Academically and Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Add-on Certification (K-12)
Mission
The mission of the Watson School of Education (WSE) AIG Program is to prepare educational leaders who will design and deliver effective programs and services for gifted and talented students. These educational leaders will ensure that gifted students achieve their potential. WSE AIG Program graduates will be able to competently design curriculum and programs, advocate for gifted students, and deliver instruction that meets the broad spectrum of exceptional needs of gifted and talented students.
AIG Program Course Sequence
- EDN 552: Introduction to Gifted Education
- EDN 553: Social and Emotional Needs of the Gifted Learner
- EDN 554: Curriculum, Methods, and Materials for Gifted Education
- EDN 555: Program Design and Implementation
Option 1 - AIG (K-12) Licensure
AIG Certification is a K-12 Add-on license. Certification requires successful completion of 12 semester hours in Gifted Education. To qualify for certification, you must:
- Have “A” Level teacher certification in at least one licensure area (e.g. Elementary; etc.) at the time of application for the AIG Add-on license
- Successfully complete the four required courses
- Apply for licensure via WSE Associate Dean of Academic Programs, Dr. Carol McNulty
- A Praxis exam is not required at this time.
Option 2 – AIG (K-12) Licensure with a Master’s Degree
To be eligible for AIG licensure, you must complete the requirements listed above. If you are also working toward a graduate degree, you must meet all requirements for your graduate degree program and obtain a license in some approved area to “add-on” the gifted license. Many graduate programs allow elective courses in an area of interest. Students may count up to six hours of AIG courses as electives in their master’s degree program where “room” exists, therefore, you may be able to take one or both of the foundational courses required for completion of the AIG Program leading to certification as elective credit in your program. Discuss your options with an advisor.

