Master of Science in Special Education

About the Program

The Master of Science in Special Education seeks to produce professionals who are equipped with the fundamental skills, knowledge, and competencies they will need to meet the needs of students at risk for and with disabilities in multiple settings. The program is a flexible, part-time graduate program consisting of 49.5 credits: 31.5 credits in Core Special Education Certification courses, 12.0 credits in concentration courses, and 6.0 credits in research. The program culminates with each potential graduate completing an action research project and presentation within his or her area of concentration.

Available Concentrations

Autism Spectrum Disorder
Within the past decade, the number of children diagnosed with Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome has increased drastically. Consequently, the need for professionals trained in this specialized area has significantly increased. This concentration is designed for those who seek additional expertise in this critical need area. It will provide knowledge and skills for working with both students with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome as well as effective teaching methods, interventions, and supports.

Technologies for Special Education
Best practices in the education of students with disabilities requires educational professionals to be proficient with a wide range of technologies. This concentration is designed for those seeking additional expertise in the area of educational technologies and assistive technology that can be used to create accessible learning opportunities and increased outcomes for students with disabilities.

Language & Cultural Issues
The students in today’s classrooms are not only diverse in the area of abilities and disabilities but also in regards to their language and cultural backgrounds. This concentration is designed for those who are seeking to work with students who are at-risk for or who have disabilities that are also from linguistically and culturally diverse backgrounds. The coursework in this concentration can be applied to PA Program Specialist - English as a Second Language (ESL) certification.

Customized Concentration
Students who already posses a special education certification or who are not interested in obtaining a special education certification but want to enhance their skills in specific special education topic areas may choose to take two of the concentrations (24 credits) and 19.5 credits of their choosing from the special education certification core in addition to completing the research courses.

For additional information, visit the School of Education's MS in Special Education web page or the Drexel e-Learning's web site.