Gifted and Talented Endorsement
Gifted and Talented (GT) Endorsement
The coursework related to this optional endorsement prepares educators to work with K-12 gifted and talented (advanced) learners by focusing on identification, social-emotional needs, and specialized instruction. This is a nondegree, master’s level program.
Educators holding a bachelor’s degree and an initial or professional teaching certificate can earn the South Carolina Gifted and Talented (GT) Endorsement by completing an approved two-course sequence, which includes Understanding the Nature and Needs of Gifted and Talented Learners and Curriculum and Instruction for Gifted and Talented Students.
Requirements to Add the Gifted and Talented Endorsement by Coursework:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Initial or Professional certificate at the early childhood, elementary, middle, secondary, or PK–12 level.
- Completion of all required coursework with an equivalent of a grade of “C” or better.
This endorsement requires 6 graduate credit hours (two 3-credit-hour courses) specialized in Gifted and Talented Education. Once courses are successfully completed, the educator must apply for the add-on endorsement through the My SC Educator Portal.
South Carolina Department of Education Guidelines and Requirements for Adding Certification Fields and Endorsements (ed.sc.gov) p. 36
Required Coursework
EDUC 670 Nature and Needs of Gifted and Talented Learners
Course Description
This course is intended to introduce candidates to the specialized nature of gifted and talented students and to the unique educational needs of the gifted learner. The major definitions, concepts, theories, and theorists will be explored, as well as the history of gifted and talented education. The course provides a firm foundation for candidates to develop a working knowledge of identifying the unique needs of gifted and talented students and of developing methods to better meet these needs, including those of special populations of students.
Course Rationale
To effectively serve the diverse student body in South Carolina, educators must possess a deep understanding of the unique cognitive, social, and emotional characteristics of gifted and talented learners. This course provides a critical foundation for candidates, moving beyond a general understanding of education to address the specialized nature of high-ability students.
EDUC 675 Introduction to Curriculum and Instruction for Gifted and Talented Learners
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare teachers to organize and deliver an appropriate curriculum for gifted and talented students. It includes the history and theories of the field, models and processes for curriculum modification and design; strategies for adapting educational content, process, product, learning environment, and assessment modifications based on the characteristics and needs of gifted learners; and curriculum development approaches that are effective in the intellectual and personal growth of gifted and talented learners.
EDUC 670 (Nature and Needs of Gifted and Talented Learners) is a prerequisite for this course.
Course Rationale
To bridge the gap between the identification of giftedness and the delivery of effective classroom services. Adhering to South Carolina’s Gifted and Talented regulations, the curriculum provides educators with the specialized pedagogical frameworks required to go beyond standard grade-level instruction and implement robust differentiation for high-ability learners.
Course Sequence and Availability
The course sequence for the GT Endorsement courses is as follows:
- EDUC 670 Nature and Needs of Gifted and Talented Learners (3 credit hours)
- EDUC 675 Introduction to Curriculum and Instruction for Gifted and Talented Learners (3 credit hours)
EDUC 670 is a prerequisite to EDUC 675 and must be passed with a grade of “C” or higher.
Spring II
EDUC 670 Nature and Needs of Gifted and Talented Learners
Summer I
EDUC 670 Nature and Needs of Gifted and Talented Learners
EDUC 675 Introduction to Curriculum and Instruction for Gifted and Talented Learners
Summer II
EDUC 670 Nature and Needs of Gifted and Talented Learners
EDUC 675 Introduction to Curriculum and Instruction for Gifted and Talented Learners
Fall I
EDUC 670 Nature and Needs of Gifted and Talented Learners
EDUC 675 Introduction to Curriculum and Instruction for Gifted and Talented Learners
Fall II
EDUC 670 Nature and Needs of Gifted and Talented Learners
EDUC 675 Introduction to Curriculum and Instruction for Gifted and Talented Learners
Timeframe: 14 Weeks/(2) 7-week terms
Credit Hours: 6 credit hours
Tuition: $550 per credit hour; $3,300 for Gifted and Talented Endorsement Courses
Nondegree Admission of Graduate Students
Admission as a non-degree graduate student may be granted when the student has a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution and meets one of the following criteria:
1. The graduate student does not desire to work toward a graduate degree, or
2. The graduate student is enrolled in another university and desires to obtain credit to be transferred to the graduate school in which he or she is seeking a degree. Program for Alternative Certification (PACE) candidates are allowed to take up to nine (9) credit hours.
Financial Aid is not available to non-degree graduate students.
Regulations Governing Nondegree Graduate Student: A non-degree student must present a transcript showing a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or present a valid teacher’s certificate. Even though a nondegree graduate student has been admitted to the University, he or she has not been admitted to any department or to any degree program. No more than twelve (12) credit hours earned while classified as a non-degree graduate student at Charleston Southern University will be accepted toward a master’s degree. A student must gain formal admission into a master’s program before being permitted to continue taking graduate courses. Financial Aid is not available to non-degree students. *EdD applicants are not eligible to enroll in non-degree courses.
Nondegree Admission of Current CSU Undergraduate Students
CSU undergraduate students may take this nondegree, master’s level program. Assuming the student is categorized as an undergraduate student, the undergraduate student will be permitted to take up to 18 credit hours, including graduate level work in accordance with existing academic policies without being charged an additional fee for the master’s level courses. If the student exceeds 18 credit hours in a semester, then the student will be charged for the additional hours.
To apply, as an undergraduate student, for the optional GT Endorsement program, the CSU undergraduate student must:
- Be formally accepted to the College of Education
- Earned a minimum of 72 credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree and
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher
If the current CSU undergraduate student has not been formally accepted to the College of Education, then the undergraduate student must seek permission from the Department Chair and the Dean of the College of Education.
Admissions Requirements for Graduate Students
- Online application for nondegree Graduate Students
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities
- Copy of valid South Carolina Initial or Professional certificate (any level)
Admissions Requirements for Current CSU Undergraduate Students
- Be formally accepted to the College of Education or permission from the Department Chair and the Dean of the College of Education
- Earned a minimum of 72 credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree and
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Online application for CSU Undergraduate Students