Early Intervention, Graduate Certificate

Northeastern University’s Certificate Program in Early Intervention is an interdisciplinary, preservice training program that is designed to fulfill requirements for certification as an early intervention specialist, as set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.  

The interdisciplinary nature of the program is facilitated by the interaction of graduate students from several disciplines (including school psychology, counseling psychology, and speech-language pathology); undergraduate students from majors such as speech-language pathology and audiology and psychology; and working professionals in the field. Personnel working in the field may use their worksites for field training.

The program is delivered in a fully online format. Classes meet synchronously one day each month, and additional course content is delivered online.  

This graduate certificate program can be completed by non-degree-seeking students or integrated with master’s or doctoral degree programs. Application of coursework from certain degree programs will be approved to apply to requirements of this graduate certificate; students are encouraged to speak with their academic advisors early in their programs to explore these options.

The goals for the early intervention certificate program are:

• To prepare personnel to provide services to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds in urban environments
• To prepare personnel who have attained all competencies relative to early intervention, specified by the Massachusetts DPH, and that are consistent with best practice and research
• To prepare personnel in an interdisciplinary manner, drawing from Northeastern's multidisciplinary resources
• To prepare personnel to function effectively across teams (individualized family service plan teams, community teams, interagency teams) and to understand the roles of their interdisciplinary teammates

Upon graduation, students are eligible for employment in an early intervention service delivery setting.

---

• Concentrations and course offerings may vary by campus and/or by program modality.  Please consult with your advisor or admissions coach for the course availability each term at your campus or within your program modality. 
• Certain options within the program may be required at certain campuses or for certain program modalities.  Please consult with your advisor or admissions coach for requirements at your campus or for your program modality. 

---

Complete all courses and requirements listed below unless otherwise indicated.

Core Requirements 

A grade of B or higher is required in all courses.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required Core
Completing the courses below provides eligibility to pursue provisional certification in the state of Massachusetts upon employment in an early intervention setting. Consult with your program director to determine the availability of and recommended/required enrollment sequence for your respective program.
CAEP 5150	Early Intervention: Family Systems	3
CAEP 5151	Early Intervention: Infant and Toddler Development, Risk, and Disability	3
CAEP 5153	Early Intervention: Assessment and Intervention	3
SLPA 5152	Early Intervention: Planning and Evaluating Services	3
Optional Practicum
Completing the courses below provides eligibility to pursue provisional certification with advanced standing in the state of Massachusetts upon employment in an early intervention setting. Consult with your program director to determine eligibility for and availability of these course options.
SLPA 5154	Early Intervention Practicum 1
SLPA 5155	Early Intervention Practicum 2

Program Credit/GPA Requirements

12 total semester hours required
Minimum 3.000 GPA required