Master in Education (M.Ed.)
Special Education
with PA Special Ed. Certification for PreK-Grade 8 or Grades 7-12
Program Highlights & Benefits
100% online format
2 year completion time, including holiday breaks
No GRE or admission tests
Complete one course every 8 weeks
For
Professional educators who wish to earn a Master’s degree and certification in Special Education for grades PreK-8 or grades 7-12 in the state of Pennsylvania.
What You Learn
The Master of Education in Special Education leading to Pennsylvania certification is designed for educators 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 courseroom environment that includes assignments, materials, discussion threads, assessments and/or group activities done electronically. You will finish one 3-credit course every 8 weeks. Following this schedule, you will complete the program in approximately 2 years.
Career Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will have earned an M.Ed. in Special Education and be eligible for Special Education certification for grades PreK-8 or grades 7-12 in the state of Pennsylvania. The Special Education certification grade level that you are eligible to earn is dependent on the grade level of your PA teaching certificate.
Degree Requirements
| Course | Title | Hours |
| SPED 533 | Special Education Inclusive Practices | 3 |
| SPED 520 | Instructional/Assistive Technology & University Design | 3 |
| SPED 536 | High Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 537 | Low Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 540 | Autism Spectrum Disorders | 3 |
| EDUC 536 | Research Methods | 3 |
| SPED 535 | Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports | 3 |
| SPED 534 | Differentiated Instructional Practices | 3 |
| SPED 542 | Intensive Reading, Writing, & Math Interventions | 3 |
| SPED 541 | Professional Collaboration and Communication | 3 |
| Choose one: | ||
| SPED 538 | Secondary Transition Processes and Procedures (Grades 7-12 Track) | 3 |
| SPED 539 | Effective Instructional Practices for All Students (Grades PreK-8 Track) | 3 |
| SPED 550 | Student Practicum Experience | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 36 | |
Please Note:
Program and course requirements are subject to change to comply with university policy.
Successful completion of the Praxis Exam for Special Education is required for certification.
To earn PreK-8 or Grade 7-12 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. All candidates must be recommended for certification by Point Park University’s authorized certification officer.
