Graduate Certificate in Developmental Disabilities

The Graduate School

Gain important skills to provide services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Our online program prepares students from a variety of disciplines using an interdisciplinary and lifespan approach. Students explore topical areas such as aspects of intellectual and developmental disabilities, supported decision-making, leadership, mentorship, advocacy, research, systems change, policy and addressing inequities across life domains.

Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate have become leaders in early childhood, education, employment, health, gerontology, assistive technology, evaluation, research and policy.

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At a Glance

Fall 2025

Application Due Date:

07/25/2025

Start Date:

08/25/2025

Spring 2025

Application Due Date:

12/13/2024

Start Date:

01/13/2025

Summer 2025

Application Due Date:

04/19/2025

Start Date:

05/19/2025

Credits and Tuition Cost (2024-2025)

Credits Required: 10 - 11

Cost Per Credit: $753.00

Format

Fully Online

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Graduate Certificate in Developmental Disabilities overview

Format

Fully Online

Total Credits

10 - 11

Degree Awarded

What You'll Learn

Students will learn from individuals with disabilities, family members, and professionals who are active practitioners in their respective fields.

Focus areas

Specialized Healthcare Services & Financing
Inclusive Education
Behavioral Supports
Employment Options for those with Disabilities
Advocacy
Legislation
Assistive Technology
Community Living
Aging with a Disability
Organizational Development and Theory
Group Facilitation
Research and Proposal Development

Course Examples

HDI 600 Interdisciplinary Approaches
HDI 602 Interdisciplinary Supports
HDI 603 Practicum
HDI 604 Interdisciplinary Leadership Seminar
Elective class

How to Apply

Application Requirements

Standard graduate application requirements apply.

Scholarly writing sample
A 500-word personal statement indicating why you want to attain this certificate
Current resume/vita
If not currently attending UK: two letters of recommendation
Completed Graduate Certificate Application: You can download the certificate application here.

Admissions Criteria

Standard graduate admission requirements apply.

Apply now

Program Contact

Walt Bower

Program Director

walt.bower@uky.edu

Deadlines

Fall 2025

Application Due Date:

07/25/2025

Start Date:

08/25/2025

Spring 2025

Application Due Date:

12/13/2024

Start Date:

01/13/2025

Summer 2025

Application Due Date:

04/19/2025

Start Date:

05/19/2025

Distance Learning

Licensure & Authorization

Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.

AUTHORIZATION & LICENSURE INFO

University of Kentucky has been approved to participate in State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

Student Support

Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success. These services are available completely online to meet the needs of our online students.

View student support services