Explore Graduate Options with Your NASET Certification
NASET has partnered with the Augustana University to offer Graduate Credits for participants who complete eligible NASET courses and certifications.
Discover Augustana BenefitsNASET has partnered with the University of San Diego's Division of Professional & Continuing Education to offer Graduate-Level Extension Credits (GLEC) for participants who complete eligible NASET courses and certifications.
Discover USD BenefitsNASET has partnered with the University of Massachusetts Global to offer a tuition discount to all NASET members, employees, spouses, and dependents.
Discover UMASS Benefits
What is Augustana University Graduate Credit?
Graduate credit issued by Augustana University (AU) is official semester credit transcripted at the graduate level with a letter grade. It appears on an official AU transcript just like any other graduate course - with no special demarcation. You can submit your AU transcript to your school district for salary lane advancement, credential renewal, or professional development hour documentation.
Augustana University is a regionally accredited private university in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Important: These are graduate semester credits that may be applied toward AU's MEd or MEd in Special Education programs as elective credit. AU's 30-credit online graduate programs actually require students to take 9 credits from continuing education partners - meaning NASET credits count directly toward a master's degree for enrolled AU students. Actual application of credits toward any degree program is at AU's discretion.
Shop NASET Courses
Step 1
Purchase and complete your NASET certification or course as you normally would. Your NASET credential stands on its own. You don't need USD credit to earn your certification or complete your course.
Step 2
At checkout, you can indicate if you want Augustana University graduate credit. This unlocks a written reflection assignment you will complete at the end of the course.
Step 3
Once you've completed your course and reflection, visit the Augustana University registration link, register for your credit, and pay AU directly at $50 per credit.This is 100% optional and a fully separate decision from your NASET purchase.
Step 4
Augustana University issues your official transcript via Parchment, typically within 1-3 business days of your request, which you submit to your district.
This is Separate from State and District PD Approvals
NASET is approved as a continuing education provider in New York (CTLE), Pennsylvania (Act 48), Texas (TEA-CPE), Washington, Illinois, Nevada, and Michigan, and confirmed at the district level in 16 states. Completing a NASET course may already earn you approved PD hours in those states and districts.
Augustana University graduate credit is a separate, optional layer. Neither option affects the other.
Augustana Graduate Credit is a separate, optional layer on top of that. You can:
- Complete your NASET course and claim your state/district PD hours only (no additional cost).
- Complete your NASET course AND add Augustana University credit for $50 per unit (official USD transcript issued).
Neither option affects the other. Your state PD approval is not contingent on Augustana University credit.
Eligible NASET Courses and Unit Ranges
All courses below are approved by Augustana University for graduate semester credit at $50 per credit. Credits are calculated at 15 study hours per 1 graduate credit. Register for AU credit at: augielink.com/naset
| NASET Certifications / Courses | AU Course Number | AU Graduate Credits | AU Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Education Advocacy (BCASE) | EDUC 602NA | 6 units | $300 |
| Inclusion and Co-Teaching in Special Education (BCIEP) | EDUC 603NA | 6 units | $300 |
| Classroom Management for Special Education (BCCM) | EDUC 605NA | 6 units | $300 |
| IEP Development and Compliance (BCIEP) | EDUC 606NA | 6 units | $300 |
| Special Education Foundations and Practice (BCSE) | EDUC 607NA | 7 units | $350 |
| Paraprofessional Skills Preparation Program (PSPP) | EDUC 600NA | 2 units | $100 |
| IEP Development and Implementation | EDUC 604NA | 1 unit | $50 |
| Special Education Advocacy Practice Management | EDUC 608NA | 1 unit | $50 |
| Related Services for Children with Disabilities | EDUC 601NA | 1 unit | $50 |
Each unit requires 15 study hours of completed coursework.
Please refer to the FAQ below.
Augustana University FAQs
Is the USD credit required to earn my NASET certification?
Is this the same as a University of San Diego graduate degree?
Are USD Graduate-Level Extension Credits transferable to a degree program?
Will my school district accept USD Graduate-Level Extension Credit for salary lane advancement?
I completed a NASET certification or course before this partnership launched. Can I still claim USD Graduate-Level Extension Credit for it?
How long after I complete my NASET course do I have to claim USD credit?
How much does the USD credit cost?
How do I pay USD for the credit?
Can I earn USD credit across multiple NASET courses?
How long does it take to receive my USD transcript?
What if I need to refund or drop the USD credit?
Can my school district pay for USD credit directly on behalf of our teachers?
Who owns the NASET courses that earn USD credit?
This program is independently created. Augustana University's role is solely in validating that the program meets Augustana University curricular course/program standards and providing graduate credit validation for eligible participants on the organization's behalf.
What is Graduate-Level Extension Credit?
Graduate-Level Extension Credit (GLEC) is academic credit issued by a regionally accredited university, in this case the University of San Diego, in recognition of completed professional learning. It comes with an official USD transcript you can submit to your school district, employer, or other institution.
Important: these are Graduate-Level Extension Credits (GLEC), not graduate credits toward a degree at USD. USD issues an official transcript documenting your completed units, and districts accept may this credit for salary lane advancement, credential renewal, and professional development requirements.
Graduate-Level Extension Credits (GLEC) may be eligible for transfer toward advanced degree programs (such as MA, EdD, or PhD) depending on the receiving institution. Acceptance is determined by each university, and participants are responsible for confirming transfer eligibility. These credits do not apply toward degree programs at the University of San Diego.
