
M.ED.
M.Ed. in Special Education
Online
Concentrations in Universal Design for Learning and Assistive Technologies, Specialization
in Autism Spectrum Disorders, or optional dual enrollment for Special Education Certification.
West Chester University's Special Education Department offers a fully online program
leading to the Master of Education in Special Education. The program is open to anyone
with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4 year degree granting institution with
a final GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Overview
The prime mission of the master of education program in Special Education is to prepare
advanced-level teachers who can synthesize and apply self-awareness and general knowledge
of:
- foundations of the study of disability,
- the learner with disabilities,
- appropriate content for the learner with disabilities, and
- effective classroom pedagogy.
We believe this synthesis encourages reflection on the art of teaching and results
in a professional who is able to make sound, ethical educational decisions regarding
curriculum and instructional strategies for students with disabilities. In addition,
high standards of scholarship and the application of research, as well as professionalism,
collaboration, and knowledge of current trends in the field, are essential for all
teachers of special education.
Highlights
- West Chester University's long standing quality and expertise in the field of special
education
- Interdisciplinary program includes Special Education, Secondary and Professional Education,
and Communicative Disorders
- National Accreditation
- Courses may be applied to PA teaching certification
- Designed to increase student-to-student collaboration and provide social support for
online learners
- Action research enables students to apply what they have learned to a current research
problem in the field
Online Curriculum (33 Credits)
Professional Education Courses (6 Credits)
- EDT 500: Orientation to Instructional Media
- EDF 501: Methods and Materials of Research in Education
Special Education Core (15 Credits)
- EDA 503: Family Systems in Special Education
- EDA 506: Legal Issues in Special Education
- EDA 544: Behavior Management
- EDA 580: Contemporary Issues and Trends
- EDA 591: Final Project
Area of Concentration (12 Credits)
- EDA/EDT 517: Technology and Universal Design for Learning
- EDA/EDT 519: Introduction to Assistive Technology
- EDA/SPP 521: Assistive Technologies for Communication and Participation
- EDA 522: Integrating Assistive Technology
Admission Procedures
- Apply online at wcupa.edu/grad. If you need assistance call the Graduate Office at 610-436-2943
- Arrange to have one (1) complete undergraduate transcript and proof of a baccalaureate
degree sent to the Graduate Office. The transcript should include the cumulative grade
point average of all undergraduate work.
- If GPA is below the required university GPA of 3.0, student must submit satisfactory
GRE or MAT scores at the 50th percentile.
- Admission interview (only if deemed necessary).
For further information
contact Dr. S. Christy Hicks.