Graduate Degrees

Graduate Degree Overview

Special Education serves students who deviate so far from average in physical, intellectual, emotional, or social characteristics that they do not profit adequately from mainstream educational programs even with modifications and adaptations. The purpose of the M.Ed. program in Special Education is to prepare teachers of students with disabilities. M.Ed. candidates are trained in empirically validated behavior management techniques and instructional design, proven teaching methods, and assessment appropriate for effective work with children and youth with cognitive and emotional disabilities at all age levels and degrees of severity. The purpose of the M.S. and Ph.D. programs is to prepare researchers and college and university teachers in the education of students with cognitive and behavioral disabilities. The former program is professional in nature; the latter two, academic.

Below is a brief description of the requirements for the master's and doctoral programs. However, the most current Graduate Degree Programs Bulletin contains a complete and official description of all courses and program requirements for the graduate programs in Special Education.

Master's Degree Requirements

Prerequisites for the M.Ed. program include 26 credits basic to the education of exceptional children (courses comparable to SPLED 425, 401, 409, 454, and 495E; and a 400-level course in child development or child psychology. Of the 30 credits required for the M.Ed. degree, 6 must be taken from fields outside of special education; at least 18 must be taken in special education; and 15 credits must be taken at the 500-level. SPLED 573 is required along with two practica: SPLED 595A and 595B. M.Ed. candidates must complete a master's paper.

Of the 30 credits required for the M.S. degree, 6 must be taken from one discipline outside of education; 18 must be taken in special education; and 18 must be taken at the 500-level or above. SPLED 573 and EDPSY 400 are required as are 6 credits of thesis research, SPLED 600. M.S. candidates must complete a master's thesis and pass a comprehensive examination.

All requirements for either the M.Ed. or the M.S. degree, whether satisfied at University Park, Great Valley, or elsewhere, must be met within 6 years or a period spanning seven consecutive summers.

See also the Web sites for graduate programs in Special Education at Penn State Great Valley.

Doctoral Degree Requirements

Minimum requirements for the Ph.D. degree include 24 credits of research methods; 18 credits in a cognate area such as psychology, sociology, or child development; and 36 credits in education. A candidacy examination is required no later than the second semester of full-time study; a communication requirement is prescribed by each student's committee and includes the completion of a philosophy of science course and additional communication competencies in an area such as foreign language, computer programming, alternative communication systems, and research publication. A comprehensive oral examination is required and may be scheduled after the completion of the language requirement and a substantial proportion of coursework. All candidates must complete a dissertation and pass a final oral examination. The Ph.D. program must be completed within 7 years from the date of acceptance as a candidate. The Ph.D. program is located at University Park, although course work is frequently available at Great Valley.

Admission Requirements

1. The Graduate School Application for Admission form (fee applied).

2. Two official transcripts in sealed envelope.

3. Personal Data Sheet and Personal Statement for Graduate Study in Special Education.

4. Three recommendations, one of which should be completed by someone familiar with your academic coursework and which attests to your potential to complete Ph.D. study.

5. Your scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

6. Copy of any Special Education teaching certificate (master's level applicants).

7. For international students:

   • Scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

   • Application for Visa Document.

   • Proof of financial support.

Links

Sources of Financial Aid
If you have read the specific requirements for Special Education, then you may formally apply to The Graduate School at PSU.