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

Requirements for Students not obtaining Initial Certification 

Sample Plan of Study

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

*

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)

Program Level Outcomes