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2023-2024 GRADUATE STUDIES CATALOG

Effective 1 June 2023 through 31 May 2024

Please see the Graduate Catalog Archives for PDF versions of past catalogs.

Graduate Certificate
18 Credit Hours

This program is offered by the School of Education and is available online (asynchronous) and at the St. Louis main campus.

For information on the general requirements for a certificate, see Certificate Program Policies and Procedures under the Academic Policies section of this catalog.

Program Description

The graduate certificate in dyslexia is intended for certified educators who are interested in acquiring the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding what dyslexia is, how to recognize this problem early in a child's career, and how to provide appropriate, intensive instruction to help students with reading disabilities to achieve academic success. Each of the six courses required for this certificate are aligned with the International Dyslexia Association's (IDA) Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading.

Learning Outcomes

Completers of this program are able to:

  • Understand the foundations of language acquisition.
  • Develop knowledge of diverse reading profiles, including dyslexia.
  • Understand the differences among and purposes for screening, progress-monitoring, diagnostic and outcome assessments. 
  • Understand the procedures and principles for accurate assessment and interpretation of assessments. 
  • Understand and apply the essential principles of Structured Literacy Instruction in the areas of phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics and word recognition, fluency, vocabulary and reading comprehension.
  • Understand and apply the major skill domains that contribute to written expression.
  • Understand professional dispositions and practices.

Requirements

The 18 credit hours required for the graduate certificate in dyslexia include the following courses, which must all be taken at Webster University in the following sequence:

  • READ 5190 Advanced Studies in Language Development and Acquisition (3 hours)
  • SPED 5235 Understanding Diverse Reading Profiles, including Dyslexia (3 hours)
  • SPED 5040 Assessment of Reading Disabilities, including Dyslexia (3 hours)
  • SPED 5412 Instructional Methods for Diverse Reading Profiles, including Dyslexia (3 hours)
  • SPED 5270 Advocating for Persons with Disabilities (3 hours)
  • SPED 5090 Special Education Practicum: Dyslexia* (3 hours)
    or READ 5980 Practicum in Remediation of Reading Difficulties* (3 hours)

*As approved by advisor.

Admission

See the Admission section of this catalog for general admission requirements. Students interested in applying must submit their application online at www.webster.edu/apply. Transcripts should be sent from your institution electronically to transcripts@webster.edu. If this service is not available, send transcripts to:

Office of Admission
Webster University
470 E. Lockwood Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63119 

Additional Requirements

Requirements for admission to the dyslexia certificate program include:

  • Receipt of all official transcripts.
  • Final degree conferred GPA of 2.5 or higher.