Master's in Special Education; M.Ed., M.S

There's a high demand for certified special educators and for special education supervisors nationally, across many settings including public schools, intermediate units, private schools, state centers, and hospitals.

Graduate Program Coordinator of Exceptionality Programs

• Program Options:
  We offer the following Special Education Programs at the graduate level: M.S. Special Education, M.Ed. Special
  
  Education:
  
  PK-12:
  Advanced Certification, M.Ed. Special
  
  Education:
  
  PK-12 Initial Certification, M.Ed. Special
  
  Education:
  
  PK-12 Intern Certification, Special Education Supervisory Certification, Special
  
  Education:
  
  Accelerated Certification.
• Accelerated Pathway:
  The accelerated certification path is designed for professionals working under special education emergency certification and is embedded within the M.Ed. Special Education PK-12 program. This path streamlines the certification component to approximately 18 months, 36 credits. To learn more, please contact Program Coordinator Dr. Robin Drogan.
• Accreditation: CAEP Accredited.
• Flexible Start Dates:
  Applications are accepted for the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.
• Program Format:
  Available in part-time and full-time formats.

M.Ed. Special Education – Initial Certification: Leads to the initial Certification in Special Education. Also available as certification only.
Coursework: Includes 10 courses and student teaching.
Who Should Apply: Welcomes students with any undergraduate degree.
Program Delivery: Hybrid course delivery.

M.Ed. in Special Education – Advanced Certification: Leads to advanced certification in Special Education.
Coursework: Includes 10 courses and field-based capstone (typically in the field where you teach).
Who Should Apply: For students who have an existing teaching certification in another area.
Program Delivery: Hybrid course delivery.

M.Ed. in Special

Education:

Intern Certification: For students that can take the special education certification exam at the beginning of the sequence.
Coursework: Includes 6 courses and 2 semester internship.
Who Should Apply: For students with certification in teaching and/or any undergraduate degree.
Program Delivery: Hybrid course delivery.

M.Ed. in Special Education: Traditional Certification for Professionals working under an Emergency Permit in Special Education.
Coursework: Includes 10 courses and student teaching.
Who Should Apply: Welcomes students with any undergraduate degree.
Program Delivery: Hybrid course delivery.

M.S. in Special Education: Traditional Certification for Professionals working under an Emergency Permit in Special Education.
Coursework: Includes 10 courses including a graduate practicum.
Who Should Apply: Welcomes students with a bachelor’s degree in special education.
Program Delivery: Hybrid course delivery.

General admission requirements of the School of Graduate Studies and the Special Education Program:

• A one-page letter of intent stating professional background, experience, and rationale for wanting to be admitted to the department.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• A resume.
• An interview with the chair or graduate coordinator.
• A copy of a valid PA teaching certificate, if applicable.
• An official transcript(s).
• An undergraduate cumulative QPA of 3.0. If average is below a 3.0, the student may be admitted as provisional with a lower GPA on a case-by-case basis.
• In consultation with the graduate advisor, students must obtain and submit the appropriate documentation and clearances for the upcoming semester, as appropriate for field-based embedded coursework and capstone experiences.

Maintenance of a QPA of 3.0 as required for retention in the program. A maximum of two Cs is permissible. A "C minus" is not acceptable. If a C is earned in a practicum course, it must be repeated with a grade of a B or better within a time frame determined by the area of concentration.

• Maintenance and documentation of Act 34 (Criminal Record), Act 114 (Federal Criminal History), and Act 151 (Child Abuse) clearances.
• Maintenance and documentation of professional liability insurance and TB screening.
• Demonstration of satisfactory performance as outlined in the program of study and…