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• M.Ed. Special Education – Initial Certification: Leads to the initial Certification in Special Education. Also available as certification only.
  >> Coursework: Includes 10 courses and student teaching
  >> Who Should Apply: Welcomes students with any undergraduate degree
  >> Program Delivery: Hybrid course delivery
• M.Ed. in Special Education – Advanced Certification: Leads to advanced certification in Special Education. 
  >> Coursework: Includes 10 courses and field-based capstone (typically in the field where you teach)
  >> Who Should Apply: For students who have an existing teaching certification in another area
  >> Program Delivery: Hybrid course delivery
• M.Ed. in Special Education: - Intern Certification: For students that can take the special education certification exam at the beginning of the sequence.
  >> Coursework: Includes 6 courses and 2 semester internship
  >> Who Should Apply: For students with certification in teaching and/or any undergraduate degree
  >> Program Delivery: Hybrid course delivery
• M.Ed. in Special Education: Traditional Certification for Professionals working under an Emergency Permit in Special Education
  >> Coursework: Includes 10 courses and student teaching
  >> Who Should Apply: Welcomes students with any undergraduate degree
  >> Program Delivery: Hybrid course delivery
• M.S. in Special Education: Traditional Certification for Professionals working under an Emergency Permit in Special Education
  >> Coursework: Includes 10 courses including a graduate practicum
  >> Who Should Apply: Welcomes students with a bachelor’s degree in special education
  >> Program Delivery: Hybrid course delivery
• Special Education Supervisory Certification: For graduate students who have taught in special education settings and are seeking special education supervisory certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This program can be integrated into a Master of Science in Special Education degree.
  >> Coursework: 5 courses and a 6-credit field-based capstone experience
  >> Program Delivery: 100% online
• Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Wellness Certification: For post-baccalaureate students who have a Pennsylvania Department of Education teaching certificate that can be added to their PDE teaching certification.
  >> Coursework: 3 courses and a 3-credit field-based experience
  >> Program Delivery: 100% online

• Special Education MS
• Special Education MEd
• Special Education Supervisory Cert

Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2023, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, .

General admission requirements of the School of Graduate Studies and the Special Education Program:

• A one‐page letter of intent stating professional background, experience, and rationale for wanting to be admitted to the department.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• A resume.
• An interview with the chair or graduate coordinator.
• A copy of a valid PA teaching certificate, if applicable.
• An official transcript(s).
• An undergraduate cumulative QPA of 3.0. If average is below a 3.0, the student may be admitted as provisional with a lower GPA on a case-by-case basis.
• In consultation with the graduate advisor, students must obtain and submit the appropriate documentation and clearances for the upcoming semester, as appropriate for field-based embedded coursework and capstone experiences.

Maintenance of a QPA of 3.0 as required for retention in the program. A maximum of two Cs is permissible. A "C minus" is not acceptable. If a C is earned in a practicum course, it must be repeated with a grade of a B or better within a time frame determined by the area of concentration.

• Maintenance and documentation of Act 34 (Criminal Record), Act 114 (Federal Criminal History), and Act 151 (Child Abuse) clearances.
• Maintenance and documentation of professional liability insurance and TB screening/
• Demonstration of satisfactory performance as outlined in the program of study and consistent with the Professional Competencies listed in PDE 354.33 and PDE Specific Program Guidelines.
• Continuation of field and clinical experiences as outlined in the curriculum and/or program of study including hours completed in diverse settings and with diverse populations.

For detailed description and additional requirements, see applicable Program of Study Packet (Initial or Advanced Programs) and/or Policy 3810 for the Initial Certification Program or the College of Education Policy 3.1 for all Advanced Programs (with or without certification).

All graduate students must have documentation of current clearances, professional liability insurance, and TB screening on file in the Department of Exceptionality Programs prior to enrolling in any education course that requires a field experience.

