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

Halfway to a Master's

Ball State's online graduate certificate in emotional and behavioral disorders will get you halfway to a 30-credit master's degree in special education.

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

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