Special Education MS

Major: Special Education
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 48.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 13.1001
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 25-2051; 25-2052; 25-2053; 25-2054; 25-2059

About the Program

The Master of Science in Special Education program is intended for those interested in gaining greater skills and expertise in special education and/or acquiring a teaching certificate in special education. 

The courses address all required state and federal regulations as well as the Pennsylvania General Standards for Special Education and the competencies and standards outlined by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Graduates seeking Pennsylvania special education certification must either have an active Pennsylvania Instructional I or II teaching certificate or select the initial certification concentration to gain eligibility while in the program. 

The Master of Science in Special Education prepares professionals who are equipped with the fundamental skills, knowledge, and competencies they need to meet the needs of students with disabilities. The program is a flexible, part-time graduate program consisting of a minimum of 48.0 credits: 27.0 credits in core special education certification courses, 12.0 credits in concentration courses*, and 9.0 credits in capstone research*. Most courses have a fieldwork component that has the student apply what they are learning to classroom experiences. Clearances and field placement applications must be submitted before participating in coursework with classroom-based field components. 

Available Concentrations

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Within the past decade, the number of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has increased dramatically. Consequently, the need for professionals trained in this specialized area has significantly increased. This concentration is designed for those who seek additional expertise in this critical need area. It will provide knowledge and skills for working with students with ASD as well as effective teaching methods, interventions, and supports. Students who have an active PA Instructional I or Instructional II teaching certificate are eligible to apply for the Autism Spectrum Disorders endorsement offered through the Pennsylvania Department of Education upon completion of EDEX 555 and the concentration courses.

Special Education Law and Process

Meeting the needs of children with disabilities through school-family-community collaboration is an ambitious goal of educational policy in the United States. The goal is to develop highly qualified special education teachers and administrators in schools and the community, as well as to offer special education collaborative knowledge and practical skills training to parents and advocates. The Special Education Law and Process concentration will benefit participants by providing them with the specialized training necessary to be collaborative partners in the complex process of implementing federal and state mandates to appropriately educate students with disabilities. 

Initial Certification

The Initial Certification concentration seeks to produce professionals who are equipped with the fundamental skills, knowledge, and competencies necessary to meet the needs of students at risk for academic failure and students with disabilities in multiple settings. Most courses include a fieldwork component that helps the student apply the skills and content learned in the classroom to real world educational environments. Successful completion of the core pedagogy courses with a grade of B or better and 3.0 cumulative GPA, satisfactory participation in all required field-based experiences, and state licensure exams allows for recommendation for PA Instructional I certification. 

*Students enrolled in the Initial Certification concentration will complete courses required for Pennsylvania certification in lieu of the concentration and capstone courses.               

Additional Information

For more information about this program, please visit the School of Education's website. 

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the program will follow the university standards for admission to graduate study. Prospective students must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher to be considered for admission (graduate degree GPAs will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA).

In addition, prospective students are required to submit the following:

  • Completed application form including official transcripts from all universities or colleges attended
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal essay
  • Resume

The admissions committee will evaluate the applicant’s potential and commitment to succeed in graduate study in the online environment. The applicant’s potential to contribute to the overall quality of the program of study will also be considered.

Degree Requirements 

The Master of Science in Special Education requires a minimum of 48.0 credits consisting of 27.0 credits in core special education certification courses, a minimum of 12.0 credits in concentration courses, and 9.0 credits in capstone research. For a certification in special education, students must have completed 9.0 prerequisite credits in special education accommodations to apply for certification in Pennsylvania.

A field component is required in most courses.

