Master in Education (M.Ed.)
Special Education
with Grades PreK-12 Special Education Certification (for non-certified teachers)
Program Highlights & Benefits
Flexible, online course format
2 year completion time, including holiday breaks
For
Non-certified teachers seeking initial certification in Grades PreK-12 Special Education and a M.Ed. in Special Education.
What You Learn
The Master of Education in Special Education leading to Pennsylvania Grades PreK-12 Special Education certification program is designed for non-certified teachers with an undergraduate degree who wish to earn their initial teaching certification in Grades PreK-12 Special Education.
How You Learn
Point Park’s online programs are offered in a cohort format with courses being 8 weeks long in a predetermined course sequence and are asynchronous for your convenience. Observation and field experience requirements are built into many of the courses, so students should expect to spend time in classrooms for this initial certification.
Online students have access to the same great benefits as those on campus, including Point Park faculty with real-world experience, small online class sizes for individualized attention, a full spectrum of University resources, and a student success advisor offering support from application to graduation, who will guide you to successfully complete your degree.
Every student teacher will satisfy the PDE requirement of a student teaching experience, including at least 30 instructional days in a PA school, during the final term of the program (15-week full time school hours).
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.Ed. 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 533 | Special Education and Inclusive Practices | 3 |
| EDUC 541 | Culturally Responsive Schools, Teachers, and Classrooms | 3 |
| 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 |
| EDUC 567 | Methods of Teaching English Language Learners in the Content Areas | 3 |
| SPED 542 | Intensive Reading, Writing and Mathematics Interventions | 3 |
| SPED 538 | Secondary Transition Processes and Procedures | 3 |
| EDUC 624 | Student Teaching Seminar | 3 |
| EDUC 625 | Student Teaching Practicum | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 42 |
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.
All candidates must be recommended for certification by Point Park University’s authorized certification officer.
Students will need to spend considerable time in Special Education K-12 classrooms to satisfy Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements pertaining to field experience and observation hours prior to certification.
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