School districts confront legal issues on a daily basis and research suggests that school personnel are often misinformed about the law. This certificate program is designed for educators who are interested in exploring education legal issues. Students will 1) identify legal issues occurring in educational institutions; 2) appreciate the importance of legal literacy; 3) understand legal principles and apply them to real life scenarios; 4) describe and analyze key principles of school/district/higher education policy as well as federal and state statutes and cases; 5) conduct legal research to stay abreast of evolving law; 6) collaborate with others to solve complex legal issues, 7) examine social justice issues involving socio-economic status, race, disability, sexual orientation, and gender, and 8) advocate for themselves, colleagues, students, and schools/districts/universities.

The Graduate Certificate in Education Law is Not the equivalent of a state teaching license nor preparation to earn a teaching license.

If you choose to purse a master's degree in Education Leadership, these certificate courses may apply to your degree requirements. Completion of the certificate program does not guarantee admission to the master's program.

Certificate Requirements (15 cr.)

Major Requirements

Core Requirements (12 cr.)

• A608 Legal Perspectives on Education (3 cr.)
• A615 Advanced School Law (3 cr.)
• A675 Leadership in Special Education (3 cr.)
• A710 Research in School Law (3 cr.)

A675 is required because special education is the most litigious area of school law; however, students may submit a petition to their advisor requesting that A675 is substituted for a course that is narrowly-tailored to the student’s interest and future career plans. For example, a course in Higher Education Law, Politics of Education, History of American Education, etc. may be a better fit for certain students. The student might also find a course taught at SPEA or the law school that is more focused on his/her research or career interests.

Elective Requirements (3 cr.)

Three graduate credit hours selected in consultation with your academic advisor (3 cr.)