The M.Ed. degree in Special Education provides learning opportunities for classroom teachers to better manage resources for students with disabilities. It offers the content-certified teacher an additional Pennsylvania state certification in special education, either in grades PreK-8 or grades 7-12. The degree also provides already certified special educators with the additional Autism Spectrum Disorder state endorsement.

Graduate degree candidates enrolled in the program receive one-on-one advising, attend small classes, collaborate with practitioners and administrators in local school districts, and develop close relationships with faculty who have diverse experiences in K-12 schools. Degree candidates are engaged in innovative programs, partnerships within the school communities, and student organizations and volunteer opportunities. TFor those seeking special education certification, the practicum involves 90 hours of field-based, directed study experiences under the supervision of a mentor. For those seeking advanced studies in special education, the practicum requirement involves a research project in special education.

The initial teacher preparation and advanced educator programs in the School of Education and Social Sciences have been accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Contact Information

Vicki J. Donne, D.Ed. 
Department Head, Education 
donne@rmu.edu
412-397-5465

Course Plan: Special Education Certification

One Year Completion

Fall Term

• SPED6080     Special Learning Needs (and co-requisite SPED0608) 
• SPED6085     Principles of Inclusion (and co-requisite SPED0605) 
• SPED6040     High-Incidence Disabilities: Instructional Methods & Practices 
• SPED6050    Low-Incidence Disabilities: Instructional Methods & Practices  (and co-requisite SPED0650)

Spring Term

• SPED6020     Reading and Special Education: Instructional Methods & Practices 
• SPED6035     Advanced Content Area Instruction & Interventions
• SPED6060     Advanced Studies in Behavior (and co-requisite SPED0606) 
• SPED6090     Assessment/Evaluating Individual Instruction 

Summer Term

• SPED6070    Communication and Special Education: Instructional Methods & Practices   (and co-requisite SPED0607)
• SPED6095    Practicum in Special Education

Two Year Completion

Fall Term

• SPED6080     Special Learning Needs (and co-requisite SPED0608) 
• SPED6085     Principles of Inclusion (and co-requisite SPED0605) 

Spring Term

• SPED6020     Reading and Special Education: Instructional Methods & Practices 
• SPED6035     Advanced Content Area Instruction & Interventions

Summer Term

• SPED6070 Communication and Special Education: Instructional Methods & Practices (and co-requisite SPED0607) 

Fall Term

• SPED6040    High-Incidence Disabilities: Instructional Methods & Practices
• SPED6050    Low-Incidence Disabilities: Instructional Methods & Practices (and co-requisite SPED0650)

Spring Term

• PED6060    Advanced Studies in Behavior (and co-requisite SPED0606)
• SPED6090    Assessment/Evaluating Individual Instruction

Summer Term

• SPED6095    Practicum in Special Education

Course Plan: Certification Seeking Advanced Study

One Year Completion

Fall Term

• EDUC6130    Educational Research Seminar
• SPED6055    Introduction to Autism (and co-requisite SPED0655)
• SPED6040    High-Incidence Disabilities: Instructional Methods & Practices
• SPED6050    Low-Incidence Disabilities: Instructional Methods & Practices (and co-requisite SPED0650)

Spring Term

• SPED6020     Reading and Special Education: Instructional Methods & Practices 
• SPED6075     Advanced Studies in Autism Spectrum Disorders (and co-requisite SPED0675) 
• SPED6060     Advanced Studies in Behavior (and co-requisite (SPED0606) 
• SPED6090     Assessment/Evaluating Individual Instruction 

Summer Term

• SPED6070    Communication and Special Education: Instructional Methods & Practices (and co-requisite SPED0607) 
• EDUC6140    Research Practicum  

Two Year Completion

Fall Term

• SPED6055    Introduction to Autism (and co-requisite SPED0655) 
• SPED6070    Communication and Special Education: Instructional Methods & Practices (and co-requisite SPED0607)

Spring Term

• SPED6020    Reading and Special Education: Instructional Methods & Practices 
• SPED6075    Advanced Studies in Autism Spectrum Disorders (and co-requisite SPED0675)

Summer Term

• EDUC6130    Educational Research Seminar 

Fall Term

• SPED6040    High-Incidence Disabilities: Instructional Methods & Practices 
• SPED6050    Low-Incidence Disabilities: Instructional Methods & Practices (and co-requisite SPED0650)

Spring Term

• SPED6060    Advanced Studies in Behavior (and co-requisite SPED0606)     
• SPED6090    Assessment/Evaluating Individual Instruction

Summer Term

• EDUC6140    Research Practicum