Department Contact:
Director: Dr. 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 provides advanced study for elementary and secondary special educators interested in increasing their professional knowledge base and skills. 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.
Candidates interested in the Master of Special Education, 30-credit program, may pursue the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Endorsement for credits. The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Endorsement is designed for candidates interested in completing a competency-based sequence of courses at a baccalaureate degree level or higher. This endorsement provides an additional level of specific training and experiences for professionals who provide educational services for the population of students presenting with various autism spectrum disorders. It will allow professional educators holding this endorsement to address the complex needs of students with ASD in various classroom and school settings. Education professionals achieving this endorsement will have demonstrated competencies related to research -based assessment, intervention, instruction, and program management for student with ASD. Students will gain the knowledge and experience necessary to work with family members with ASD and the broader community. (from the PDE guidelines)
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.
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.
Licensure and/or Certification:
Upon successful completion of the 12-credit requirements for the Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialization, candidates will be recommended for the endorsement to the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
Estimated Completion Time:
Typically 2 years of full-time study or 2+ years part time
Total Credits Required:
36-39 credits
Note:
Students will have 90 hours of clinical observations upon completion of this program through successful completion of all 12 credits from the Autism Spectrum Disorder program. These clinical hours may be completed in the student’s current place of employment with instructor permission.
This is an online program. Students must have a computer and access to the Internet to complete all program requirements.