Inclusive Practice, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Saint Louis University's graduate certificate in inclusive practice is designed to provide classroom teachers and educational advocates with tools to support the social-emotional, behavioral and mental health needs of students, particularly students with suspected and/or diagnosed disabilities. 

Courses in behavior management, differentiated instruction and mental health literacy focus on responding productively to students in trauma, decreasing educator burnout and engaging in essential forms of self-care. Also, through an innovative site-based coaching model, the certificate in inclusive practice provides a unique opportunity for teachers and other local stakeholders to experience hands-on support for the daily work of teaching.

Curriculum Overview

SLU's 15-credit-hour post-baccalaureate certificate in inclusive practice consists of four courses representing the following aspects of inclusive teaching: challenging behaviors, mental health literacy, differentiated instruction and systems-level supports for learners with special needs. Students also complete a yearlong, site-based coached practicum accompanied by a professional learning lab held on the SLU campus. Students culminate their learning through a poster presentation at an end-of-semester professional forum. 

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

All courses include site-based application of educational concepts and processes. The on-site coached practicum takes place in the student’s own setting or through a placement arranged in conjunction with the instructor. Through the professional forum, students present results of action research designed to enhance their daily practice and/or spark change in their individual educational context. 

Careers

The certificate in inclusive practice is appropriate for classroom teachers across all content areas and grade levels as well as individuals who work with youth in out-of-school educational settings.

Admission Requirements

•    Application form
•    Transcript(s)
•    One letter of recommendation
•    Résumé
•    Professional goal statement

Application Deadlines

Domestic students should apply for the fall semester by June 15, for the spring semester by Nov. 1, and for the summer semester by April 1. International students should apply by May 1 for the fall semester, by Oct. 1 for the spring semester, and by Feb. 1 for the summer semester.

Review Process

A committee reviews each application holistically.

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students. International students must also meet the following additional requirements:

  • Demonstrate English Language Proficiency
  • Financial documents are required to complete an application for admission and be reviewed for admission and merit scholarships. 
  • Proof of financial support that must include:
    • A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the student's time at Saint Louis University
    • A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of the student's study at the University
  • Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include:
    • Courses taken and/or lectures attended
    • Practical laboratory work
    • The maximum and minimum grades attainable
    • The grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations
    • Any honors or degrees received.

WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Tuition

Tuition Cost Per Credit
School of Education Master's programs and Graduate Certificates $650

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

Net Price Calculator

Information on Tuition and Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for departmental graduate scholarships, students should complete their applications by the program admission deadlines listed.  

For more information, visit the student financial services office online at http://www.slu.edu/financial-aid.

  1. Graduates will be able to explain how theories and research focusing on positive behavior interventions can be used to raise academic achievement, improve the learning environment, and reduce challenging behaviors.
  2. Graduates will be able to design system-leveled support and classroom-leveled strategies to promote inclusive practices in a specific educational context. 
  3. Graduates will be able to develop action plans for engaging with educational stakeholders in local or national contexts to implement skills and tools that promote well-being. 
EDSP 5100Comparative Theories and Practice to Address Challenging Behaviors3
EDSP 5200Mental Health Literacy3
EDSP 5280Inclusive Practice: On-Site Coached Practicum (Student enrolls in twice)1
EDSP 5290Collaborative Learning (Student enrolls in twice).5
EDSP 5350Differentiated Instruction: Theories and Practice3
EDSP 5400Teaching Everyone: Identifying Supports for Educational Access3
Total Credits15

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredits
EDSP 5280 Inclusive Practice: On-Site Coached Practicum 1
EDSP 5290 Collaborative Learning .5
EDSP 5350 Differentiated Instruction: Theories and Practice 3
 Credits4.5
Spring
EDSP 5280 Inclusive Practice: On-Site Coached Practicum 1
EDSP 5290 Collaborative Learning 0.5
EDSP 5400 Teaching Everyone: Identifying Supports for Educational Access 3
 Credits4.5
Summer
EDSP 5100 Comparative Theories and Practice to Address Challenging Behaviors 3
EDSP 5200 Mental Health Literacy 3
Professional Forum 0
 Credits6
 Total Credits15

Some courses may only be available during the Summer term.

Apply for Admission

For additional admission questions, please contact:
Saint Louis University School of Education
314-977-3292
slued@slu.edu