MEd in PreK-12 Special Education

Become a highly skilled and progressive teacher in special education by earning your Master of Education (MEd) in PreK-12 Special Education.

Our 33-credit program addresses the challenges of today’s schools and prepares you to teach effectively in pre-kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, and high school settings. Upon graduation, you will be eligible for the Instructional I Special Education PreK-12 teaching certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and will also receive a Master of Education (MEd) degree.

Ignite learning in your education and accelerate your career through our MEd in PreK-12 Special Education.

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Program Facts

Degree Type

Master of Education (MEd) in PreK-12 Special Education

Enrollment Term

Summer (late June)

Format

In-Person

Credits

Application Deadline

March 1
Late applicants are encouraged to apply and will be considered based on available space in the program.

Admissions Requirements

GRE exam not required

Duration

One year

Time Commitment

Full-Time

Upcoming Info Sessions

General Info Session (Virtual)

September 15, 2025 | Noon-1 PM

General Info Session (Virtual)

November 17, 2025 | Noon - 1 p.m.

General Info Session (Virtual)

December 15, 2025 | Noon – 1 p.m.

Program Overview

Become a Special Education Teacher

Our program meets the latest regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the special education PreK-12 teacher certification. Through our comprehensive curriculum and student teaching experience, you will learn how to deliver evidence-based instructional methods for school-age children with disabilities. This includes high leverage instructional practices to improve learning outcomes for all students, developing and implementing individual education plans, and understanding applicable laws and policies.

Lead with Integrity

Our goal is to help you develop into a principled teacher who is committed to equity, justice, and innovation, and strives to support student, family, and community success.

State Teaching Certification

The program satisfies the requirements for the Instructional I Special Education PreK-12 teaching certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, pending:

Earning a passing score on the following ETS exams: Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications (5354) and Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (5511);
Completing the Pennsylvania Statewide Evaluation Form for Student Professional Knowledge and Practice (PDE 430);
Demonstrating satisfactory performance in courses and required field experiences

Degree Requirements

Completion of coursework, fall practicum experience, full-time student teaching (spring), and a comprehensive exam.

I have had an awesome experience with the School of Education. I have really enjoyed getting to know my cohort and professors, but love the opportunities I have had to engage with students. 
Ian Truesdell - MEd in Special Education Student

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Prerequisites

Two prerequisite courses (which can also be taken as co-requisites):

Foundations of Special Education (3 credits)
Teaching English Language Learners (3 credits)

Admission Requirements

Program requirements include:

Bachelor’s degree in any area of study

Additionally, applicants must complete the School of Education online admissions application that will include:

Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
Goal statement
Contact information for three professional references
Academic transcript

View full admissions requirements

Curriculum

The MEd in PreK-12 Special Education is a 33-credit program that leads to state certification for special education teachers.

You will complete courses in high- and low-incidence disabilities, behavioral support strategies, literacy curriculum development, and educational research methods. Additionally, you will complete a student teaching and practicum experience.

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Career Pathways

Special education is a high-need sector within educator that provides strong employment prospects in a variety of settings, including:

Special education teacher in grades PreK-12
Special education teachers in co-taught, inclusive or self-contained learning models
Special education teachers in public, charter and approved private schools
Special education careers in private organizational settings
Future roles in school administration

Program Faculty

Program Coordinator