Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (Graduate Certificate)
About the Program
The College of Health and Human Services, Department of Social Work at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and the New Hampshire/Maine-Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (NH/ME-LEND) training program at the Institute on Disability co-sponsor the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Graduate Certificate program. The needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities extend beyond the boundaries of any one discipline. Therefore, this 12-credit-hour program emphasizes an interdisciplinary, collaborative approach to providing holistic, family-centered services to individuals with IDD and their families. Students enrolled in the certificate program will benefit from collaboration and interaction with faculty and students from many departments within the university. This 12-credit hour Graduate Certificate program will allow you to take graduate-level courses at a leading public university while also giving you the option to apply credits toward a graduate degree program. Additionally, students will benefit from working with staff and faculty associated with the Institute on Disability (IOD) and the NH/ME-LEND program which focuses on developing educational excellence related to: a) current knowledge regarding neurodevelopmental disabilities, b) interdisciplinary practice, and c) strategies for effective leadership.
Who Should Apply
- Individuals interested in improving the quality of life for individuals with IDD and their families
- Trainees enrolled in the New Hampshire/Maine-Leadership in Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (NH/ME-LEND) training program
- Individuals interested in taking graduate level courses at a leading university, with the option of applying credit toward a graduate degree in their respective disciplines
- Individuals interested in working with an interdisciplinary group of faculty and students
- Individuals interested in advancing their careers or in developing new career options
Application Information
Individuals holding a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution are eligible to apply. Applicants much submit:
- an application form,
- official transcripts, and
- a $25 processing fee (this fee is waived for currently enrolled graduate students).
Applications are available by contacting the Program Coordinator. Applications will be accepted anytime, and admissions decisions made promptly.
New students, who are not enrolled in any other graduate program, should apply online through the online application system.
Students who are already enrolled in a graduate program and wish to add a certificate as a secondary degree should fill out the secondary certificate application.
Any students who have admission questions can contact Sarah.mantegari@unh.edu in the Social Work Department.
Contact Information
Patrick Shannon, MSW. Ph.D. Pronouns: He/him/his Associate Professor and IDD Grad Certificate Coordinator Department of Social Work 55 College Rd., 311 Pettee Hall Durham, NH 03824 (603) 970-0870 (Office)
Certificate Requirements
There are two separate tracks for this program. Track 1 is for students enrolled in the New Hampshire-Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (NH-LEND) training program. Track 2 is for all other students. The program of study consists of two required courses (6 credit hours), and two (2) electives (6 credit hours) or one (1) elective and one (1) three(3)credit hour independent study. Below is a detailed description of each track.
Track 1 (NH-LEND Trainees)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses | ||
| HHS 898 | Special Topics (LEND Seminar – Fall Semester) | 3 |
| HHS 898 | Special Topics (LEND Seminar – Spring Semester) | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select one of the following options: | 6-8 | |
Two electives 1 | ||
One elective and one three-credit hour independent study (SW 992) 2 | ||
| Total Credits | 12-14 | |
- 1
Electives with a focus on Developmental Disabilities may be accepted upon approval from the Graduate Certificate Coordinator. This includes but not limited to HDFS 897, EDUC 856, OT 890, OT 862, SW 860, EDUC 850, SW 851, SW 813
- 2
Related to disability and/or special health care needs focused on children, youth, and/or families.
An independent study can focus on leadership, policy, practice, or research that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For example, students could conduct a policy analysis, research, program evaluation, advocacy, training, or other systems change related activity (3 credits).
Track 2 (All Other Students)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6-7 | |
| Understanding Developmental Disabilities (Spring) | ||
| Introduction to Disability in Inclusive Schools and Communities (Fall) | ||
| Autism Spectrum Disorders | ||
| Special Topics in Social Work and Social Welfare (Mental Health Aspects of IDD) | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select one of the following options: | 6-8 | |
Two electives 1 | ||
or | ||
One elective and one three credit hour independent study (SW 992) 2 | ||
| Total Credits | 12-15 | |
- 1
Electives with a focus on Developmental Disabilities may be accepted upon approval from the Graduate Certificate Coordinator. This includes but not limited to HDFS 897, EDUC 856, OT 890, OT 862, SW 860, EDUC 850, SW 851, SW 813.
- 2
Related to disability and/or special health care needs focused on children, youth, and/or families.
An independent study can focus on leadership, policy, practice, or research that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For example, students could conduct a policy analysis, research, program evaluation, advocacy, training, or other systems change related activity (3 credits).
All coursework for the certificate must be completed within three years. Students who successfully complete the program will receive an official student certificate from the University of New Hampshire Graduate School.
Courses completed during the certificate program may be applied toward degree requirements upon the approval of the appropriate graduate program coordinator and the Graduate School. Tuition is equal to the rates for resident graduate degree students. Tuition for nonresident students will be 10 percent above the resident rate.