Master of Education (M.Ed.) and PA Instructional Level I Certificate (PreK-8 and 7-12 Special Education) (32 credits min.)
This teacher preparation program is designed for the college graduate who, as an undergraduate or post-graduate, has received initial certification in general education and who is interested in pursuing additional certification in special education. The mission of this special education master’s program is to prepare highly qualified educators who are not only skilled practitioners, but also leaders in establishing effective teaching and learning environments for individuals with disabilities in their schools and communities.

The special education teacher preparation program leads to an M.Ed. degree in education and to an instructional certificate that qualifies the candidate to teach either PreK-8 or 7-12 special education in the public schools of Pennsylvania. PA Certification is widely accepted nationwide under reciprocity agreements with many other states.

• Graduates are qualified for special education certification in Pennsylvania (Mentally and Physically Handicapped).
• Students may opt to work in field-based programs to gain experience while completing degree (see Masters Grant Support).
• International students who are not interested in certification may petition to complete the 36 credit program without an internship and certification. Pennsylvania certification requires US citizenship.

Our program requires the completion of 32 credits and is designed for the individuals who want to pursue certification in special education at the masters level. In addition, students must complete their program with no less than a 3.00 cumulative graduate GPA.

MASTERS GRANT SUPPORT
There are various types of funding opportunities available for masters students. You can review these by clicking here.

COURSES/COURSEWORK

Core Course Work (18 credits)

-SpEd/TLT 404. Diversity, Families, School Collaborations in K-12 (3)
-SpEd 418. Alternative Curricular Approaches (3)
-SpEd 428. Positive Behavior Support (3)
-SpEd 452. Assessment in Special Education (3)
-SpEd 465. Advanced Inclusionary Practices in K-12 (3)
-SpEd 429 Professional Seminar

Course Work in the Area of Specialization (6 credits in one of the following two areas)

For PreK-8 Special Education Certification
-SpEd/TLT 411. Early Childhood Education (3)
-SpEd 419. Academic Interventions: PreK-8 (3)

For a Secondary (grades 7-12) Focus
-SpEd 4xx. Academic Interventions Secondary Level (3)
-SpEd 4xx. Transition to Post-school Life (3)

Special Education or Related Area Electives (with approval of the adviser) (6 credits)

Intensive Teaching Experience (2 credits)

-SpEd 420. Field Experience: Special Education Certification (2)

Students are expected to have completed the equivalent of each of the three courses listed below. At admission, their transcripts will be reviewed to confirm such completion. If a student lacks one of these courses, he or she will be required to complete it before going out on the intensive teaching experience. Each such course taken at Lehigh may be applied toward the degree as an adviser-approved elective.

-SpEd 332. Education and Inclusion of Individuals with Special Needs in K-12 (3)
-SpEd/TLT 405. Principles and Applications of K-12 Assessment (3) -SpEd/TLT 409. Classroom Environment and Management in K-12 (3)

Sample Electives

• EdL 432 Special Education Law
• EdL 479 School Law
• SchP 412 Consultation Procedures
• SchP Advanced School and Family Interventions
• SchP/SpEd 402 Applied Behavior Analysis
• SpEd 430 Advanced Seminar: Autism
• SpEd 338 Emotional and Behavioral Disorders of Children
• SpEd 442 Learning Disabilities: Inclusion and Issues
• SpEd 440 Early Academic Intervention
• TLT methods courses
• Special Education coursework in the alternative area of specialization (e.g., Pre-K-8 or 7-12).