Program Overview

Graduate Certificate: Special Education

The Special Education Graduate Certificate is a non-degree program that meets all of the Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements for teacher certification. Designed for current professionals who already have their teaching certification in another area, this 19-credit certificate prepares students to implement evidence-based practices, support inclusive classrooms, tailor instruction to individual needs, manage classroom behavior effectively, and navigate the legal and ethical dimensions of special education.

Time Limit for Certificate Completion

The time limit for certificate completion is 4 years.

Campus Location

The campus location for this program is Main.

Full-Time/Part-Time Status

The graduate certificate can be completed on a part-time basis.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline

The application deadlines are:

• March 1
• November 1
• Summer II: March 1

Letters of Reference

• Number Required: 2
• From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained to provide insight regarding the applicant's academic competence. References from college/university faculty are recommended.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration

Significant coursework (i.e., the equivalent of a minor or better) and/or professional experience related to the intended certification area are preferred.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline

A bachelor's degree is required. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is expected.

Transcripts

Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all accredited institutions attended and/or from which credit was earned must be submitted.

International Applicants

International applicants must also submit an official document, including a course-by-course evaluation conducted by a NACES-accredited organization, that validates completion and conferral of a degree, diploma and/or certificate.

Statement of Goals

In 500 to 1,000 words, outline your interest in seeking a master's degree with a specific focus on the career to which you aspire, your interests, and your academic and job-related experiences that are relevant to the program.

Standardized Test Scores

Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English, with the exception of those who subsequently earned a master's degree at a U.S. institution, must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet these minimums:

• TOEFL iBT: 79
• IELTS Academic: 6.5
• PTE Academic: 53

Resume

A current resume is required.

Transfer Credit

Courses may be transferred from an accredited institution provided they were completed less than five years ago, are considered current, and are relevant to the certificate. The academic program makes the decision about the relevancy of the courses. Aligned with Graduate School policy, no more than 20% of the credits required for the certificate may be transferred.

Clearances

All admitted students must submit copies of the required Pennsylvania criminal background check, FBI criminal history, Child Abuse check, and TB test to the College of Education and Human Development's Office of Field Placement prior to enrolling in their first term.

Certificate Requirements

Number of Credits Required to Complete the Certificate

The number of credits required to complete the certificate is 19.

Required Courses

The required courses are:

• SPED 5402: Effective Transition Practices for Students with Disabilities (3 credits)
• SPED 5105: Assessment in Special Education (3 credits)
• SPED 5201: Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities: Effective Teaching Strategies (3 credits)
• SPED 5211: Effective Instruction for Students with Disabilities (3 credits)
• SPED 5106: Literacy Instruction for Students with Disabilities (3 credits)
• EDUC 5409: Research Methods and Induction Capstone (3 credits)
• EDUC 5888: Supervised Teaching (1 credit)

The plan of study grid is as follows:

• Year 1, Fall: SPED 5402 (3 credits), SPED 5105 (3 credits) = 6 credits
• Year 1, Spring: SPED 5201 (3 credits), SPED 5211 (3 credits) = 6 credits
• Year 1, Summer: SPED 5106 (3 credits) = 3 credits
• Year 2, Fall: EDUC 5409 (3 credits), EDUC 5888 (1 credit) = 4 credits
• Total Credit Hours: 19