Program's Courses

Certificate Requirements

Within a five-year time period, students seeking the certificate must satisfy 9 credit hours of coursework and 3 credit hours of practicum from the approved list of courses, and complete 45 hours of service learning at an approved practicum sites.

More than 20 courses are available in the following disciplines: Art Education, Communication Science & Disorders, Family and Child Sciences, Middle & Secondary Education, Music Education & Therapy, Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, and School of Teacher Education.

Click here for the current list of approved courses.

Practicum placement is limited and based on availability of sites within the community each semester. The number of placements will vary. Following completion of all three courses, a transcript must be submitted to the Program Coordinator and verified. To ensure timely completion, verification that coursework is completed must be submitted at least two semesters prior to graduation. Students are placed on the waiting list after verification of coursework. While generally students are placed on the wait list on a first come, first serve basis, graduation dates are factored into the determination of practicum placement. The Program Coordinator assigns placements; specific sites may not be requested.

Program of Studies

1. Coursework
   • The certificate program consists of twelve (12) credit hours to include: A core course (3 hours), two elective courses (6 hours) and participation in a practicum course (3 hours).
   • No more than 3 credit hours may be taken in the student’s major area of study.
   • The student must maintain a 3.0 in the certificate coursework (at least a B in each course).
   • PLEASE NOTE: Students must complete the nine hours of classroom credit in three different departments.
2. Community Experience
   • Students cannot participate in the practicum until all prerequisite coursework is completed.
   • The three (3) credit hour practicum course is comprised of 45 hours of volunteer service learning hours to be completed at an off-campus placement with individuals with developmental disabilities. 3-5 hours of volunteer service will be expected for each of the 15 weeks of the semester. The practicum must be completed over a full semester (Fall, Spring, or Summer Session A only)
   • Students are responsible for transportation to and from their practicum placement and any costs related to background checks required for their site.
   • This placement is arranged through the Certificate Program Coordinator and will be determined on the first day of class.
   • The practicum is a hybrid course. There are two face-to-face meetings during the semester and other course requirements are completed on line.

Interdepartmental Developmental Disabilities Certificate Course List

Current undergraduate students are eligible to pursue and Interdepartmental Certificate in Developmental Disabilities, which provides a foundation of knowledge regarding etiology, treatments and policy issues related to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The certificate program consists of twelve (12) credit hours to include: a core course (3 hours), two additional courses in other departments (6 hours) and participation in a practicum course (3 hours). Students cannot participate in the practicum until classroom coursework is completed with a 3.0 GPA in all 3 courses. An application is required, which can be found on the link https://commdisorders.cci.fsu.edu/academic-programs-admissions/undergraduate-programs/. Practicum placement is limited, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
PLEASE NOTE: Students must complete the nine hours of classroom credit in three different departments. The following courses are GENERALLY offered in the terms that are listed.

*Indicates required “core course” to be taken at the undergraduate level

KEY: FA – Fall SP – Spring SU – Summer

Please note that a majority of these courses are NOT offered by the School of Communication Science & Disorders. If you are unable to register for these courses, you must contact the particular department for further instruction.
Updated 7/30/21

If you choose to take any of the social work courses please contact Zoey Zeitlin at zzeitliin@fsu.edu to request a seat. She will add you into the course, if you try to self enroll you will be dropped.