Gifted & Creative Education Graduate Certificate

Why Earn the Gifted and Creative Education Graduate Certificate?

Towson University’s graduate certificate in Gifted and Creative Education is designed for professionals who already hold a master’s degree and are seeking a specialist endorsement from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). The certificate consists of 18 graduate credits and provides a focused, cost-effective pathway to the endorsement — without requiring completion of the full M.Ed. in Gifted and Creative Education (GACE).

Upon completion, students will receive a Maryland Approved Program (MAP) stamp on their official TU transcript, verifying their eligibility for the endorsement through MSDE.

Currently, only private institutions in Maryland offer programs leading to this endorsement — often at a significantly higher cost. Towson University is the only public university within the University System of Maryland offering this credential, responding directly to school district requests for a more affordable, accessible option.

What You’ll Learn

The graduate certificate prepares educators to:

• identify and support gifted, talented and creative students in diverse classroom settings
• design and implement curriculum that challenges advanced learners
• support the social and emotional development of high-ability students, including those from historically underserved populations
• apply contemporary research, models and instructional strategies to real-world educational settings

Program Format

• all courses offered 100% online for maximum flexibility and open to certified educators across Maryland
• designed to be available at reduced tuition rates in partnership with local school districts
• meets CEC-NAGC Teacher Preparation Standards in Gifted Education, InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards, and ISTE Standards

why towson university?

Program Advantages

• TU’s long history and reputation as an excellent teacher training institution
• nationally known faculty who are experts in the education of gifted and creative children
• the College of Education is nationally accredited
• accommodates working professionals with a variety of late afternoon, evening and online classes

Admission and Degree Requirements

View admission requirements, degree requirements and course descriptions.