The program offers two certification pathways. Students can enroll in a course of studies leading to Pre K- 8 certification or in a course of studies leading to 7- 12 certification, as noted below. Both pathways require 39 credit hours of coursework and include an internship.
Graduate students entering the PreK- 8 program must already hold or plan on obtaining the N-3, K-6, PreK-4, 4-8, K-12, or Reading Specialist PA certification prior to being eligible to apply for the Special Education Pre K-8 certificate upon graduation from the program. Graduate students entering the Special Education 7-12 program must already hold or plan on obtaining a 7-12, K-12, or Reading Specialist PA certification prior to being eligible to apply for the Special Education 7-12 certificate upon graduation from the program.
All students who are pursuing a Master’s degree must complete the research and foundation course requirements and pass a capstone experience/ comprehensive examination. Students must pass the requisite PECT test(s), which are mandated by the Pennsylvania Dept of Education in addition to the curricular requirements.