Master of Science in Special Education
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The M.S. in Special Education focuses on the growth and academic success of students with diverse learning needs, and the teacher's essential role in creating, assessing, and intervening to ensure that success.
The ten-course (30-credit) program emphasizes both the student experience, and the teacher's role in instructional design, assessment and intervention. Five specialized special education courses prepare teachers for success in the contemporary landscape of special education. There is also a 15-credit (5-course) graduate certificate option.
PK-12 Special Education Certification
This program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for students seeking the PK through Grade 12 Special Education certification in Pennsylvania.
To be eligible for this program, students must already have a Pennsylvania Instructional I or II certification and be currently working in a school setting.
Gratz College will recommend to PDE those candidates who:
- Complete the 5 special education courses;
- Complete the 3 credit/8 week student teaching experience;
- Obtain required passing score on the certification examination.
Students will then apply directly to PDE for the certificate.
For students seeking the MS in Special Education and certification, the total program will be 33 credits.
academics
This MS in Special Education program is 30 credits (10 courses).
For students seeking the Special Education certification, the total program will be 33 credits.
All courses are three credits, unless otherwise noted.
Foundational Requirements (9 Credits) Select one from each area:
Instructional Practice
- EDU 510: Applying Universal Design in the Classroom
- EDU 548: Differentiation & Unit Design
- EDU 556: Inclusive Practices for the Diverse Classroom
Student Experience
- EDU 512: Motivating Today’s Learners
- EDU 527: Teaching the Whole Child Through Multiple Intelligences
- EDU 574: Social & Emotional Learning in the Classroom
Equity, Inclusion & Opportunity
Special Education Concentration (15 credits)
- EDU 621: Special Education Law
- EDU 622: Professional Ethics
- EDU 623: A Systems Approach to Interventions & Specialized Instruction
- EDU 624: Supporting Students with Low Incidence Population in Schools
- EDU 625: Approaches for Positive Behavior and Social Skills in the Setting
Electives (6 credits)
Any two EDU courses not taken or from other programs by permission
Meet the Program Director
PHILIP MOORE, M.F.A., Ed.D.
Thank you for your interest in the Special Education program! I have been teaching adult students since 2002 and believe that the best learning experiences are focused on promoting personal reflection. I invite you to reach out directly with any questions about the program.
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Meet Our Faculty
The Gratz College learning community is shaped by our amazing faculty. Our instructors come from a variety of educational spaces including schools, arts organizations and state agencies. As facilitators of the learning process, their goal is to inspire students towards reflection and deep thinking about teaching and learning. They share a passion for education, and view their role as collaborators in providing applicable course content and resources, and helping students to connect this learning to their individual teaching practices.
The most meaningful thing I learned during my graduate school experience is the power of positive relationships. I have learned so much from my professors and classmates. These positive relationships showed me how to persevere no matter what challenges lay ahead.
— Leandra Poole, M.Ed. student
