Special Education

Alvernia University uses the rolling admission process: that is, we continually accept and review applications. This provides an advantage of starting the program at your convenience. 

How to apply for:

• Master of Education with Special Education (PK-12) Certification
• Master of Education in Special Education 
• Special Education (PK-12) Certification

• Graduate education tuition rate is aligned with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) institutions.
• Tuition payment plan and tuition deferment are available.
• For more information, visit alvernia.edu/ Financial Aid for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application (fafsa.gov). AU Title IV Code: 003233. 
• The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email: sfs@alvernia.edu.

• Key disabilities
• Research-based practices in providing equitable and inclusive education to the students with special needs
• Technology to assist individuals with disabilities
• Special education law
• School law
• Research for educators
• Professional ethics

The Master of Education with Special Education Certification (PK-12) curriculum includes the coursework in two areas: special education courses and core master of education courses, total of 45 credits with field experiences, pre-student teaching, and 210 student teaching hours. Up to 6 graduate credits from another university may be transferred upon approval. Course credits may be used as Act 48 credits. 

Special Education Certification Courses (27 credits)

• MED 505: Introduction to Special Needs Students (3 credits)
• MED 515: Differentiated Instruction in Inclusive Classrooms (3 credits)
• MED 522: Practicum I (2 credits, 40 practicum hours)
• MED 535: Collaboration & Legal Issues for Special Educators (3 credits)
• MED 542: Assessment & Instruction of Students with Developmental Disabilities (3 credits)
• MED 544: Transition & Instruction for Secondary Special Needs Students (3 credits)
• MED 545: Social Development & Behavior Support in Inclusive Classrooms (3 credits)
• MED 605: Enhancing Literacy for Special Needs Students (3 credits)
• MED 671: Student Teaching in Special Education Seminar (1 credit, co-requisite MED 673)
• MED 673: Student Teaching in Special Education (3 credits, 210 student teaching hours)

M.Ed. Courses (18 credits)

• COR 520: Ethics and Moral Leadership (3 credits)
• MED 518: Quantitative Research Methods (3 credits)
• MED 520: Educators as Researchers (3 credits)
• MED 610: School Law & Social Advocacy (3 credits)
• MED 680: Research Seminar (3 credits)
• MED XXX Master of Education Elective: (3 credits)

The Master of Education in Special Education curriculum includes the coursework in two areas: special education and core master of education courses, total of 11 courses (33 credits) with field experiences. Up to 6 graduate credits from another university may be transferred upon approval. Course credits may be used as Act 48 credits. 

Special Education Courses (18 credits)

• MED 505, Introduction to Special Education (3 credits, 5 field hours)
• MED 515, Differentiated Instruction in the Inclusive Classroom (3 credits, 5 field hours, pre-requisite MED 505)
• MED 535, Collaboration and Legal Issues for Special Education (3 credits, pre-requisite MED 515)
• MED 542, Assessment and Instruction of Students with Developmental Disabilities (3 credits, 10 field hours)
• MED 605, Enhancing Literacy for the Special Needs Students (3 credits, 20 field hours)
• MED XXX, Elective
   

M.Ed. Courses (15 credits)

• COR 520, Ethics and Moral Leadership (3 credits)
• MED 518, Quantitative Research Methods (3 credits)
• MED 520, Educators as Researchers (3 credits)
• MED 610, School Law & Social Advocacy (3 credits)
• MED 680, Research Seminar (3 credits)

The Special Education (PK-12) Certification curriculum includes 10 courses (27 credits) with field experiences, pre-student teaching, and 210 student teaching. Up to 6 graduate credits from another university may be transferred upon approval. Course credits may be used as Act 48 credits. 

Special Education Certification Courses (27 credits)

• MED 505, Introduction to Special Education (3 credits, 5 field hours)
• MED 515, Differentiated Instruction in the Inclusive Classroom (3 credits, 5 field hours)
• MED 522, Practicum in Special Education (2 credits, 40 practicum hours)
• MED 535, Collaboration and Legal Issues for Special Education (3 credits)
• MED 542, Assessment and Instruction of Students with Developmental Disabilities (3 credits, 10 field hours)
• MED 544, Transition and Instruction Secondary Education Special Needs Students (3 credits, 10 field hours)
• MED 545, Social Development and Behavior Support in Inclusive Classrooms (3 credits)
• MED 605, Enhancing Literacy for the Special Needs Students (3 credits, 20 field hours)
• MED 671, Student Teaching in Special Education Seminar (1 credit, co-requisite MED 673)
• MED 673, Student Teaching in Special Education (3 credits, 210 student teaching hours)

• The Special Education (PK-12) Certification Program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
• Alvernia University is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

After earning your Master of Education with Special Education Certification online, you can pursue a variety of careers, including:

• Special education/learning support teacher
• Subject area teacher certified in Special Education (PK-12) 
• Special education supervisor/director

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of special education teachers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, about the average for all occupations. The median annual wage in 2021 was $61,820.