Prepare to support complex, brilliant learners
Twice-exceptional students are among the most misunderstood learners in schools. They demonstrate advanced potential alongside learning differences such as dyslexia, ADHD, or autism—yet are often under-identified or underserved.
Educators play a critical role in recognizing both strengths and needs. Cleveland State University’s Twice-Exceptional Education program prepares teachers to identify 2e learners, design strengths-based learning experiences, and implement strategies that both challenge and support students.
While the program is designed for educators, parents and advocates of twice-exceptional learners often enroll to better understand their child’s learning profile, strengthen advocacy skills, and explore strategies to support both strengths and needs at home and in school.
The program focuses on practical, classroom-ready approaches that help educators remove barriers while nurturing talent—ensuring that students are not defined by their challenges but empowered by their abilities.
Time to Complete
Graduate Certificate:
5 courses (13–15 credit hours), typically completed in 1 year
Master of Education (optional pathway):
Additional coursework may be applied toward an online Master of Education degree with emphases in gifted education or special education
Credits
Certificate: 13–15 credit hours
Prepare to see what others miss—and teach what matters most
Twice-exceptional students exist in every classroom—but too often, their gifts go unrecognized because of unmet learning needs. Educators trained in 2e education are uniquely positioned to change this.
Cleveland State University’s program is one of the few in the nation focused specifically on twice-exceptional learners, integrating gifted education, special education, and emerging technologies like AI to better serve these students.
Program features include:
- Focus on both talent development and disability support
- Coursework grounded in real-world classroom application
- Integration of AI tools to personalize learning and reduce barriers
- Strategies for equitable identification of twice-exceptional learners
- Opportunities to design strengths-based IEPs and learning plans
- Faculty with national expertise in gifted and twice-exceptional education
- A strong emphasis on translating research into practice
Designed for educators ready to rethink student potential
The Twice-Exceptional Education program is offered fully online and designed for working educators. Courses combine research in gifted and special education with practical strategies that can be immediately applied in classrooms.
Educators learn to:
- Identify twice-exceptional learners who are often overlooked
- Use strengths-based approaches to support learning differences
- Design instruction that challenges advanced thinking while reducing barriers
- Leverage AI tools to personalize instruction and support diverse learners
Assignments are directly connected to educators’ own classrooms or schools, ensuring immediate impact on student learning.
Program features include:
- 100% online coursework
- Flexible structure for working professionals
- Application-based assignments
- Opportunities to collaborate with educators across contexts
- Focus on real-world problem solving and innovation
Admissions Requirements
To apply to the program, you must:
- Apply for admission to Cleveland State University
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Submit official transcripts
- Meet CSU graduate admission requirements
This program is designed for educators, intervention specialists, and professionals who work with diverse learners.
Prospective students with questions are encouraged to contact the Levin Student Services Center.
Twice-Exceptional Graduate Certificate (13–15 credit hours)
Courses focus on understanding, identifying, and supporting twice-exceptional learners through strengths-based and inclusive practices.
Courses include:
- Foundations of Twice-Exceptional Education
- Current Issues in Twice-Exceptional Education
- Strengths-Based Instruction and Intervention- Teaching Twice-Exceptional Learners
- Ability, Disability and Creativity
- Introduction to Gifted Education OR Introduction to Special Education
- Gifted Education Differentiation or Special Education Teaching Strategies
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
For our faculty, teaching isn’t just a profession—it’s a passion. The Twice-Exceptional Education program is led by a full-time faculty member with deep expertise in gifted and twice-exceptional education and supported by a network of adjunct faculty with state and national experience in the field.
This model allows students to benefit from both consistent program leadership and diverse, practice-based perspectives.
Faculty are actively engaged with students, providing personalized attention, meaningful feedback, and mentorship. They are also involved in national research, professional development, and conversations shaping the future of gifted and twice-exceptional education.
Students have the opportunity to learn from faculty who are advancing the field through research, publications, and work with schools and organizations across the country.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the program are prepared to support twice-exceptional learners in a variety of educational settings.
Career opportunities include:
- Gifted intervention specialist
- Special education teacher with 2e expertise
- Curriculum or enrichment specialist
- Instructional coach
- District leader in inclusive or gifted education
- Advocate or consultant for twice-exceptional learners
Educators gain specialized skills that are increasingly in demand as schools seek to better serve diverse learners.
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 feel confident that I have created a toolkit of knowledge and effective instructional strategies to be the teacher my students deserve… You will feel like you’ve found your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “twice-exceptional” mean?
Twice-exceptional (2e) students are neurodiverse students who are both gifted and have a disability such as dyslexia, ADHD, or autism. They require both advanced learning opportunities and targeted support.
Why is specialized training in 2e education important?
Many 2e students are overlooked because their strengths and challenges mask each other. Educators trained in 2e education can better identify and support these students.
Can this program be completed while working full-time?
Yes. The program is designed for working educators and is offered fully online.
Will I learn how to use AI with students?
Yes. The program explores how AI can be used to personalize learning, reduce barriers, and support both strengths and needs of 2e learners.
I’m a parent of a twice-exceptional (2e) child and want to learn more. Is this program for me?
Yes. While the program is designed primarily for educators, parents and advocates of twice-exceptional learners often find it incredibly valuable. You will gain a deeper understanding of how 2e students think and learn, how strengths and challenges can mask one another, and how to advocate effectively for your child in school settings.
Parents in the program learn how to:
- Recognize their child’s unique profile of strengths and needs
- Understand assessment, identification, and eligibility processes
- Advocate for appropriate services, supports, and enrichment opportunities
- Support executive functioning, social-emotional development, and motivation at home
- Explore how tools—including AI—can be used to personalize learning and reduce barriers
Many parents find that the program not only builds knowledge, but also provides a sense of community and empowerment as they navigate supporting their child.
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.