Professor Annah Hill teaches a class PROFESSORS WHO KNOW YOU — With small class sizes, your professors get to know you—an advantage when it's time to ask for a letter of reference. You'll also gain more from class discussions in a small-classroom setting.

Earn Credentials that Move You Ahead

If your goal is to make the most out of your degree in special education, the MEd in Special Education and Special Education certificate is perfect for you. In addition to learning how to create curricula to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities, IUP enables you to pursue your Special Education certificate at the same time. This leads to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania certification in Special Education—all while you earn your MEd in Exceptional Persons.

In addition to offering this track in a flexible, hybrid format, both in-class and online, IUP also offers two other tracks: the MEd in Special Education and the Special Education Certification Only track.

As a student you will:

  • Learn from a mix of classes and teaching field experiences designated by Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements.
  • Choose between a thesis and non-thesis option.
  • Select your electives working in conjunction with your advisor.
  • Complete a comprehensive examination as your terminal experience in the course.

Please note, the Special Education MEd program does not provide initial certification upon completion. For individuals who wish to pursue the special education certification or the special education master's plus certification, a valid Pennsylvania teaching certification is required.

If you currently hold teaching certification and are seeking additional certification in special education, you will develop a program of study based upon your past coursework. You will be required to demonstrate competency in teaching methods, child development, and any other area of deficiency noted by the graduate program faculty.

Course List

Students who enter this program with secondary teacher certification or teacher certification other than elementary education will be required to demonstrate competency in teaching methods, child development, and other areas as noted by the graduate program faculty.

Each of the 500-level courses (dual-level offerings) requires field experience, the total of which is designed to approximate the student teaching field experiences designated by Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements.

The required courses for this 38-credit program include the following:

Required Courses: Certification

  • EDEX 525: Methods and Curriculum - Mild to Moderate Disabilities (3 credits)
  • EDEX 535: Methods and Curriculum - Severe Cognitive Disabilities
  • EDEX 558: Transition Assessment and Planning for Youth with Disabilities
  • EDEX 569: Education of Persons with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders, Brain Injury, or Learning Disabilities (3 credits)
  • EDEX 578: Education of Persons with Mental Retardation, Development Disabilities, Physical or Multiple Disabilities (3 credits)
  • EDEX 752: Assessment of Persons with Disabilities (3 credits)
  • EDEX 785: Practicum and Internship (Severe-Profound Disabilities) (3 credits)
  • EDEX 786: Practicum and Internship (Mild) (3 credits)

Requirements: MEd

  • EDEX 523: Instruction of English Language Learners with Special Needs (2 credits)
  • EDEX 560: Family Perspectives on Disability (3 credits)
  • EDEX 754: Advanced Instructional Design in Special Education (3 credits)
  • EDEX 755: Collaboration (3 credits)
  • GSR 615: Elements of Research (3 credits)
  • Comprehensive Exam
  • Benchmark Project