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Gifted Education Endorsement Courses

School Division Cohorts (Non-Degree-Seeking Students)

The endorsement strand involves a series of four Master's-level courses conducted, typically, over a two-year period and in collaboration with a school district. Students who are not in the W&M Gifted Education master’s program in Curriculum & Instruction may take the following four courses: CRIN G80, CRIN G82, EPPL 612, and EPPL 670. In addition, students are required to complete a three-credit-hour practicum, CRIN G84. Non-degree-seeking students completing the full complement of courses and wishing to obtain the Gifted Education Endorsement will apply for their endorsement through the school division where they are currently employed. The employing school division will seek the endorsement through the Virginia Department of Education. Please note: The School of Education cannot submit the application to add the gifted endorsement for a school division.

Coursework Description

The courses are described below and should be taken in sequential order.

CRIN G80: Psychology and Education of the Gifted Learner

This course focuses on the nature of gifted learners and how they differ in cognitive, affective, developmental, and behavioral ways from more typical learners. It will emphasize general theories of intelligence, development, and learning and how they apply to gifted learners (3.0 credit hours).

CRIN G82: Social and Emotional Development and Guidance of the Gifted Learner

This course focuses on the social and emotional characteristics and needs of the gifted individual and various counseling and guidance strategies that can facilitate his/her development over the life span. The course will emphasize theories of emotional development and self-actualization as well as their implications for guiding the gifted (3.0 credit hours).

EPPL 612: Curriculum/Instruction for Gifted Learners

This course involves the study of differentiated curriculum and instruction for gifted learners. The course will focus on key content, process, product, concept, and implementation issues in working with the gifted in various domains of inquiry (3.0 credit hours).

EPPL 670: Programs and Models in Gifted Education

This course focuses on the fundamental principles of program design and development for gifted learners. Role functions and reference groups are emphasized as well as general educational administration and supervision theories. Program evaluation models are also stressed (3.0 credit hours).

CRIN G84: Practicum in Gifted Education

This practicum is designed to provide direct experiences with gifted education programs and services. Both seminar and field experiences focus on comprehensive articulated programs and services for this population (3.0 credit hours).


W&M SOECost 

$580/credit hour for in-state students (as of Fall 2020)

Registration Information 

These courses are available for registration for non-degree-seeking students only. Students must complete the Graduate Student Registration Form (pdf) and the Domicile Form (pdf). For more information for non-degree-seeking students, please visit the School of Education admissions page

For more information regarding the endorsement in gifted education, review our FAQ's page and/or contact [[aycarpenter, Dr. Ashley Carpenter]].