Special Education Learning Disabilities Concentration, M.Ed.

This is a graduate program that leads to a Master of Education degree in special education is offered. Applicants are required to present evidence of previous successful experience in working with children and display a commitment to teaching children with disabilities through an interview.

Those candidates who apply for the teacher certification program in special education and hold no educational certification in another field must complete additional requirements that are determined after a review of their official transcripts. A maximum of 9 credits in special education may be accepted when non-matriculated students make application to the special education program.

Each student is required to have a program-planning sheet approved by their advisor on file. A candidate is required to obtain a minimum grade of B in each course. Courses with a grade less than B must be repeated. A grade of F in any course will automatically dismiss that student from the program.

The Master of Education degree programs are designed to serve these groups:

Those who wish to add special education certification to the teaching certificate they presently hold in another field.
Certified Special Education teachers who wish to pursue advanced study in one area of their field (i.e., learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or behavior disorders).
Elementary and secondary classroom teachers who are interested in increasing their professional competencies in working with children with special needs in the general education classroom.

There are four options in the Master of Education special education program:

Certification
Learning Disabilities
Intellectual Disabilities/Developmental Disabilities
Behavioral Disorders

Note: While it is possible to complete the program as a part-time student, the practicum will require extensive work in schools during the school year.

The Programs

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education has four tracks. One can earn comprehensive certification in special education while earning the master of education degree. Alternatively, someone holding special education certification or other educational certifications can pursue work in the specialty areas of behavior disabilities, learning disabilities, or intellectual disabilities without certification. The department offers the following graduate degree tracks in special education:

M.Ed. in Special Education with Comprehensive Certification (PK-8 and/or 7-12)
M.Ed. in Special Education with an Emphasis in Behavioral Disabilities
M.Ed. in Special Education with an Emphasis in Learning Disabilities
M.Ed. in Special Education with an Emphasis in Intellectual Disabilities/Developmental Disabilities

M.Ed. - Learning Disabilities (Post or non-certificate study)

Prerequisites (Introduction to Exceptionalities, Assessment, Inclusion and English Language Learners) must be taken if transcripts do not show evidence of prior completion.

Note:

Program total is a minimum of 33 credits. Electives chosen based on advisement.

Special Education Supervisor

For information concerning the post-master’s program leading to Pennsylvania certification as a Special Education Supervisor, refer to Supervisory Certification Programs .