Special Education, M.Ed.
About the Program
The master's degree program in Special Education is designed for those who already hold certification in Art Education, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Middle Grades Education, Music Education, or Physical Education. The program is grounded in its commitment to the following principles:
- Evidence-based instructional practices and their implementation in the classroom.
- Recognition and amelioration of the impact of sociocultural factors on the education of children with disabilities.
- Preventative approaches that de-emphasize labels and traditional diagnostic categories to support improved teaching and learning.
- Implementation of inclusive practices both within schools and within society as a whole.
The M.Ed. in Special Education offers three concentrations: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Mild Disabilities, or Severe Disabilities.
Time Limit for Degree Completion: 4 years
Campus Location: Main
Full-Time/Part-Time Status: Students complete the degree program through classes offered after 5:30 p.m. The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.
Accreditation: The program is approved as a teacher certification program by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and is accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC).
Areas of Specialization: The program offers concentrations in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Mild Disabilities, or Severe Disabilities. The scope of the Special Education certificate is grades PreK-8.
Job Prospects: The market for highly qualified special education teachers remains unabated. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an increased need for special education teachers. The shortage of special education teachers has been identified regionally (i.e., Pennsylvania and New Jersey) and is particularly prevalent in urban centers in the immediate environs of Temple University.
Licensure: Upon successful completion of the degree requirements and passing all required licensure examinations, candidates may apply for a Pennsylvania Instructional I Special Education PreK-8 Certificate.
Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Students may take up to, but not more than, 9 credits of graduate study in the program before being admitted to the program. The credits transfer into the program, if the student is admitted. Students completing non-matriculated courses before being admitted to the program are NOT guaranteed admission.
Financing Opportunities: Financial support opportunities may include scholarships, tuition remission, and other financial aid such as grants, loans, and federal work study.
Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Application Deadline:
Fall: March 1
Spring: November 1
Applicants should submit all required admissions documents by the application deadline to receive priority consideration for admission and financial support.
APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.
Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 2
From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained to provide insight regarding the applicant's academic competence. References from college/university faculty are recommended.
Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: A bachelor's degree is required. A minimum UGPA of 3.0 is expected.
International applicants should also submit an official document that validates completion and conferral of a degree, diploma, and/or certificate. While not required, international applicants are encouraged to submit transcript(s) to the World Education Services (WES) for evaluation.
Statement of Goals: In 500 to 1,000 words, outline your interest in seeking a master’s degree with a specific focus on the career to which you aspire, your interests, and your academic and job-related experiences that are relevant to the program.
Standardized Test Scores:
Applicants whose native language is not English must provide scores from a TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic exam. Scores must meet the following minimums:
TOEFL: 79 iBT or 550 PBT
IELTS: 6.5
PTE Academic: 53
Resume: Current resume required.
Other Requirements:
- Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all accredited institutions attended and/or from which credit was earned
- A copy of a valid Pennsylvania Teaching Certification for Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle Grades, Art, Music, or Physical Education
Program Requirements
General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 30
Required Courses:
Code | Title | Credit Hours |
---|---|---|
Core Courses | ||
SPED 5106 | Literacy Instruction for Young Children with Disabilities | 3 |
SPED 5107 | Understanding and Using Special Education Research | 3 |
SPED 5108 | Assistive Technology and Universal Design | 3 |
SPED 5109 | Classroom Management and Positive Behavior Support | 3 |
SPED 5187 | Graduate Assessment Practicum in Early Childhood Special Education | 3 |
SPED 5211 | Effective Instructional Strategies for Young Children with Disabilities | 3 |
Specialized Pedagogy Courses for Concentration | 6 | |
Autism Spectrum Disorders | ||
Building Communication in Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Severe Disabilities | ||
Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Effective Teaching Strategies | ||
Mild Disabilities | ||
Students with Mild Disabilities: Effective Teaching Strategies | ||
Effective Transition Practices for Students with Mild Disabilities | ||
Severe Disabilities | ||
Students with Mild to Severe Disabilities: Effective Teaching Strategies | ||
Building Communication in Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Severe Disabilities | ||
Practicum in Special Education | 6 | |
Special Education Practicum 1 | ||
or Electives in Teacher Education | ||
Total Credit Hours | 30 |
1 | Students who do not have one year of verified teaching experience with students with disabilities are required to take 6 credits of SPED 5587 Special Education Practicum. |
Culminating Events: There are no culminating events beyond coursework and/or practicum.
Courses
SPED 5106. Literacy Instruction for Young Children with Disabilities. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
College Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Colleges: Education.
Student Attribute Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Student Attributes: Clearance for Education.
Cohort Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Cohorts: EDCNDCY.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 5107. Understanding and Using Special Education Research. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 5108. Assistive Technology and Universal Design. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 5109. Classroom Management and Positive Behavior Support. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 5111. Educating Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Settings. 2 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
College Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Colleges: Education.
Student Attribute Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Student Attributes: Clearance for Education.
Co-requisites: MGRE 5102, SPED 5187.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 5187. Graduate Assessment Practicum in Early Childhood Special Education. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
College Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Colleges: Education.
Student Attribute Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Student Attributes: Clearance for Education.
Cohort Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Cohorts: EDCNDCY.
Co-requisites: MGRE 5102, SPED 5111.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
SPED 5201. Students with Mild to Severe Disabilities: Effective Teaching Strategies. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 5211. Effective Instructional Strategies for Young Children with Disabilities. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
College Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Colleges: Education.
Student Attribute Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Student Attributes: Clearance for Education.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 5287. Integrated Literacy and Special Education Practicum. 2 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Co-requisites: MGRE 5102, SPED 5111.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
Pre-requisites:
(EDUC 5402|Minimum Grade of B-|May not be taken concurrently
AND MGRE 5101|Minimum Grade of B-|May not be taken concurrently)
SPED 5301. Building Communication in Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Severe Disabilities. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 5302. Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Effective Teaching Strategies. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 5303. Ethics and Applied Behavior Analysis. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 5304. Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 5305. Single Subject Research Design. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 5401. Students with Mild Disabilities: Effective Teaching Strategies. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 5402. Effective Transition Practices for Students with Mild Disabilities. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 5501. Learning Environments. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 5511. Managing Learning Environments. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 5512. Methods and Curriculum. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 5521. Issues in Social, Emotional, and Physical Development. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 5522. Cognition, Language, and Literacy. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 5587. Special Education Practicum. 6 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
SPED 5611. Total Inclusion Seminar. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 5666. Inclusive School Practices. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 8701. Proseminar in Individual Differences. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 8711. Seminar in Special Education Research. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 8741. Seminar in Exceptionalities. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 8742. Seminar in Exceptionalities. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may not be repeated for additional credits.
SPED 9187. Practicum in Special Education. 3 to 9 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
SPED 9287. Practicum in Special Education. 3 to 6 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
SPED 9387. Practicum in Special Education. 3 to 6 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
SPED 9485. Augmen Comm Empow Intern. 1 to 3 Credit Hour.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
SPED 9489. Fld Exp Spec Ed Supervis. 3 Credit Hours.
Level Registration Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Levels: Graduate.
Repeatability: This course may be repeated for additional credit.
Contacts
Program Web Address:
http://education.temple.edu/specialed/masters
Department Information:
Dept. of Teaching and Learning
College of Education
1301 Cecil B. Moore Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19122-6091
215-204-0999