Prepare to Support Extraordinary Learners
Gifted students often need learning experiences that challenge their thinking, nurture their talents, and help them continue growing. Educators play a critical role in recognizing these students and creating opportunities for them to thrive.
Cleveland State University’s Gifted and Talented Learners program prepares educators to identify gifted potential, design engaging learning experiences, and support advanced learners in diverse school settings. The program focuses on practical strategies that help teachers challenge gifted students while strengthening learning opportunities across their schools.
Time to Complete
Gifted Endorsement:
5 courses (15 credit hours). The endorsement can typically be completed in one year (Summer–Spring).
Master of Education:
10 courses (30 credit hours). The master’s degree includes the 15-credit gifted endorsement plus 15 additional credit hours and can typically be completed in about two years.
Students may choose to use part of the additional coursework to complete graduate certificates available within the program.
Credits
Endorsement:
15 credit hours
Master’s Degree:
30 credit hours (includes the 15-credit gifted endorsement and 15 additional credit hours, with options to pursue additional graduate certificates)
Prepare to Teach Extraordinary Minds
Extraordinary students are in every school. Educators trained to recognize and nurture their potential are far more rare. Cleveland State University’s Gifted and Talented Learners program prepares educators to understand, challenge, and inspire gifted students in today’s diverse classrooms.
Through coursework focused on talent development and equitable identification, educators learn how to recognize advanced potential, design meaningful learning experiences, and create opportunities for gifted students to thrive. Graduates of the program often become leaders in their schools—helping colleagues think differently about challenge, curiosity, and student potential.
Program features include:
- Coursework aligned with Ohio requirements for the Gifted Endorsement
- A pathway from the Gifted Endorsement to the Master of Education
- Opportunities to pursue additional graduate certificates within the master’s degree
- Practical assignments designed to be applied directly to your classroom or school
- Faculty with national expertise in gifted education and talent development
- A focus on identifying and supporting gifted learners from diverse backgrounds
Learning Methodogy
Designed for Extraordinary Educators
Earn your Gifted and Talented Learners Endorsement or Master of Education fully online at Cleveland State University. The program is designed for working educators and combines strong theoretical foundations in gifted education with practical strategies that can be applied directly in classrooms and schools.
Students begin with the Gifted Endorsement (15 credit hours) and may continue seamlessly into the Master of Education (30 credit hours) by completing an additional 15 credit hours. Courses explore research and key ideas in gifted education while helping educators design meaningful learning experiences that support advanced learners in diverse classrooms.
The master’s program concludes with an action research project, allowing educators to investigate a question or challenge related to gifted learners in their own classroom or school setting.
Program features include:
- 100% online coursework, designed for working educators
- 5 courses (15 credits) to complete the Ohio Gifted Endorsement
- 10 courses (30 credits) to complete the Master of Education
- A clear pathway from the endorsement to the master’s degree
- Opportunities to pursue additional graduate certificates within the master’s program
- A classroom-based action research project as the culminating experience (no thesis required)
- Assignments designed to connect directly to your classroom or school setting
- Opportunities to collaborate with educators who share an interest in developing student talent
Admissions Requirements
All students applying to the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction must:
- Apply for admission to Cleveland State University
- Educators seeking the Ohio Gifted Intervention Specialist Endorsement must hold a valid Ohio teaching license.
- 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
This program is designed for licensed teachers who want to expand their expertise in gifted education.
Prospective students who have questions about eligibility or licensure requirements are encouraged to contact the Levin Student Services Center for advising.
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:
Gifted Endorsement (15 credit hours | 5 courses)
| 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 |
Master of Education (Additional 15 credit hours)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDB 601 | Educational Research | 3 Credits |
| EDB 604, 606, 608, or 609 | Education Policy, History, & Social Context course | 3 Credits |
| Elective | Approved Graduate Elective | 3 Credits |
| Elective | Approved Graduate Elective | 3 Credits |
| EGT 582 | Action Research in Gifted Education | 3 Credits |
The master’s program culminates in EGT 582: Action Research in Gifted Education, where educators investigate a question related to gifted learners in their own classroom or school setting.
Electives may also be used to pursue additional graduate certificates or credentials offered through the College of Education.
Fast Track Gifted Endorsement
| 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 |
| Fall - Teaching and Curriculum | EGT 514 | Differentiating Instruction for Diverse Learners | 3 Credits |
| Spring - Programming | EGT 518 | Programming and Services for Learners with Gifts and Talents | 3 Credits |
| Fall/Spring - Programming | 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
Teaching in our program isn’t just a profession—it’s a commitment to developing the next generation of educators. The program is led by a full-time faculty member with deep expertise in gifted and twice-exceptional education and supported by a network of instructors with state and national experience. This structure ensures both consistency and a range of practice-based perspectives.
