Master of Arts (M.A.)
Special Education
with Grades PreK-12 Special Education Certification (for certified teachers)
Program Highlights & Benefits
Flexible, online format
1.5 year completion time, including holiday breaks
For
Pennsylvania certified teachers seeking certification in Grades PreK-12 Special Education and a M.A. in Special Education.
What You Learn
The Master of Arts in Special Education leading to Pennsylvania Grades PreK-12 Special Education certification program is designed for certified teachers who want to increase their marketability and prepare more fully to meet the challenges of today’s inclusive schools.
How You Learn
Online Format: This is an online cohort program. No face-to-face class meetings are required, but students will be engaged in an active and engaging online classroom environment that includes assignments, materials, discussion threads, assessments and/or group activities done electronically. One 3-credit practicum course is included in your course schedule, where you will be responsible for completing the mandated number of observation hours in a K-12 Special Education environment required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education prior to certification. You will finish one 3-credit course every 8 weeks. Following this schedule, you will complete the program in approximately 1.5 years.
Career Outcomes
Upon completion of this program and the passing of the Praxis Exam for PreK-12 Special Education by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, students will have earned a M.A. in Special Education and be eligible to teach Special Education in a PreK-12 grade setting in the state of Pennsylvania.
Degree Requirements
| Course | Title | Hours |
| SPED 535 | Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports | 3 |
| SPED 520 | Instructional / Assistive Technology and Universal Design | 3 |
| SPED 536 | High Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 537 | Low Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 534 | Differentiated Instructional Practices | 3 |
| SPED 540 | Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3 |
| SPED 542 | Intensive Reading, Writing and Mathematics Interventions | 3 |
| SPED 538 | Secondary Transition Processes and Procedures | 3 |
| EDUC 541 | Culturally Responsive Schools, Teachers and Classrooms | 3 |
| SPED 550 | Student Practicum Experience | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 |
Please Note:
Program and course requirements are subject to change to comply with university policy.
Successful completion of the PECT test from Pearson for Special Education by the Pennsylvania Department of Education is required for certification.
To earn PreK-12 Special Education certification, candidates must hold a valid PA teaching certificate at the elementary, PreK-4, 4-8, Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Middle Grades Education, or Secondary Education level. All candidates must be recommended for certification by Point Park University’s authorized certification officer.
Students will need to complete a 3 credit practicum course in a K-12 Special Education environment to satisfy Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements pertaining to field experience and observation hours prior to certification.
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