Director of Special Education and Pupil Services Add-On License
Education needs leaders who understand and advocate for policies and programs that create positive learning environments for all students. We’ll help you become that leader. Our Director of Special Education and Pupil Services Licensure program provides instructional leaders with the knowledge and skills to transform educational systems to meet the educational needs of all learners.
This course is designed for administrators who already have their principal license seeking the #5080 Director of Special Education and Pupil Services (DSEPS) license for district or central office administration positions (e.g., directors, coordinators, etc.).
About the Program
Throughout the DSEPS licensure program, students explore and execute organizational change principles. Coursework with data, research methods, technology and information systems lead students to create long-range, continuous improvement plans for a school or district through the lens of pupil services. Operational planning and problem-solving skills are developed through coursework, preparing students to succeed in practicum sections of the program. Historical and contemporary national and state legislation and funding systems that support organizational and leadership reforms related to pupil services are another key focus of program coursework.
During the first practicum of the program, students analyze and build their own leadership theory as they gain insight into everyday school operations through observation of school leaders. Self-discovery and development are measured through a self-assessment and a personalized learning plan. The second practicum focuses on learning how all stakeholders of a school community including teachers, non-certified staff, students, administrators, support staff and external organizations relate to and support inclusive learning environments.
Course Prerequisites:
Holds current administrative license (#10 or #51).
Total Credits
8 credits
Learn about tuition costs.
Course Information
The program consists of 8 credits with core courses and two practicums. The courses are self-paced and asynchronous, delivered through the Canvas learning platform.
Over the course of two semesters, you will engage with course materials and complete assignments at your own pace, offering the flexibility needed to balance your professional and personal responsibilities. The fully online format includes a required 90-minute synchronous orientation at the start of the program, along with periodic virtual check-ins, optional monthly coaching, and office hours to support your progress and learning experience.
Courses
Required DSEPS Courses:
- Fall 2025 (16 weeks)
- LEA630: Continuous Improvement for Leading Diverse Learning Communities (3 Credits)
- LEA635: Practicum I (1 Credit)
- Spring 2026 (16 weeks)
- LEA632: Leadership in Special Education and Pupil Services (3 Credits)
- LEA665: Practicum II (1 Credit)