Master of Education Special Education Certification
Become a leader in the classroom as you earn your master’s degree and certification.
- Next Start Date
- Est. Program Length
- 2 years
- Credit Hours
- 45*
- Course Length
- 7 weeks
- Credits Accepted
- 6
- Cost per Credit
- $630
- Accreditation
- MSCHE
*Credit hours vary depending on program completion. M.Ed in Special Education (33 hours) and M.Ed with Special Education Certification (45 hours)
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Alvernia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Program Overview
Advance your teaching career while focusing on various aspects of special education with Alvernia University’s online Master of Education with special education certification. Through our program, you’ll acquire a strong foundation in advanced teaching skills and techniques while simultaneously earning specialized certification that will help you stand out in the field. And with the online format, you’ll have flexibility to study at your own pace from a location of your choosing while also gaining extensive in-the-classroom experience.
Alvernia University earned the Education Field of Study badge from Colleges of Distinction for the 2020-21 academic year. Colleges of Distinction evaluates institutions based on their commitment to “Four Distinctions:” engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community and successful outcomes.
Topics of Study
With our online program’s core Master of Education courses, you will learn how to be an effective leader in education, studying topics such as:
- Ethics and philosophy of moral leadership
- Mathematical and statistical methodology used in educational research
- How special education services are developed and presented in modern schools
- Utilizing content, methods and materials specially geared toward teaching children with varying needs in the inclusive classroom
- Legal statutes and regulations regarding students with disabilities and how they affect classroom instruction
- Best practices of assessment and instruction for those with developmental disabilities, such as autism
- Various classroom practices for helping students develop and improve their literacy skills
The special education certification also requires completion of a practicum in which you will observe a teacher and their classroom, along with completion of student teaching in a special education classroom.
Our Online M.Ed. with Special Education Certification Is For Those:
- Wanting to advance their education career
- Hoping to bring positive change to students with special needs
- Wishing to specialize in special education to pursue a variety of careers, including teacher, intervention specialist or special education director
For those interested in Alvernia’s on-campus program, click here to learn more.
Courses
The online master of education with special education certification consists of 45 credits, including 18 dedicated to the Master of Education core courses. The program’s special education teaching certification makes up 27 credits and includes student teaching and a practicum.
Course Description Credits COR 520 A discussion and analysis of philosophies of moral leadership. The course is designed to present a vision for the development of reflective, responsible, and socially engaged leadership for the community, workplace, society and the global world. It will include the study of topics such as: theories of and approaches to moral leadership; the ideal relationship between leaders and followers; historical exemplars of moral leadership; and the contrast between moral and immoral leadership. This course facilitates interdisciplinary dialogue and stimulates discussion of ethical leadership.3 MED 518 This course is designed to familiarize the student with the use of mathematical and statistical methodology used in educational research. Topics will include descriptive statistics, introduction to inferential statistics, t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, multiple comparison procedures, research design and the use of SPSS software.3 MED 520 This course is designed to assist students in becoming informed consumers of the educational research literature and understanding the scope and range of educational research. Students will develop an understanding of various research methodologies, will synthesize current educational research, and will demonstrate knowledge important in the protection of human subjects as research participants. Prerequisite: MED 5183 MED 610 This course examines the federal and state legislation and court rulings that govern urban education. A review of legal concepts and procedures provides essential knowledge about the rights and responsibilities of educators and the students they serve. The study of legislation and significant court rulings that have promoted equity, educational opportunity and social justice summarizes the contributions of advocates who have worked to transform urban education.3 MED 680 This course is seminar format capstone experience augmented by significant readings from the professional literature that will facilitate discussions of current and potential issues and trends in the educational arena. Students will demonstrate their ability to analyze and synthesize these issues using class discussions and readings, culminating in the completion of a publishable-quality scholarly paper and corresponding class presentation. Pre-requisite: MED 520.3 MED Master of Education Elective 3 Course Description Credits MED 505 This course reviews all areas of student exceptionalities and how special education services are acquired, developed and provided in today’s schools. Students will learn how family and community collaboration together with research-based educational practices assist individuals with exceptionalities be successful in home, school and community settings. Ten (10) hours of fieldwork