to prepare individuals for Pennsylvania certification in special education (currently, nursery school through grade 12). The master of science program with special education certification option is not designed for previously certified special education teachers, since it prepares individuals for state certification. 


To be eligible for admission into the special education master’s program, applicants must possess a previously earned Pennsylvania instructional certificate in early childhood education, elementary education or a secondary content area and present a copy of the certificate during the admissions process. An applicant who is certified in another state may contact the  Pennsylvania department of education (pde) at http://www.pde.psu.edu/ to apply for PA certification, prior to admission to Wilkes University.

Department of Education Standards for Special Education.

The Graduate Special Education Program requires 30 graduate credits to obtain the degree and certification, although students can follow a fast track for certification by taking the special education sequence (EDSP 501 - EDSP 506) first.

Candidates will be recommended for special education certification upon successful completion of the prescribed program of study and the required Praxis tests (Education of Exceptional Students #20353 and Fundamentals Subjects Content Knowledge #30511).

Special Education Program Requirements are outlined at this link. Students should consult with their advisors to be sure they meet all necessary program requirements.

The program is available on and off Wilkes' campus at the Allentown site. Please consult the online course listings for locations of current courses.