The Master of Science in Special Education is intended for those interested in gaining greater skills and expertise in the area of Special Education and / or a teaching certificate in the area of special education. Candidates seeking PA special education certification must have been issued a prior PA instructional I or instruction II teaching certificate. The program 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, convenient part-time graduate program consisting of 49.5 credits: 31.5 credits in Core Special Education Certification courses, 12 credits in concentration courses, and 6 credits in action research. The Masters can be completed in either an online or face-to-face, campus format.
Key Program Features:
Innovative – An innovative curriculum based on the latest state regulations and research in special education. The courses bring together theory in education, research, and classroom based experiences.
Convenience – A flexible, completely online or campus based degree program that fits easily into your busy work and personal schedule.
Quality – One of “America’s Best Graduate Schools” preparing today’s educators. With a Master of Science in Special Education from Drexel University, you will be successfully equipped to enter or advance in this exciting and highly rewarding career field. Courses are developed and taught by the nationally recognized faculty of Drexel University’s School of Education and school practitioners as well experts in specific areas in the field of special education.
Accredited – Fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Drexel University’s teacher education programs are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Interactivity – Drexel University’s highly interactive e-Learning method allows extensive interaction with faculty and other classmates in your cohort.
Available Concentrations:
Autism Spectrum Disorders
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.
Languages & 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
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.
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