Please refer to the FAQ below and before enrolling in the USD credit option, confirm with your district's HR or professional learning office that they accept graduate-level extension credit for your specific use case.
Shop NASET Courses
Step 1
Purchase and complete your NASET certification or course as you normally would. Your NASET credential stands on its own. You don't need USD credit to earn your certification or complete your course.
Step 2
After completion, decide whether to add USD credit. Once you've finished your NASET course and earned your completion certificate, you can choose to add Graduate-Level Extension Credit through USD. This is 100% optional and a fully separate decision from your NASET purchase.
Step 3
Pay USD directly. USD credit is $79 per unit, paid directly to USD through their registration portal. NASET does not collect or handle the USD fee. Transcripts are typically issued within 4-6 weeks after enrollment confirmation.
Step 4
Submit your USD transcript to your district. Use your official USD transcript wherever you need documented graduate-level extension credit: salary lane advancement, credential renewal, or professional development hour documentation.
This is Separate from State and District PD Approvals
NASET is approved as a continuing education provider in New York (CTLE), Pennsylvania (Act 48), Texas (TEA-CPE), Washington, Illinois, Nevada, and several district-level programs. When you complete a NASET course, you already earn approved PD hours in those states and districts.
USD Graduate-Level Extension Credit is a separate, optional layer on top of that. You can:
- Complete your NASET course and claim your state/district PD hours only (no additional cost).
- Complete your NASET course AND add USD credit for $79 per unit (official USD transcript issued).
Neither option affects the other. Your state PD approval is not contingent on USD credit.
Eligible NASET Courses and Unit Ranges
All 9 certifications / courses below are approved by USD for Graduate-Level Extension Credit.
Premium Tier (USD Certificate eligible at full completion)
| Certifications / Courses | Study Hours | USD Unit Range | USD Fee Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCASE + Business Certificate | 109 | 1 - 8.5 units | $79 - $671.50 |
| Board Certification in Special Education (BCSE) | 114 | 1 - 9 units | $79 - $711 |
| Board Certification in Classroom Management (BCCM) | 118 | 1 - 9 units | $79 - $711 |
Standard Tier
| Certifications / Courses | Study Hours | USD Unit Range | USD Fee Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board Certification in Inclusion in Special Education (BCISE) | 90 | 1 - 7 units | $79 - $553 |
| Board Certification in IEP Development (BCIEP) | 86 | 1 - 6.5 units | $79 - $513.50 |
| Paraprofessional Skills Preparation Program (PSPP) | 25 | 1 - 2 units | $79 - $158 |
| Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder | 30 | 1 - 2 units | $79 - $158 |
| NASET Education Development Series Bundle (EDS Courses) | 74 | 1 - 5.5 units | $79 - $434.50 |
| NASET Core Special Education Topics Bundle (Short Courses) | variable | 0.5 - 8 units | $39.50 - $632 |
You choose how many USD units to claim, up to the maximum for each product.
Each unit requires 12.5 study hours of completed coursework.
Please refer to the FAQ below.
University of San Diego FAQs
Is the USD credit required to earn my NASET certification?
Is this the same as a University of San Diego graduate degree?
Are USD Graduate-Level Extension Credits transferable to a degree program?
Will my school district accept USD Graduate-Level Extension Credit for salary lane advancement?
I completed a NASET certification or course before this partnership launched. Can I still claim USD Graduate-Level Extension Credit for it?
How long after I complete my NASET course do I have to claim USD credit?
How much does the USD credit cost?
How do I pay USD for the credit?
Can I earn USD credit across multiple NASET courses?
How long does it take to receive my USD transcript?
What if I need to refund or drop the USD credit?
Can my school district pay for USD credit directly on behalf of our teachers?
Who owns the NASET courses that earn USD credit?
This program is independently created. The University of San Diego's role is solely in validating that the program meets University of San Diego curricular course/program standards and providing graduate-level credit validation for eligible participants on the organization's behalf.
What is the UMass Global Scholarship?
University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) is a private nonprofit university regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Through NASET's partnership, UMass Global offers NASET members, their spouses, and their dependents a tuition scholarship of 10-20% on eligible UMass Global degree programs and certificates.
This is a tuition discount on UMass Global's own degree programs - it is not credit for completing NASET courses. If you are pursuing or considering a degree at UMass Global, your status as a NASET member qualifies you for reduced tuition.
Scholarship amounts by program:
- 20% off: Undergraduate online degree programs and certificates, MyPath degree programs, most master's online degree programs and graduate certificates, and custom off-site cohorts
- 15% off: Master of Arts in Teaching, Teaching Credentials (Single Subject, Multiple Subject, Special Education), and Master of Arts in MFT
- 10% off: Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership
Important: The scholarship cannot be combined with military tuition rates or any other discount. It applies to new enrollments only and cannot be applied retroactively. Students must submit a scholarship application and proof of membership to UMass Global's admissions office.
Become a NASET Member Today!
Who is NASET?
The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) is the leading professional organization dedicated exclusively to supporting special education teachers across the United States.
Committed to advancing excellence in the field, NASET promotes high professional standards, ongoing development, and advocacy to ensure that children with special needs receive the best education possible.
Founded by and for educators, NASET provides a trusted platform for research, resources, and recognition in special education.