Dec 09, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Special Education, MEd


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The Department of Communication Disorders, Special Education, and Disability Services offers two graduate programs: Master of Education degree in Special Education and the Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. These programs are in accord with the current national standards of the Council for Exceptional Children and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, respectively.

The MEd program in Special Education is structured to address the educational needs of five types of graduate students: (a) those who hold Pennsylvania Mentally and/or Physically Handicapped certification; (b) those who hold another teaching certificate who wish to obtain Special Education Certification (either PreK-8th grades or 7th-12th grades) while working toward an MEd degree in Special Education; (c) those who hold another teaching certificate who wish to obtain Special Education Certification (either PreK-8th grades or 7th-12th grades) without earning the MEd degree; and (d) those who do not want to qualify for a teaching certificate, but who wish to earn an MEd degree and work professionally with persons with disabilities.

The program intends to prepare graduates who will: a) implement curricula to meet individual needs of students with disabilities; b) demonstrate adaptability, flexibility, and initiative in meeting the changing needs of students with disabilities; c) use positive behavior management techniques; d) assess pupils strengths and limitations for instructional planning; e) practice diagnostic prescriptive instructional procedures; f) adapt special equipment for individuals; g) plan for and effective use paraprofessionals; h) engage in effective communication and collaborative partnerships; and i) apply professionalism and ethical practices.

Students working toward a master’s degree may select a thesis or a non-thesis option at an appropriate point in their program of studies. All MEd candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive examination as the terminal experience in their course of studies. For candidates wanting special education certification, individual programs of study will be designed based on review of transcripts.

Admission Criteria

Applications are due by March 15 for consideration for Summer/Fall acceptance and by October 15 for Spring acceptance.

Total Required (36 cr.)


Note: Students may choose electives from an approved list including:

Total Required (18 cr.)


*PECT exams are also required to obtain PA certification. Minimum requirements: Additional coursework may also be required for PA certification.

The Special Education Certificate is an 18-credit program offered by the Special Education program in the Department of Communication Disorders, Special Education, and Disability Services. The program leads to PA certification in Special Education. Students choose from two options: Special Education Certification preK-8th grade or Special Education Certification 7th-12th grade. All students take courses related to characteristics of students with disabilities, effective instructional practices, and assessment. Students focusing on preK-8th grade are required to take a course on multi-disciplinary collaborations. Students focusing on 7th-12th grade are required to take a course on transition services. All students must complete a practicum experience during the summer.

The Special Education Certificate was designed for persons who have initial teaching certification in a content area such as Early Childhood Education, English Education, or Art Education. Eighteen credits are the minimum requirements for PA teacher certification in Special Education. Students who do not have prerequisite methods courses may be required to take additional courses; individual programs will be designed based on a review of transcripts.

Total Required (30 cr.)


Note: Students may choose electives from:

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