• A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better.
• Completion of all other requirements as identified in Policy 3810 and College of Education Policy 3.1 and the Initial Teacher Certification Graduate Program and the Advanced Teacher Certification Graduate Program Packets.

The following Exit criteria apply to students enrolled in the Initial Teacher Certification Graduate Program:

Demonstration of competency in Student Teaching as described by PDE 354 Standards and supported by:

• Written evaluations by cooperating teachers.
• Written evaluations by university supervisors.
• Grades of "C" or better (C minus does not meet this criterion).

In order to receive Pennsylvania Department of Education Instructional Level I certification*, candidates must successfully complete the following Pennsylvania Educators Certification Tests (PECT):

• Special Education PK-8 (Modules 1 & 2)
• Grades PK-4: Core and Professional Knowledge (Modules 1, 2 & 3)

If you plan on teaching in a state other than Pennsylvania, make sure you are aware of the state's certification test requirements. It's suggested you complete certification in Pennsylvania first. Reciprocal agreements exist with many other states. If you do not have the initial certificate there exists no agreement.

Advanced Certification Graduate Program: If you are currently certified in education, your culminating course will be the practicum. Depending on which advanced certification* you are seeking, you will only need to take the PECT Special Education PK-8 (Modules 1 & 2) or the PECT Special Education 7-12 (Modules 1 & 2).

*Achieving the Master of Education is separate from teacher certification.

• Q: When can I start?
  A: Applications are accepted for the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.
• Q: Do I need to take the GRE in order to apply?
  A: No - the GRE is not required for admission.
• Q: Is there a GPA requirement for admission?
  A: Yes - typically a 3.0 GPA is required for admission. However, if you have below a 3.0 GPA, please make contact with Dr. Robin Drogan, Program Coordinator.
• Q: If I'm using my employer's tuition reimbursement program, can my tuition bills be deferred until after the semester?
  A: Yes. Completion of the Application for Deferment will enable you to defer 75% of your tuition and fee charges (after paying 25% down) until 45 days after the conclusion of the semester. During this time, you should be able to secure reimbursement from your employer. The remaining payment will be drawn from your account automatically through the payment plan 45 days after the end of the semester, unless paid prior to that date. More information available here under the 'Tuition Statements, Charges, and Payments' section. If you have any questions, you can contact the Student Billing Office at 570-389-4013 or studentbilling@commonwealthu.edu.

M.Ed. Special Education

• Describe major considerations related to identifying individuals with disabilities and assess the individuals properly.
• Identify and differentiate learner differences within each disability category based on a student's level of functioning rather than classification.
• Demonstrate understanding of over-representation of minorities in special education so as to not misinterpret behaviors that represent cultural, linguistic differences as indicative of learning problems.
• Identify and use specialized resources in order to implement specially designed instruction for individuals with disabilities.
• Recommend and use evidence-based practices validated for specific characteristics of learners and settings.
• Apply prevention and intervention strategies for individuals at-risk for academic or behavioral failure.

M.S. Special Education

• Apply knowledge, theories, evidence-based practices, and relevant laws to advocate for programs, supports, and services for individuals with exceptionalities.
• Use their knowledge of general and specialized curricula to improve programs, supports, and services at the classroom, school, community, and systems level.
• Evaluate research and inquiry to identify effective practices.
• Model respect and ethical practice for all individuals and encourage challenging expectations for individuals with exceptionalities.
• Participate in professional development and professional learning communities to increase professional knowledge and expertise.
• Use legal policies, ethical standards, and emerging issues to inform decision making in special education practice.

Supervisory Certification in Special Education

• Demonstrate central concepts of organizational leadership, tools of research and inquiry, and principles of evidence-based instruction
• Apply effective communication strategies with various stakeholders
• Contributes to school effectiveness by collaborating with professionals and families, shares community resources, and works as an advocate to improve the outcomes of students with disabilities
• Utilizes a variety of assessment tools to inform the diagnostic process and supports the outcomes of students with disabilities