Expand Your Impact Through Special Education
Join our inaugural August 2026 cohort—spaces are beginning to fill. Financial aid approval of this program is in progress, and we are currently accepting applications.
Every student deserves an educator who understands how to help them succeed. Belhaven University's online Special Education Endorsement program equips licensed teachers with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to support students with disabilities and diverse learning needs in today's classrooms.
Designed specifically for working educators, this fully online program provides a flexible pathway to earn a Mississippi Special Education Endorsement while continuing to teach full time. Through practical coursework, faith-integrated learning, and evidence-based instructional strategies, you'll gain the tools to develop effective interventions, create compliant Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), collaborate with families and school teams, and advocate for student success.
Whether you're seeking to expand your professional opportunities, meet a growing need within your school district, or deepen your ability to serve every learner, Belhaven can help you take the next step in your calling as an educator.
Why Choose Belhaven’s Online Special Education Endorsement
Classroom Ready
Gain practical skills in IEP development, instructional planning, collaboration, and student support strategies you can immediately apply.
Mississippi Aligned
Complete coursework designed to meet Mississippi Department of Education requirements for Special Education endorsement pathways.
Family Partnerships
Develop the skills to collaborate effectively with families, school teams, and community stakeholders to support student success.
Christian Worldview
You are challenged to think critically and analytically about who God is — and who you are — as we equip you to fulfill your calling to glorify God and be a blessing to the world.
12 Credit Hours
Complete four graduate courses
3 Endorsements
Potential Mississippi Pathways
100% Online
Earn your degree from anywhere, including your couch or favorite coffee shop
CAEP Accredited
Nationally recognized educator preparation standards
Why Special Education Matters
The need for qualified special education professionals continues to grow across Mississippi and throughout the United States. Schools are seeking educators who can effectively support students with disabilities, collaborate with families, and ensure every learner has access to meaningful educational opportunities.
By earning a Special Education Endorsement, you'll be prepared to meet this growing need while expanding your professional impact and strengthening your ability to serve diverse learners.
Whether you're looking to support students more effectively in your current role or pursue new opportunities in special education, this endorsement can help you make a lasting difference.
How a Special Education Endorsement Can Advance Your Career
Adding a Special Education Endorsement demonstrates specialized expertise and a commitment to meeting the needs of all learners.
Graduates of Belhaven's Special Education Endorsement program are better prepared to:
- Support diverse learners in inclusive and specialized settings
- Design and implement effective IEPs
- Collaborate with families and multidisciplinary teams
- Advocate for students with disabilities
- Meet district workforce needs
- Expand professional opportunities and responsibilities
- Strengthen their effectiveness as classroom educators
Special Education Endorsement: What you'll learn
- SPED 603 – Special Education Law and Ethics
- SPED 606 - Characteristics and Educational Needs of Learners with Disabilities
- SPED 608 - Evidence-Based Instructional Strategies and IEP Development
- SPED 609 - Consultation, Collaboration & Family Partnerships in Special Education
Yes. Belhaven's Special Education Endorsement program is delivered fully online, allowing educators to complete coursework while maintaining their teaching responsibilities.
The endorsement consists of four graduate courses and takes approximately one year to complete.
Candidates may qualify to apply for the Mississippi Special Education endorsements listed below depending on their existing licensure.
- #221 Mild/Moderate Disability (K-12)
- #223 Mild/Moderate Disability (K-8) added to elementary only
- #224 Mild/Moderate Disability (7-12) added to secondary or special subject license only
Belhaven University welcomes educators from across the United States. However, completion of coursework at Belhaven University does not automatically qualify candidates for licensure or endorsement in another state. Applicants should verify requirements with their state's department of education before enrolling.
Make a Difference for Every Learner
This program was built to meet teachers where they are, in their classrooms, in their communities, and give them a rigorous, faith-grounded pathway to add a special education endorsement to their existing license. — Dr. Brittany Singleton, Director of the Special Education Endorsement Program
Special Education Endorsement: What you need to know
Admission requirements include:
- Hold a valid Mississippi 5-Year Teaching License
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution
-
You must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher on one of the following:
- Cumulative from undergraduate/graduate degree granting institution; OR
- Cumulative on last 60 hours of undergraduate/graduate work
All admitted students are required to maintain a 3.00 throughout the program to remain in good standing.
Conditional Admission: Applicants who do not meet the regular admission requirements but show the potential for success in a program may be considered for admission. Conditional admission may be granted based on the decision of the admission committee.
Applying to Belhaven’s online programs is quick and easy. We’ll need a couple supporting documents — things like transcripts from any other school you’ve attended. When you have gathered those, just complete our online application form.
These rates are for August 1, 2026 through July 31, 2027.
| Program | Per Credit Hour |
|---|---|
| Special Education Endorsement | $635 |
| Special Discount Rate for Educators | $415 |
All students enrolled in this program are eligible for the special discount rate for educators.
* Military/first responder benefits cannot be combined with any other institutional scholarships or discounts.
Visit the Scholarships, Tuition & Fees page to view other fees as well as the cost estimate calculator.
The Highest Standards
Belhaven University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees.
The School of Education is approved by the Mississippi Board of Education to offer teacher education programs. The programs are reviewed annually by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) to ensure state standards are met in accordance with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and MDE State Partnership protocol for continuing accreditation.
Meet the Dean
Dr. J. Clay Norton
Dean of Faculty for the School of Education and Chair of the School Leadership & Administration Program
Contact Us
Office of Adult, Graduate, and Online Admission
Phone: 601-968-5940Mailing Address:
1500 Peachtree Street, Box 153
Jackson, MS 39202
Fax: 601-300-2932
Verse of the Year
Go and make disciples of all the nations ... And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:19-20