Go to information for Education for more details.
Department Contact:
Director, Graduate Education: Mrs. Melissa Peppetti, mpeppetti@francis.edu, 814-472-3068
Program Description:
This program design is deeply rooted in PA competencies/expected learning outcomes, and structured to build on candidate’s knowledge, professional experiences, and advanced academic study. Further, the program is designed for candidates to be able to implement methods, strategies, and research validated methods to provide increased opportunity for immediate impact on student learning and special education programming at school districts, programs that employ and consult with them.
The coursework in this program is very specific to the PDE Special Education standards; therefore, for a candidate seeking special education certification, there should be very little to no duplication of coursework. However, if a candidate has previously taken special education courses that match the requirements for any of the proposed courses, consideration of transfer credit will be given on a case by case basis.Candidate is also required to have completed coursework which is equivalent to the requirements of the SFU course, EDUC261 Linguistic Diversity in the Classroom. If this course was not completed in the coursework required for instructional I certification, student must complete this course requirement in addition to the program requirements. (§49.13)
Accreditation Statement
PDE approved program that leads to certification. Certification is granted by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Exams are required in addition to program completion at the university. Candidates would apply through the Teacher Information Management System for certification.
Estimated Completion Time:
Typically 2 years of full-time study plus student teaching experience
Admission Requirements:
Undergraduate: List admission requirements below only if different from the University’s standard requirements listed in the “Admission to the University” or FWW “Admission Requirements” sections of the Catalog.
Graduate and certificate programs: List the requirements for admission to the program of study.
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
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.
- Student must successfully complete the comprehensive exam or assessment for the program in which enrolled.
- Upon completion of the program requirements, candidate must pass the PA Special Education tests. Upon successful completion of these tests, candidate will be recommended for certification through the PDE TIMS.
Total Credits Required:
42-48 credits
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