Master of Special Education, MS.Ed., Supervisor Special Education

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 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 Supervisor Special Education 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 Supervisor Special Education and obtain leadership positions in the field of special education.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Curriculum and Instruction

Students will demonstrate the understanding of curriculum and instruction design elements in K-12 learning environments by utilizing researched-based best practices to evaluate teaching and learning.

School Law and Advocacy

Students will demonstrate how to apply systems thinking in decision making situatons in K-12 settings and align to Federal, state, and district requirements.

Research Approaches and Principles in Education

Students will demonstrate how to structure problems for solution and frame issues for resolution using data sources for K-12 education.

Ethics and Special Education

Students will demonstrate how to operate in a fair and equitable manner with personal and professional integrity that is culturally relevant to a K-12 environment.

Admission Requirement:

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
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);

Admission Deadline:

The program has rolling admission.

Technical Standards or Essential Functions:

Saint Francis University is committed to the principle that no qualified individual, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in or denied the benefits or services, programs or activities of the University, or be subjected to discrimination by the University as required by the Americans with Disability Act. The Center’s Office of Disability Services assists eligible students in receiving basic services as determined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disability Act. Every effort is made to arrange appropriate academic accommodations for students who experience physical or mental disabilities. Students are required to provide appropriate documentation to the accessibility coordinator upon request of the accommodation.

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.
Must participate in an exit interview.

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.