Early Intervention
Certificate
Support young children and their families with Northeastern's Graduate Certificate in Early Intervention. Move through interdisciplinary training to work with infants and toddlers at risk for developmental delays.
Program overview
Lead in early intervention
Northeastern’s Graduate Certificate in Early Intervention (EI) is designed for those passionate about supporting infants, toddlers, and their families. This program equips you with the skills to work with young children with known disabilities or developmental risks through a combination of coursework and a 300-hour practicum.
Approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, our certificate offers an interdisciplinary approach, with faculty experts in psychology, speech-language pathology, physical therapy, special education, and nursing.
The flexible curriculum, featuring a balance of synchronous and asynchronous instruction, prepares you for work as a pediatric therapist, enhancing your impact in various professional settings. For those planning to work in Massachusetts, this certificate provides advanced provisional certification as early intervention specialists. Students exploring employment outside of Massachusetts will be able to utilize learned skills across many settings, and reciprocity for certification can be determined by state.
Northeastern’s Graduate Certificate in Early Intervention (EI) is designed for those passionate about supporting infants, toddlers, and their families. This program equips you with the skills to work with young children with known disabilities or developmental risks through a combination of coursework and a 300-hour practicum.
Approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, our certificate offers an interdisciplinary approach, with faculty experts in psychology, speech-language pathology, physical therapy, special education, and nursing.
The flexible curriculum, featuring a balance of synchronous and asynchronous instruction, prepares you for work as a pediatric therapist, enhancing your impact in various professional settings. For those planning to work in Massachusetts, this certificate provides advanced provisional certification as early intervention specialists. Students exploring employment outside of Massachusetts will be able to utilize learned skills across many settings, and reciprocity for certification can be determined by state.
- Gain real-world experience with a 300-hour practicum in a certified EI program.
- Benefit from an interdisciplinary curriculum taught by faculty from diverse fields, such as psychology, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology.
- This program is available as an independent certificate or integrated with graduate programs in speech-language pathology, counseling psychology, school psychology, physical therapy, or undergraduate programs in psychology and human services.
- Virtual modality combines independent learning with four synchronous meetings each semester to maximize flexibility and accessibility.
- This program meets Massachusetts Department of Public Health requirements for advanced provisional certification in early intervention.
Become a certified early intervention specialist, meeting the increasing need for professionals trained to support infants, toddlers, and families. This certificate opens doors to roles in early intervention programs, educational settings, and healthcare.
Completion of the program leads to Massachusetts state certification for early intervention personnel at the advanced provisional level. Students who reside outside of Massachusetts will need to review and follow the in-state requirements for working in early intervention in their state of residence.
Northeastern’s signature experiential learning model integrates rigorous academics with real-world fieldwork. Engage in case studies, research, and a supervised practicum to gain the skills necessary to excel in early intervention roles, applying what you learn in classroom settings to your professional practice.
The curriculum for the Graduate Certificate in Early Intervention meets the competency areas and learning objectives for EI specialists in order to qualify as a DPH-verified higher-education program.
Admissions
Apply to the program
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
Admissions deadline: August 1
Application
Application fee
Three letters of recommendation
*Transcripts from all institutions attended
Personal statement
Resumé
TOEFL or IELTS for applicants who do not hold a degree from a U.S. institution and whose native language is not English
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related field, unless taken during senior year in a Northeastern University degree program
Minimum GPA of 3.0 preferred
*Transcripts from outside of the U.S. will require a course-by-course evaluation from WES or ECE
Program objectives
Prepare for success
Develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively support young children with developmental delays and their families.
Learn from experts across psychology, speech-language pathology, physical therapy, and more to gain a holistic understanding of early childhood intervention.
Complete a 300-hour practicum in a certified EI program, applying your skills in real-world settings to make a direct impact on children and families.
Connect with us
Want more information?
We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team.
Degree building
Stack your certificate
Earning a graduate certificate is a fast and affordable way to acquire specialized skills while building toward your master’s degree. Upon completion of this certificate program, you may be able to apply your credits to an eligible master’s program, saving time and money on your degree.
Some of the eligible master’s programs for this certificate include:
- Master of Science in Counseling Psychology
- Master of Science in School Psychology
- Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more about eligibility requirements.
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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$31,136Tuition in USD
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.
Visit tuition & financial aidYour education, your way
Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.
#8
Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools
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53.5%
Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses
(NCES, 2022)
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Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education
(BestColleges, 2024)