M.Ed. in Special Education
Master's of Education in Special Education Purpose
The M.Ed. is a professional degree and is strongly oriented toward increased competence in teaching students with disabilities. The baccalaureate/certification program is the "core" generic program upon which more advanced study is built. All persons entering any of the more specialized master's degree programs are assumed to enter having already mastered the basic Competency Clusters associated with the baccalaureate/certification program. Students without Special Education certification may be required to complete up to 26 credits of deficiency coursework as a condition of admission. Regardless of their backgrounds when admitted to the M.Ed. program, most students who complete the program will be eligible for special education certification in Pennsylvania.
General Program Requirements
M.Ed. students must accumulate a specified number of credits, complete a sequence of practicum courses and write a master's paper. If a student elects to write a M.Ed. thesis, the thesis credits are not counted as part of the minimum number of credits required for the degree.
Note: Students pursuing this degree should check with The Graduate School for the specific deadlines pertinent to the degree.
Minimum Credit Requirements
Candidates for the Master of Education degree must a complete a minimum of 30 credits at the 400-level and above. (While graduate students may enroll in courses below the 400-level, these courses do not count toward their degrees.) Of the 30 credits, at least 15 credits must be 500-level. Students who enter the program without Pennsylvania Certification to teach mentally and physically handicapped students must complete a 3-credit 400-level course in EDTHP and a 3-credit 400-level course in HDFS or (child) psychology as part of their 30 credit degree program. Finally, a supervised practicum is required of all M.Ed. students. The following list summarizes the minimum credit requirements.
Minimum Total Credits: 30 (18 cr. in SPLED)
Required Courses: SPLED 411, SPLED 412, SPLED 573 and SPLED 595 (9 cr.) (clearances/insurance required)
Special Education Credits: 18 (all coursework and practica; no credits can be earned for the M.Ed. paper.)
Credits at 500- or 600-level: 15 (9 cr. of SPLED 595 + 3 cr. of SPLED 573 + 3 additional cr.) (clearances/insurance required)
3 Credits in a 400-level EDTHP course for students without PA certification.
3 Credits in a 400-level HDFS or (child) psychology course for students without PA certification
