M.Ed.
Online Program

Online and Blended Special Education M.Ed.
Emphasis in Universal Design for Learning and Assistive Technologies

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 teachers 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
• Cohort model 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

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 in Universal Design and Assistive Technology (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.