The program offers two certification pathways. Students can enroll in a course of study leading to Pre K- 8 certification or in a course of study leading to 7- 12 certification, as noted below. Both pathways require 33 credit hours of coursework and include an internship. The application deadline to the program is March 1st. Later applications may be accepted as program capacity allows.
Graduate students entering the Pre K- 8 program must already hold or plan on obtaining the N-3, K-6, Pre K-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 Department of Education, prior to student-teaching.