and student-centered approaches, this graduate-level microcredential emphasizes inclusive instructional practices, the foundations of special education law, and effective strategies for collaborating with families and specialists.

Coursework (8 credits)

This is an advanced-level microcredential that is designed for those with previous experience in a subject. These offerings provide in-depth training so you can build specialized skills that will help you excel in your field. Often, advanced microcredentials require some prerequisite college courses.

Teacher supports student one-on-one in a bright classroom, reflecting inclusive, student-centered learning strategies.

Skills you’ll gain

The in-demand skills you'll develop as a student in this microcredential will give you what you need to stand out and level up in your career.

  • Collaborative strategies
  • Special education law and advocacy
  • Inclusive and equitable practices
  • Universal design for learning
  • Student-centered approaches

Additional details

Oregon State microcredentials consist of at least three courses and 8 credits that follow OSU’s quarterly term calendar. All microcredentials are delivered online and some microcredentials may be offered on campus. All course credits used to complete a microcredential must be completed at Oregon State and transfer credit and placement tests may not be used toward microcredential course credits. Read other important microcredential details » 

Microcredentials allow you to gain specialized skills in focused subject areas in less time than it takes to complete a full degree or certificate program. Typically, you can complete a microcredential in nine to 12 months. All microcredential courses follow the same term schedule as on-campus courses and are not self-paced. Learn more about course delivery methods »

Once you complete all classes in this microcredential, you'll receive a digital badge from Oregon State University. You can add the digital badge to your résumé and on LinkedIn, GitHub or other social media profiles. It provides employers with proof of the skills and discipline-specific knowledge you gained from the microcredential. Oregon State's digital badges are issued by Credly, the world's largest digital credential network.

Completing a microcredential is dependent on course availability, term offerings, course sequencing and any required prerequisites. Connect with the OSU Ecampus enrollment services team to better understand when courses in this microcredential are delivered to help you create a timeline for application and enrollment. You can also explore the schedule of classes to preview course availability.

  • Apply to earn a microcredential as a current student: If you’re a current OSU student interested in pursuing a microcredential online, please submit this form. Note: You must complete at least one of the microcredential courses after having been accepted into the microcredential.

You can find detailed tuition information for microcredential offerings on the tuition rates webpage. Please note: If you are pursuing a standalone microcredential as a nondegree student, you will not qualify for federal financial aid.

If you are pursuing a microcredential as a current student in an OSU degree or certificate program, you will be charged your program's tuition rate (if differential tuition is applicable). 

Earning a microcredential is a great way to develop a skill set that current and future employers are looking for. If your employer offers a tuition benefit program, you may be able to enroll online with Oregon State and receive a tuition scholarship that makes your student experience more affordable. You can also learn about the organizations OSU collaborates with to offer direct tuition benefit programs for online learners.

Once you complete a Microcredential in Foundations of Inclusion and Special Education, you can apply the 8 credits you earn directly toward Oregon State's online Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education degree.

To stack a graduate microcredential into a graduate program, please review OSU’s policies governing all graduate programs. Specifically, up to 22 graduate credits may be transferred toward a 45-credit master's degree. Up to 9 graduate credits may be transferred toward an 18-credit graduate certificate.