Program Requirements 

Requirements for Students obtaining Initial Certification

Required Courses
EDEX 536Special Education Law and Process3.0
EDEX 543Emotional and Behavioral Support of Individuals with Disabilities 3.0
EDEX 549Teaching Individuals with High Incident Disabilities3.0
EDEX 550Teaching Individuals with Low Incident Disabilities3.0
EDEX 552Integrating Technology for Learning & Achievement3.0
EDEX 555Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder3.0
EDEX 578Special Education Practicum PK-123.0
EDEX 588Implementing Academic Interventions in Inclusive Educational Environments3.0
Initial Certification Concentration
Students obtaining the initial certification will complete the following courses:
EDEX 514Special Education Student Teaching Seminar6.0
EDEX 542Fundamentals of Special Education3.0
EDEX 544Inclusive Practices3.0
EDEX 568Literacy and Content Skill Development PK-123.0
EDUC 515Adolescent Learners 3.0
EDUC 521Typical and Atypical Development in Early Childhood Education3.0
EDUC 565Foundations in Instructing English Language Learners3.0
Total Credits48.0

Requirements for Students not obtaining Initial Certification 

Required Courses
EDEX 536Special Education Law and Process3.0
EDEX 543Emotional and Behavioral Support of Individuals with Disabilities 3.0
EDEX 549Teaching Individuals with High Incident Disabilities3.0
EDEX 550Teaching Individuals with Low Incident Disabilities3.0
EDEX 552Integrating Technology for Learning & Achievement3.0
EDEX 555Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder3.0
EDEX 575Teaching STEAM in an Inclusive Environment PK-123.0
EDEX 578Special Education Practicum PK-123.0
EDEX 588Implementing Academic Interventions in Inclusive Educational Environments3.0
EDU 780Capstone Research3.0
EDU 781Masters Capstone I3.0
EDUP 781Practitioner Capstone Course II3.0
Concentration Options
Students not obtaining an initial certification must also complete one of the following concentrations:12.0
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Characteristics & Methods: Autism
Characteristics & Methods: High Functioning Autism
Communication & Language Interventions: Autism Spectrum Disorders
Behavior & Sensory Support: Autism Spectrum Disorders
Special Education Law & Process
Family, School and Community Engagement in Special Education
Special Education Advocacy
Special Education Dispute Resolution and Skills Training
School Law & Policy in Special Education
Custom-Designed Concentration
A custom-designed concentration will consist of 4 professional elective courses that will be selected in consultation with the Program Director and/or Advisor.
Total Credits48.0

 

Sample Plan of Study

MS Special Education Plan of Study (students obtaining an initial certification)

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
EDEX 5423.0EDEX 5683.0EDEX 5503.0EDEX 555*3.0
EDEX 5443.0EDUC 5153.0EDEX 5883.0 
 EDUC 5213.0  
 6 9 6 3
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
EDEX 5363.0EDEX 5146.0EDEX 5523.0 
EDEX 5493.0EDEX 5433.0EDUC 5653.0 
EDEX 5783.0   
 9 9 6 
Total Credits 48
*

Note: This term is less than the 4.5-credit minimum required (considered half-time status) of graduate programs to be considered financial aid eligible. As a result, aid will not be disbursed to students this term.

MS Special Education Plan of Study (for students not obtaining an initial certification)

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
EDEX 5493.0EDEX 5433.0EDEX 5503.0EDU 7803.0
EDEX 5753.0EDEX 5553.0EDEX 5523.0Concentration Course3.0
  EDEX 5883.0 
 6 6 9 6
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
EDEX 5363.0EDU 7813.0EDUP 7813.0 
EDEX 5783.0Concentration Course3.0Concentration Course3.0 
Concentration Course3.0   
 9 6 6 
Total Credits 48

Program Level Outcomes

  • Use multiple reliable and valid methods to assess student strengths and needs and make instructional recommendations based on assessment data.
  • Demonstrate collaborative partnerships with stakeholders (including educational team members, family members and students) in the development, implementation and assessment of individualized educational plans and goals.
  • Create and support inclusive learning environments where all learners are welcomed, challenged and held to high expectations.
  • Demonstrate competency with the legal requirements as well as ethical and professional standards that undergird the practice of Special Education.
  • Exhibit competence in selecting and executing evidence-based behavioral, instructional, and technology strategies to address the diverse needs of students with disabilities.