Special Education Prep Program (SPED Prep)

Our non-degree, non-credit Special Education Prep Program (SPED Prep) is the first competency-based teaching career ladder licensure program in the state of Indiana. SPED Prep is an Indiana Department of Education-approved online curriculum for highly qualified educators, like teachers, instructional aides, and others, to learn outstanding behavioral, literacy, and numeracy intervention skills. Upon completion, students will be prepared for P-12 Exceptional Needs –Mild Interventions Teacher licensure for the state of Indiana.

Why should I choose SPED Prep?

Take advantage of our innovative teacher-training model. Enjoy the flexibility of completing the modules while maintaining your current position. The Fred S. Klipsch Educators College retains experts in the school as instructors to guide you through the program, so you’re prepared to successfully pass Indiana’s licensure requirements.

What does the curriculum look like?

You will complete online modules and clinical field work over the course of 42 weeks. As you progress through the SPED Prep Program, you’re also required to pass the Indiana Core P-12 Educator Assessment, Indiana Core Exceptional Needs – Mild Intervention Assessment, and Indiana Core Exceptional Needs – Reading Assessments. And we’re here helping and supporting you along the way!

What will I study?

Sample SPED Prep modules include the following:

• Foundations of special education
• Developmental theories
• Culturally responsive practice
• Literacy, such as the Orton-Gillingham Reading Intervention Program
• Applied behavior analysis
• Student-centered practice – literacy/numeracy

When do classes start?

How much does the SPED Prep Program cost?

Visit the Business Office "tuition rates" page for program cost.

Applicants may be eligible for grant funds through the Indiana Special Education Assisted Licensure (I-SEAL) program.

To be eligible, a teacher must:

1. Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution recognized by the USDE;
2. Be currently employed in an Indiana school, have current licensure from the Indiana Department of Education,
3. Sign a letter of intention to remain employed in an Indiana school as a special education teacher for at least two years past completion of the program and full licensure. Applicants must apply to this program in addition to Marian’s SPED Prep program. To apply visit, sites.google.com/uindy.edu/indianaiseal/home.

What are the admissions and eligibility requirements?

Admission Requirements

To be eligible, an applicant must:

• Submit an application via the MU Application Portal.
• Have earned either of the following:
  • A baccalaureate degree with a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale from a CHEA and USDE accredited institution of higher education.
  • A baccalaureate or graduate degree from a CHEA and USDE accredited institution with a grade point average of at least 2.5*on a 4.0 point scale from a CHEA and USDE accredited institution of higher education andhave five(5) years of professional work experience.
• Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. To be official, the transcripts must be sent from the institution to Marian at GRadmissions@marian.edu.
• Complete the MU Background Check through the Indiana State Police – INkless.
• Submit a current resume or CV.
• Employment at a P-12 school is preferred. Candidates must complete an internship in a P-12 setting during the program, so those currently employed by a P-12 school are preferred.

*Applicants with a GPA below the admission requirements may be asked to provide further evidence of academic skills by the program’s admissions committee.

Licensure While Enrolled in the Program

• Licensure Option: Alternative Special Education License

Students in the Marian University SPED Prep Program may be eligible for the Alternative Special Education License in Indiana. To be eligible, the student must:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university.
• Be currently employed in Indiana as a classroom teacher in the special education area matching the preparation program.
• Provide an employer letter verifying employment as a special education teacher in the content area matching the preparation program.

How do I apply?

1. Create your account through the application portal.
2. Enter your Contact Information
3. Under "Enrollment Information" choose the following:
   • Choose Graduate Certificate – SPED Prep in the “I intend to enroll as a ___ student” field.
   • Choose Spring or Fall for the "I plan to start classes" field.
4. Click “Proceed to Step 2.”
5. Verify the program selection and then click “Next” to access the application.
6. Complete and submit the application.

Learn more about our Special Education Prep Program!

Marian University’s SPED Prep licensure program provides an online pathway for teachers, instructional aides, and others to gain P-12 Exceptional Needs – Mild Interventions Teacher licensure. If you have a bachelor's degree and want to become a special education teacher in the State of Indiana, request more information or contact Jacob Tandy, Ph.D., program director, at jtandy@marian.edu.

SPED Prep is approved as a Transition to Teaching licensing program for Mild Interventions.