Special Education

Now you can earn your master's degree and Pa. special education certification (PK-12) completely online, no visits to campus required. The Master of Science in Education with a major in Special Education is designed for teachers who wish to earn Pennsylvania certification in special education in order to help this special group of learners reach their full academic and social potentials.

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Program Snapshot

Program Type Format Credit Hours
Master's Degree Online 39

Why Study Special Education at Wilkes?

Our curriculum builds on foundational knowledge of special education and explores diagnoses, early intervention strategies, individual learning differences, legal requirements and procedures essential for safeguarding student health and welfare, and best practices for meeting the diverse needs of today’s students. After completing this program, you’ll be well-prepared to take on leadership roles within your district or to implement best practices in serving diverse learners in your classroom.

What Will You Learn as a Special Education Student?

  • You’ll learn foundational skills in intercultural communication, inclusive classroom practices, and accommodations and adaptations in teaching students with special needs.
  • After a core suite of courses that combine together psychology, curriculum and instruction, and technology in the classroom with issues, laws, and trends in education, you’ll study essential courses in special education with relevant field experience as well as complete an internship.
  • You’ll gain the skills needed to expand your career opportunities in education with opportunities in the classroom, as well as clinical settings.
  • You’ll be well prepared to create, interpret, administer, and implement Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs), Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and Section 504 Plans in conjunction with team members based on assessment data and the needs of the student.

Thank you for your interest in ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥app's Graduate Education programs! To learn more about our program please complete the form. If you have questions, or wish to discuss your education goals, please contact:

Erin Heffron
erin.heffron@wilkes.edu
570-408-4311
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Program Highlights

Convenient Online Learning

The program is offered in a convenient online format, giving you the flexibility you need as a working educator.

Learn from Leaders

Professors of the program hold leadership positions in districts and use their expertise to successfully prepare candidates for work in special education.

Advance Your Education Career

Graduates of our program often take leadership roles within special education. You’ll learn best practices in pedagogy as well as how to organize, lead, and collaborate effectively to bring inclusive practices into the classroom, your school, and your district.

Tuition & Aid

Tuition for graduate programs in education for the 2024-25 academic year is $571 per credit, or $1,713 per course. Deferment is available for employers who reimburse tuition and financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Careers & Outcomes

Graduates of our master’s degree program with special education certification are effective and inclusive teachers who excel in the classroom. Some assume leadership roles within their districts as supervisors or specialists, serving as mentors to other educators while ensuring programs are in compliance.

Outside the classroom, educators with advanced training in special education can explore career paths as consultants or trainers, support students in clinical settings, or provide guidance to nonprofit organizations committed to meeting the needs of those with disabilities. 

Job Titles: Special Education Teacher, Educational Consultant, Educational Advocate, Early Intervention Specialist, Special Education Supervisor

Note: PDE released an update to the previous certification guidelines that will go into effect in January 2022. In accordance with these new requirements, ÐÓ°ÉÖ±²¥app is approved to offer the PK-12 Special Education certification.