Department Contact:
Director: Mrs. Melissa Peppetti, mpeppetti@francis.edu, 814-472-3068
Program Description:
The Master of Special Education degree program is designed for teachers and other individuals interested in pursuing an advanced degree in special education. The program seeks to facilitate students’ ability to be analytical, reflective decision-makers of special education content, theory, practice, and pedagogy. Courses are designed to link educational theory and classroom practice for application in students’ current or future professional settings.
The Master of Special Education with Special Education Supervisory Certification Specialization program at Saint Francis University provides advanced professional study in the field of special education and the opportunity to pursue certification as an elementary or secondary Special Education supervisor. The program is designed to develop school leaders who can respond to the changing needs of the community they serve by providing visionary, instructional and administrative leadership in the field of special education. Candidates completing this program would be eligible through PDE to pursue Special Education Supervisory Certification and obtain leadership positions in the field of special education.
Admission Criteria:
Students must apply for admission into the program. The Graduate Education program will review all applicants throughout the year and candidates will receive an acceptance letter from the Director. In order to be considered for application, applicants must submit the following information:
- Online Application and $30 application fee made payable to Saint Francis University;
- Two letters of professional recommendation;
- A minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 is required. If candidate’s GPA is less than 3.0; he or she may be accepted on a provisional basis while taking up to nine (9) credits. The student must obtain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the first nine credits to be admitted to the program. If these requirements are not met the student will not be admitted to the program.
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work completed;
- Copy of Instructional Certificate (must be in Special Education);
- Philosophy of Education Leadership.
Admission Deadline:
The program has rolling admission.
Progression and/or Retention Criteria:
- Students must complete their degrees within five (5) years of their initial enrollment.
- A minimum average of 3.0 must be maintained throughout the program. If a student falls below the 3.0 requirement he or she will be placed on academic probation for the next semester. Student’s continued eligibility in the program will depend on the GPA in the semester following the low GPA. If the student’s GPA does not go above the 3.0, after being placed on probation, the student is subject to dismissal from the program.
Licensure and/or Certification:
Upon completion of the program requirements, candidate must pass the Pennsylvania Education Leadership Administration and Supervision praxis test. Upon successful completion of this test, candidate will be recommended for certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) TIMS.
Graduation Requirements:
A candidate for graduation must satisfy the following requirements:
- Complete all requirements for an approved program of study;
- Complete a minimum of 30 credits of master-level education courses depending on which specialization option they choose.
- Achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better
- Submit a completed Application for Degree form at least one semester prior to graduation date; and
- Satisfy financial obligations to the University.
Estimated Completion Time:
Typically 2 years of full-time study or 2+ years part time
Note:
Students will have 360 hours of clinical observations in the two required practicum courses. These clinical hours may be completed in the student’s current place of employment; with instructor permission.
Total Credits Required:
39 credits