Take Your Career to the Next Level
What makes our CSU program special?
- We are entirely online
- Courses are asynchronous
- We have faculty with international expertise in twice-exceptional education and faculty who are prior graduates of the program with deep experience in Ohio
- Many of our graduates have gone on to build national reputations and contribute to gifted education
- We are CSU, with a national reputation for urban education
- We are located in Cleveland, home of the country's oldest public gifted education program for children
- We offer additional expertise and opportunities in twice-exceptional and diversity education within gifted education
Time to Complete
3-5 semesters
Credits
Endorsement: 5 courses totaling 15 credits
Master’s Program: 10 courses totaling 30 credits
Help gifted students reach their potential
We know that you:
- are passionate about identifying and developing children’s talents and abilities
- want to know what children CAN do
- want to help children "launch" into their career and further learning
- believe that all children deserve to learn something new every day
- believe that giftedness can be found in diverse schools, diverse students and expressed in diverse ways
Cleveland State University's online program in Gifted and Talented Learners is designed for previously certified/licensed teachers who are seeking any of the following:
- An endorsement as an intervention specialist to teach gifted and talented learners - Now available in Fast Track format!
- A Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in gifted education
- Professional development to improve their skills working with high-ability students
The multi-dimensional program is aligned with the teacher preparation standards from the National Association for Gifted Children and The Council for Exceptional Children, The Association for the Gifted and includes:
- Training to better understand and meet the academic and social-emotional needs of diverse gifted learners (e.g., racially, culturally, linguistically, academically, and socially)
- Developing the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to create high-quality curriculum and lesson plans based on best practices in the field
- Collaborating with children's families and other professionals
- Understanding the continuum of services from which teachers and schools can choose to meet the needs of gifted, talented, high achieving and high performing students in a variety of settings
Ohio rules, regulations, and policies for gifted education are built into the courses; however, we have designed the assignments to be flexible so that anyone working in a different state can successfully complete all their work using information from their state.
Learning Methodogy
Courses are 15 weeks and are asynchronous with optional weekly meetings. Program access requires familiarity with internet access, computer camera access, and word processing capabilities. The program is conducted through Blackboard and Zoom and many assignments require that you observe and gather data within a school or classroom setting. Course work is designed to prepare you to:
- Recognize and nurture talents in diverse populations
- Understand and support the educational growth of gifted students in the general classroom, special classes or special schools
- Develop and adapt curriculum to advance and enrich content standards
- Collaborate with families and other professionals
- Create challenging and supportive environments for learning
- Support the social and emotional learning of gifted students
Admissions Requirements
All students applying to the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction must:
Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Students must meet with an advisor to design a program of study.
Evidence of ONE of the following criteria:
- Your baccalaureate degree is less than six years old at the time of application AND your undergraduate cumulative grade point average was 2.75 or
- Your baccalaureate degree is more than six years old at the time of application AND your undergraduate cumulative grade point average was 3.00 or above OR
- You have completed the equivalent of 12 semester hours of CSU graduate coursework, including EDB 601, AND you received a grade of “B” or better in each course
Courses
Online courses are taught by experienced teachers, coordinators and researchers. Courses include audio and video content, including demonstrations of classroom practices. The practicum course includes face-to-face or virtual visits from a CSU instructor to the student's classroom.
The M.Ed. in Gifted and Talented Learners includes:
Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction Required Courses (24 credits total)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDB 601 | Research in Education and Human Services | 3 Credits |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EGT 512 | Introduction to Gifted Education | 3 Credits |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EGT 513 | Developing Curriculum for Learners with Gifts and Talents | 3 Credits |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDB 604 | Social Issues and Education | 3 Credits |
| EDB 606 | Philosophy and Education | 3 Credits |
| EDB 608 | School and Society in the American Past | 3 Credits |
| EDB 609 | Comparative and International Education | 3 Credits |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EGT 514 | Differentiating Instruction for Diverse Learners | 3 Credits |
| EGT 518 | Programming and Services for Learners with Gifts and Talents | 3 Credits |
| EGT 580 | Practicum in Gifted and Talented Education | 3 Credits |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EGT 582 | Action Research in Gifted Education | 3 Credits |
Electives (6 credits minimum)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDB 612 | Curriculum Theory and Instruction | 3 Credits |
| EGT 517 | Creativity, Inquiry, and Productive Thinking | 3 Credits |
| EGT 519 | Using Technology with Learners with Gifts and Talents | 3 Credits |
| ETE 555 | Instructional Design | 3 Credits |
| ETE 595 | Current Topics and Research in Educational Technology | 3 Credits |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ETE 690 | Designing Online Instruction | 3 Credits |
| ETE 691 | eLearning Tools and Techniques | 3 Credits |
| ETE 692 | Applications of Online Instruction | 1 Credit |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ETE 570 | Technology in Learning Environments | 3 Credits |
| ETE 571 | Technological Change in Schools | 3 Credits |
| ETE 572 | Advancements in Educational Technology | 3 Credits |
| ETE 573 | Innovation: Projects in Educational Technology | 3 Credits |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDB 701 OR EDB 572 | Advanced Educational Research OR Statistics for Health and Human Services | 3 Credits |
