Special Education

This program could be as many as 12 courses or it may be fewer. Applicants’ transcripts are reviewed to determine what courses, if any, can be waived for the Special Education PreK – 12 certification program. An approved program of study is created by the Graduate Coordinator, and this guides the student’s program.

This program is only offered online. The field components and student teaching experience require hours in a school setting that will be supervised by a University instructor. 

The program can be completed at a rate of two classes per semester, including two classes over the summer; however, candidates may choose to take only one class per semester.

Yes. The PreK – 12 certification program requires 15 weeks of supervised student teaching in a Pennsylvania public or approved private school. Student teaching is only offered in the fall or spring semesters. 

We offer rolling admissions, so candidates can apply at any time.

Candidates will receive an Approved Program of Study (APS), which will guide the coursework for the certification along with a pacing guide from the department’s Graduate Coordinator. 

This is a graduate program, and tuition costs can be found by visiting the bursar’s page.

Yes. Special Education is now a stand-alone program that covers grades PreK – 12. Applicants no longer need an existing certification in order to be eligible for Special Education certification. 

All online courses offered from the Department of Special Education have both synchronous and asynchronous components. Any required synchronous components will be held in the evening hours after 4:25 p.m. 

You can apply on the Graduate School’s website. 

No. The autism certificate program does not lead to Special Education certification. 

Please visit the Financial Aid webpage for information. 

No. The Graduate Coordinator will provide pacing information for your program, and all courses have a meeting day and time.