Gifted Education Endorsement Courses

School Division Cohorts 

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. The four courses: CRIN G80, CRIN G82, CRIN G86, and EPPL 612 fulfill the 12 credit hour requirement of the Virginia add on Endorsement in Gifted Education. In addition, students are required to complete a three-credit-hour practicum, CRIN G84 or in conjunction with their division mentor successfully complete a year of teaching gifted learners.

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).

CRIN G86: Addressing the Individual Needs and Talents in the Regular Classroom

This course will outline instructional and managerial techniques that can be used in the heterogeneous classroom to address the individual learning needs, strengths, styles, and preferences of all students, but specifically, those with gifts and talents. This course will also teach students the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

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).

 

CRIN G84: Practicum in Gifted Education (optional)

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).

Cost 

25% off $600/credit hour for in-state students (as of Fall 2025) for groups of 10-25. The division must pay for tuition for all students

 

For more information regarding the endorsement in gifted education contact Dr. Ashley Carpenter.