The Graduate Certificate in Intellectual Disabilities was recently approved (Fall 2026) and offers teachers an asynchronous option to receive the state endorsement in Intellectual Disability in Nevada. The certificate contains 5 courses specific to teaching learners with intellectual disabilities. Although the courses are designed for current and future teachers of students with ID, the certificate may also be of interest to related professionals, families, or those interested in learning more about evidence-based practices for this student population.
This 5 course, one-year asynchronous (online) program funded by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) targets part-time and full-time graduate students who seek specialized training in working with individuals with intellectual disabilities in a school setting, community setting, day care, or home-based setting.
Students in the Certificate cohorts will be required to complete the 5-course sequence in Intellectual Disability that aligns with the Nevada State Licensure. The courses may require attendance during some sessions via Zoom; however, all courses will be online making it accessible for our rural and urban teachers.
The course sequence and semesters are:
| ESP 702 | ESP 718 | ESP 704 | ESP 755A | ESP 715 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Fall | Spring | Spring | Summer |
- ESP 702 – Psychological and Social Problems in Intellectual Disabilities
- ESP 718 – Assessment of Persons with Severe Intellectual Disabilities
- ESP 755A – Medically Related Aspects of Disabilities
- ESP 704 – Adaptive Curricular Programming for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities
- ESP 715 – Communication Programming for Persons with Severe Disabilities – Currently the Graduate Certificate in Intellectual Disability has a Scholarship opportunity. This scholarship (i.e., The Rodman Scholars) will provide full tuition and books for the 5-course sequence in Intellectual Disability for 15 applicants for the Fall 2026 cohort of Rodman Scholars in Intellectual Disability.
Rodman Scholarship
Consider applying to the scholarship if:
- You are interested in teaching students with ID
- You currently have a Special Education Generalist (Mild/Moderate) license and want to be licensed in Intellectual (Severe) Disability.
- You are currently in a Masters degree program and plan on taking the ID coursework.
Update: The Rodman Scholarship Application for Cohort 2 is now closed. Future opportunities will be available in Spring 2027.
The DEADLINE for the Rodman Scholarship Application was June 5, 2026. We will hold potential 30 minute interviews and follow ups the week of June 8, 2026 and accepted and waiting list applicants will be notified by June 15, 2026. Accepted applicants will be required to apply to the UNLV Graduate College by July 15, 2026 (Specific details will be provided to those selected). UNLV admissions details can be found here.