with children in community settings are embedded in this course.3 MED 515 This course focuses on content, methods, and materials specifically oriented to assisting students with diverse needs to achieve academically and socially in today’s inclusive schools. Competencies and best practices needed by school leaders as well as classroom teachers who address the needs of students with disabilities are addressed in the course objectives.3 MED 522 In this two-credit, one semester course, you will be engaged with children with disabilities and organizations that serve them in an inclusive classroom setting for at least 40 hours. In addition, you will design and execute a project within and instructor-approved Personal Learning Plan structure. Online supervision will be provided by the university, in collaboration with a field site mentor, for both classroom-based and project-based elements of this practicum experience.2 MED 535 The course, designed for prospective special education classroom teachers, has students review, analyze and discuss current trends and issues in special education. Topics include, but are not be limited to: inclusive classrooms, early interventions, state-wide assessment programs, collaborative and co-teaching models of instruction. The semester-to-semester topics under discussion vary and evolve as issues in the field change to newer and more current conditions.3 MED 542 Assessment & Instruction of Students with Developmental Disabilities 3 MED 544 This course addresses the legal and instructional issues related to adolescents and young adults with disabilities. Topics include functional curriculum, individual transition planning, self-determination and self-advocacy. Included in this course are ten hours of embedded fieldwork within community-based, vocational or post-secondary sites where individuals aged 16 through young adults are taught.3 MED 545 This course focuses on creating social skills and behaviors using pro-active approaches to meet the needs of all learners within a positive classroom climate. The routines of management as well as the individualized planning for special behavior needs of children with disabilities will be presented. For students enrolled in MED 545 as required for initial teaching certification, 20 hours of required field experience are embedded and required in this course.3 MED 605 The course, designed for prospective special education classroom teachers, develops skills for the development, teaching, and enhancing of literacy skills: language, reading, and writing. Students review current and developing research and classroom practices that encourage the acquisition and improvement of those skills through learning strategies that can be used in classroom experiences.3 MED 671 Student Teaching in Special Education 3 MED 673 Co-requisite MED 671-Student Teaching in Special Education.1 * This class is to be taken prior to those listed below it.
Students who wish to earn only their master’s degree should inquire about our Master of Education in Special Education, which has 33 total credit hours.
Admission Requirements
For admission into Alvernia Online’s online master’s in special education, you must have a baccalaureate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. To apply:
- Speak to an enrollment counselor
- Complete an application
- Provide proof of a baccalaureate degree and official transcripts from all colleges and institutions attended
- Provide three letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic sources
- Write a one-page personal statement about the value of graduate education for your personal and professional goals
- Provide a resume outlining your professional and educational experiences
- You must complete the following background checks and clearances prior to field placement: Child Abuse History Clearance, FBI Fingerprinting Background Check, Pennsylvania Criminal Background Check and Tuberculosis Screening
Additional requirements for M.Ed. with Special Education Certification only:
- Provide verification of valid Pennsylvania Instructional I or II Teaching Certification
Tuition & Fees
| Component | Cost | Total* |
|---|---|---|
| Full Program Tuition | $630 per credit hour | $28,350 |
| Full Program Student Fees | $50 per credit hour | $2,250 |
| Total | $30,600 | |
| Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 6) | $630 per credit hour | $24,570 |
| Fees with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 6) | $50 per credit hour | $1,950 |
| Total with Transfer Credits | $26,520 | |
Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes two years to complete, depending on transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of time to completion, call an enrollment counselor at (888) 536-1251 or request more information.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Financial Aid
Alvernia offers loans, grants, scholarships, payment plans and GI Bill benefits to help make your education more affordable. Our enrollment counselors can help you determine your financial aid eligibility. For more information, visit our Financial Aid page.
Yellow Ribbon
Alvernia University is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon Program, a provision of the GI Bill, provides those who served the U.S. military on active duty with free tuition and fees, as well as a book allowance. For more information, visit our Veterans page.
Career Outcomes
After earning your Master of Education with Special Education Certification online, you can pursue a variety of careers, including:
- Special education teacher
- Instructional coordinator
- Education administrator
Your Support Team
We’re dedicated to your success. Our enrollment counselors will assist you through every step of your college career, from enrollment to tuition and more.
Benefits of Learning Online
With the convenience of studying online, you can learn whenever and wherever you’d like.