Our faculty are not only course designers but active mentors. They prioritize accessibility, regularly meeting with students and providing personalized feedback and support throughout the program.
Faculty expertise spans gifted education, talent development, and twice-exceptional learners, with a strong focus on supporting advanced learners in diverse classrooms. This work is grounded in ongoing research, professional engagement, and contributions to national conversations in the field.
Students also have the opportunity to pursue specialized study through the Twice-Exceptional (2e) Graduate Certificate, focused on supporting students who are both gifted and have learning differences.
Faculty scholarship is reflected in research funding, publications in national and international journals, and presentations at major conferences. For more information, visit the Cleveland State University Faculty Profile index.
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
Graduates of the program are prepared to support gifted and talented learners in a variety of school settings.
Career opportunities include:
- Gifted intervention specialist
- Gifted program coordinator
- Curriculum or enrichment specialist
- Instructional coach
- District leader in gifted education
Educators who complete the endorsement meet Ohio requirements to provide services to gifted students.
Even though the program is asynchronous, most of the professors have been very helpful and easy to reach, and my success coach has checked in on me throughout the process. In several classes, we created GroupMe chats to talk through assignments and support one another, and it has been nice seeing many of the same names and faces across courses. The classes have been practical and relevant, and I have been able to apply what I’m learning right away in my classroom.
My name is Danielle Roy and I chose the Gifted and Talented Learners Program and Twice Exceptional Certificate at Cleveland State because it immediately felt as though the program was created for and by likeminded individuals. I created my sabbatical education around this program to learn from people who truly care about this population of students and want to educate the educators to be the absolute best they can be. I have learned so much through this program, and as a Special Education teacher I did not have nearly as much knowledge about gifted students as I should have while teaching 2e students; however after my classes with Dr. Claire Hughes-Lynch in this program I feel confident that I have created a toolkit of knowledge and effective instructional strategies to be the teacher my students deserve. If you are a teacher, parent, or advocate for gifted and 2e students this program will make you feel as though you are in the right place and have finally found your community. You will make contacts and connections and learn content that will help you support gifted education and students and shape the future for those amazing minds!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complete the Gifted Endorsement before finishing the master’s degree?
Yes. The Gifted Endorsement consists of 15 credit hours (five courses) and can be completed first. Students who wish to continue into the Master of Education complete an additional 15 credit hours.
Is the program offered online?
Yes. The Gifted and Talented Learners program is offered fully online, making it possible for working educators to complete coursework while continuing to teach.
What if I am interested in learning more about twice-exceptional (2e) students?
Students in the Master of Education program may choose to pursue additional coursework focused on twice-exceptional (2e) learners—students who are both gifted and have learning differences. Cleveland State University offers a graduate certificate in Twice-Exceptional Education for educators who want to deepen their expertise in this area.
Do I need a teaching license to earn the Gifted Endorsement?
Yes. Educators seeking the Ohio Gifted Intervention Specialist Endorsement must hold a valid Ohio teaching license (provisional, professional, or permanent).
I live outside Ohio. Can I still complete the program?
Yes. Educators from outside Ohio may complete the program; however, licensure requirements vary by state. Students should contact their state licensing board to determine whether the Ohio endorsement is eligible for reciprocity and what additional steps may be required.
How many credits can I transfer from another institution?
Up to nine graduate credit hours may be transferred from another accredited institution that have not been applied to a previous master's degree, pending course relevancy review and provided the courses were completed within the past six years.
Do I have to write a thesis for this master’s degree?
No. The program culminates in EGT 582: Action Research in Gifted Education, where educators investigate a question related to gifted learners in their own classroom or school setting.
Can I earn additional certificates as part of the master’s degree?
Yes. Some elective coursework can be used toward additional graduate certificates or endorsements, allowing students to further specialize their expertise. Options include Twice-Exceptional, Technology or Data Analysis, among others.
How long does the program take to complete?
The Gifted Endorsement can typically be completed in about one year (Summer–Spring). The Master of Education typically takes about two years, depending on course scheduling.
Do I need to currently work in a gifted program to enroll?
No. Many students in the program are classroom teachers, intervention specialists, or educators who want to deepen their understanding of gifted learners. However, students will need access to gifted learners for the practicum experience required as part of the program.
Can I complete this program while teaching full-time?
Yes. The program is designed for working educators. Courses are offered fully online, and assignments are often connected to classroom practice, allowing many students to apply what they are learning directly in their schools.
Professional Licensure Disclosures
Cleveland State University's education programs that lead to licensure and/or endorsements meet the requirements of the state of Ohio only. Students who are seeking licensure or endorsement in other states should note that each state is responsible for establishing licensure requirements, which vary from state to state and can change at any time. Find more information on requirements in different states on our State Authorization and Professional Licensure page.