| EDB 574 OR EDB 575 | Data-Based Classroom Instruction OR Data-Based Decision Making and Differentiation | 3 Credits |
| EDB 704 | Interpreting Student Performance Data | 3 Credits |
| EDB 711 | Educational Evaluation and Innovation | 3 Credits |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 521 | Development and Education in Grades 4 & 5 | 3 Credits |
| ECE 523 | Integrated Literacy and Social Studies Teaching in Grades 4 & 5 | 3 Credits |
| ECE 525 | Mathematics and Science Instruction and Assessment in Grades 4 & 5 | 3 Credits |
Gifted Endorsement (15 Credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EGT 512 | Introduction to Gifted Education | 3 Credits |
| EGT 513 | Developing Curriculum for Learners with Gifts and Talents | 3 Credits |
| EGT 514 | Differentiating Instruction for Diverse Learners | 3 Credits |
| EGT 518 | Programming and Services for Learners with Gifts and Talents | 3 Credits |
| EGT 580 | Practicum in Gifted and Talented Education | 3 Credits |
Fast Track Gifted Endorsement (15 Credits)
The Fast Track Gifted Endorsement includes:
| Semester | Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer - Introduction | EGT 512 | Introduction to Gifted Education | 3 Credits |
| Fall - Teaching and Curriculum | EGT 513 | Developing Curriculum for Learners with Gifts and Talents | 3 Credits |
| EGT 514 | Differentiating Instruction for Diverse Learners | 3 Credits | |
| Spring - Programming | EGT 518 | Programming and Services for Learners with Gifts and Talents | 3 Credits |
| EGT 580 | Practicum in Gifted and Talented Education | 3 Credits |
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition and financial aid for CSU programs are kept competitive so you can receive the education you deserve. Tuition for online programs and courses follows the same fee structure as traditional, on-campus programs and courses. Current CSU Graduate tuition costs can be found on the Bursar’s website.
Approximately 70% of CSU’s students receive some form of financial assistance. The University participates in or administers all the major federal and state grant and loan programs. In addition, CSU provides University grants and scholarships.
To begin the financial aid process, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must file a FAFSA every year after January 1st to receive your financial aid. Cleveland State University’s financial aid school code is 003032.
If you have any questions, visit the Financial Aid section of CSU’s website, or contact the Financial Aid office.
Faculty
Your instructors are…
- National and international award winners in curriculum and twice-exceptional innovation
- Former teachers and administrators of gifted programs in Ohio
- Available
- Supportive
- Connected to the community
Student Success Coaching
At CSU, you will be paired with a Student Success Coach to support you on your journey from acceptance into a program to graduation. Coaches help with:
- Time management
- Study strategies
- Focus techniques
- Work-life balance
- Academic support resources
- Navigating University policies and procedures
- Resolving issues and locating the right resources
Student Success Coaches will reach out to you for a welcome call early in your program. Coaches can help you create an academic success plan with strategies and goals that will help you be successful. Student Success Coaches are available to you throughout your program. Student Success Coaches do not replace academic advisors or other counselors, but rather work as a team with them to provide you with all the right resources.
Career Outcomes
With a Master’s degree, or an endorsement to add on to your existing license, graduates are well prepared for leadership roles as a(n):
- Gifted Intervention Specialist
- Administration of gifted programs
- School grade chair responsibilities for gifted learners
CSU has allowed me to achieve what I thought would not be possible: to work full time while earning my gifted endorsement to better empower my own teaching philosophy and equip a teaching staff with knowledge and strategies on how to best serve this dynamic population. As a principal continuously looking to grow, the courses offered by CSU have challenged my thinking to be more inclusive of a gifted population and advocate on their behalf. Working through coursework at my schedule has been convenient, and I feel well-equipped to serve gifted students as a direct result from a gifted endorsement program that continues to be flexible and affordable. Promoting the Cleveland EDGE: Excellence and Diversity in Gifted Education is easy as this program will ultimately help my students become leaders within their areas of talent, explore curricular options that I did not know were available, and continue to advocate for the inclusion of students of all backgrounds in programming options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the program if I don’t have a teaching license/ am not working in schools?
This program is designed for working teachers or administrators, and many of the assignments require that you practice the strategies and concepts within a school environment. If you don’t have a teaching license, we can work with you through other programs to get you certified and add on your gifted endorsement. If you have a license, but aren’t currently working in schools, we can work with you to obtain an experience that will allow you to complete the requirements of the program and courses.
Do I have to do the Master’s degree if I only want the endorsement?
No. The endorsement is 15 credit hours, and you can stop there if you like. However, if you decide that you do want to get your Master’s degree, those 15 hours of the endorsement will count towards the 30 hours of the Master's in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in gifted education. You would need to finish an additional 15 credit hours to finish the Master’s degree.
I already have a Master’s degree. Do I still need this program?
Yes. You would still need to take the 15 hours focused in gifted education for the endorsement. We are looking into the possibility of advanced opportunities beyond the Master’s degree.
I am not teaching in Ohio, but another state. Can I still take this program?
You will need to check with your State Department and see if these courses would count towards your state requirements for teaching gifted children and/or gifted endorsement. Because this program is aligned with the NAGC/CEC national standards for gifted education, there is a good chance, but each state has different requirements. We focus on the laws and expectations for teachers in Ohio, but if you are from another state, assignments can be adapted for your environment.