Preparing teaching professionals to take on the challenges facing today’s diverse students
The Master of Science in Special Education 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 research.Concentrations:
- Autism:
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.
- Customization:
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 18 credits of their choosing from the special education certification core in addition to completing the research courses.
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. If you do not have your teaching certification, you have a few options:
- Earn your Instructional I through a post bachelor’s teaching certification program such as the one offered through Drexel- http://www.drexel.com/online-degrees/education-degrees/cert-pbt/index.aspx. You could then apply to the MS in Special Education program.
- Rather than enroll in the MS in Special Education program, take the MS Teaching, Learning and Curriculum: Teacher Certification Track program and take your electives in Special Education (you will need to take four additional classes beyond those needed for the MS degree to earn both certifications). At the end of this program, you would have both your Instructional I and Special Education certifications, as well as a Masters in Science. More info can be found here- http://www.drexel.com/online-degrees/education-degrees/ms-si/index.aspx.
- Take the Special Education program as a non-certification student. You will not be able to teach in public schools in PA if you choose this option. However, many teachers in states outside of Pennsylvania choose this option after contacting their state DoE to determine what is needed to earn a special education certification in that state.
Degree Features and Benefits
- Convenience – A flexible, completely online degree program that fits easily into your busy work and personal schedule.
- Quality – One of “America’s Best Graduate Schools 2010” 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.
- 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’s highly interactive e-Learning method allows extensive interaction with faculty and other classmates in your cohort.
The School of Education’s Mission: The School of Education at Drexel University seeks to enrich knowledge and practice related to lifespan learning, based on the best and most current research and practices, through our unique emphasis on creativity, problem solving and application of the latest technologies to learning.
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