Special Education (Pre-K-8), MEd

Research (3 Credits)

• ED 510 - Applications of Educational Research 3 Credit(s) ^† (for master’s degree students only)

Foundations (9 credits)

• ED 506 - School Law and Child Rights 3 Credit(s)
• ED 507 - Instructional and Educational Psychology 3 Credit(s) *
• ED 513 - Classroom Management and School Discipline 3 Credit(s) *

Professional Core (21 Credits)

Students should choose seven courses from the following:

• ED 543 - Needs and Nurture of Gifted Children 3 Credit(s) *#Elective
• ED 624 - Teaching English Language Learners 3 Credit(s)
• ED 630 - Special Education Process and Procedures, Screening, Assessment, and LEP Development 3 Credit(s) *
• ED 662 - Education of Students with Developmental Disabilities 3 Credit(s) * # Elective
• ED 663 - Education of Students with Emotional or Behavioral Disabilities 3 Credit(s) * # Elective
• ED 664 - Education of Students with Physical or Multiple Disabilities 3 Credit(s) *#Elective
• ED 666 - The School Leader’s Role in Special Education 3 Credit(s) *
• ED 5500 - Introduction to Special Education 3 Credit(s) ^ *
• ED 6600 - Collaboration and Inclusion 3 Credit(s)

Total Credits: 30/33 (with certification)

^†Required of students pursuing a master’s degree.

* Required for the master’s degree in special education or special education certification.

​^#This course requires field experience.

^{^}Required for Certificate of Completion in Special Education Assistive Technologies.

Students must already hold a Level I Instructional Certificate or be in the process of completing a Level 1 Instructional Certificate, as the Pennsylvania Department of Education does not consider Special Education Pre-K-8 as a standalone certificate. Students without previous coursework in foundations/introductions to special education need to take ED 5500  in their first semester and need to complete a total of 30 credits in special education (to include the 3 credits in ELL). Students without coursework in teaching English language learners need to take ED 624 . Students without coursework in collaboration need to take ED 6600 . A minimum of 30 credits is required for students pursuing a master’s degree. For students pursuing a master’s degree and certification, more than 30 hours may be required.