Special Education Certificate

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 pre K-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.

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.