In order to accomodate those students who are unable to complete the MPD certification program on a full-time basis, a two-year, part-time option is available. Part-time MPD students must complete 33 credits beyond the prerequisite course work. Like the full-time program, part-time teacher certification candidates follow a sequential plan of study which includes course work, several field
experiences in the schools, sixteen weeks of student teaching at two different school sites, and completion of a professional portfolio. With the exception of the first summer term, MPD courses are offered in the evening. Each course in the MPD specialization is offered only one time per year, so students who miss a course will need to wait a full year to enroll in the needed course. If planning to also obtain the Master of Education (MEd) degree, students have the option to
take the additional approved BAE courses required during any term in the two-year course of study.
Part-time study will begin in the summer with the newest cohort of full-time students. The following fall, part-time students will enroll in Block A courses. Because fall course assignments must be carried out with school-age students, a field-based experience will be required for this block. In the spring, students will take one certification course. Students then have the option of taking another certification course in the summer (Professional Issues Seminar), or waiting until the following summer to
enroll in it. In the fall of the second year, students will enroll in Block B courses. Block B course assignments must also be carried out with school-age students. However, the field-based experiences for this block will take place in each part-time teacher-candidate's two student teaching placement sites scheduled for the spring term of year two. If students have not completed Professional Issues Seminar, they will take it immediately following student teaching. If planning to obtain the Master of Education (MEd) degree, part-time students will also enroll in IL 2590, Research Seminar in Special Education at this time.
Students seeking admission to part time study in the MPD teacher certification program must meet the same requirements in place for full-time applicants.
Contact Information
School of Education Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management
5500 Wesley W. Posvar Hall
230 S. Bouquet St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
PHONE: 412-648-2230
FAX: 412-648-1899
EMAIL: soeinfo@pitt.edu
ONLINE (preferred): Inquiry Form
APPLICATION: Admissions Application
