Master of Special Education
The Master of Special Education degree is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree and are currently certified to teach in grades PreK-12. The program is based on the premise that successful teachers will need an in-depth knowledge of pedagogy, a mastery of current theory and an understanding of research-based practices and technology to move from being good teachers to becoming great teachers. The main focus of the Wilson program is to hone teaching skills through research and classroom practices, thereby fostering teaching excellence and teacher leadership
MASTER OF EDUCATION PROGRAM OPTIONS
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Master of Special Education No Certification - This option is for certified educators who wish to expand their knowledge of Special Education in grades PreK-12
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Master of Special Education with PreK-8 Certification - This option is for certified educators who wish to gain PA Special Education Certification in grades PreK-8
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Master of Special Education with 7-12 Certification - This option is for certified educators who wish to gain PA Special Education Certification in grades 7-12
Master’s-Level Courses (Ten Required)
Master of Special Education (with PreK-8 certification)
| SPE 526 | Adv Studies in High Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| SPE 527 | Adv Studies - Low Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| SPE 528 | Early Intervention | 3 |
| | |
| EDU 532 | Educational Perspectives - Diverse Socty | 3 |
| OR | |
| EDU 512 | Teaching English Language Learners | 3 |
| | |
| SPE 532 | Parent Conferencing/Collaboration SpEd | 3 |
| OR | |
| SPE 529 | Conferencing and Collaboration | 3 |
| SPE 533 | Pre-K - 8 Instructional Methods | 3 |
| SPE 542 | Positive Behavior Supports | 3 |
| | |
| EDU 554 | Formal/Informal Classroom Assessment | 3 |
| OR | |
| EDU 541 | Educational Assessment | 3 |
| | |
| SPE 598 | Educational Research/Design | 3 |
| SPE 588 | Prek-8 Special Ed Practicum | 3 |
Master of Special Education (no certificate)
| SPE 526 | Adv Studies in High Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| SPE 527 | Adv Studies - Low Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| SPE 528 | Early Intervention | 3 |
| | |
| SPE 529 | Conferencing and Collaboration | 3 |
| OR | |
| SPE 532 | Parent Conferencing/Collaboration SpEd | 3 |
| | |
| SPE 533 | Pre-K - 8 Instructional Methods | 3 |
| OR | |
| SPE 534 | Secondary Instructional Methods | 3 |
| | |
| SPE 542 | Positive Behavior Supports | 3 |
| | |
| EDU 554 | Formal/Informal Classroom Assessment | 3 |
| OR | |
| EDU 541 | Educational Assessment | 3 |
| | |
| SPE 546 | Transition Planning and Services | 3 |
| SPE 598 | Educational Research/Design | 3 |
| SPE 599 | Master's Project | 3 |
Master of Special Education with 7-12 Certification
| SPE 526 | Adv Studies in High Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| SPE 527 | Adv Studies - Low Incidence Disabilities | 3 |
| | |
| EDU 532 | Educational Perspectives - Diverse Socty | 3 |
| OR | |
| EDU 512 | Teaching English Language Learners | 3 |
| | |
| SPE 532 | Parent Conferencing/Collaboration SpEd | 3 |
| OR | |
| SPE 529 | Conferencing and Collaboration | 3 |
| | |
| SPE 534 | Secondary Instructional Methods | 3 |
| | |
| EDU 554 | Formal/Informal Classroom Assessment | 3 |
| OR | |
| EDU 541 | Educational Assessment | 3 |
| | |
| SPE 546 | Transition Planning and Services | 3 |
| SPE 598 | Educational Research/Design | 3 |
| SPE 589 | Secondary Special Ed Practicum | 3 |
Exit Assessments
- Successful defense of Master’s Thesis (Master’s Project on Action Research)
- Electronic Portfolio
Academic Probation and Dismissal from the Master of Special Education Program
Graduate students must maintain a 3.0 grade-point average. If the GPA falls below 3.0 or a grade of C is received in any course, the student will be placed on academic probation. A student may be dismissed from the program if an academic probation extends beyond the completion of nine semester hours or the student receives two course grades of C or lower or one course grade of F at any time during their graduate studies at Wilson. All students in the MSE program are subject to the Wilson College Honor Principle, academic and administrative regulations and the Wilson College judicial process.
Time Limit to Complete Degree
All coursework and degree requirements must be completed within six years of taking the first class in MSE program at Wilson. Appeals for extension of the six-year limit must be submitted in writing to the director of the MSE program.
Leave Of Absence
A leave of absence for a graduate student may not exceed one year. See complete description regarding applying for a leave of absence and termination of a leave of absence in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.
Graduation Requirements
The successful degree candidate will complete 10 courses (minimum of 30 semester hours), including a master’s project, while maintaining a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher. Graduate credit will be awarded only for earned grades of C or better.
Students must complete and submit a graduation application to the registrar two semesters before the anticipated graduation date. A fee will be assessed for late applications. Students who fail to officially submit a graduation application will not be eligible for graduation.
For spring graduates completing requirements during summer:
- Students who completed their degree requirements during the summer will have their degree conferred on the first day of the fall semester.
- Students will participate in and receive their diploma covers at the preceding May commencement ceremony and be considered part of May’s graduating class.
- Diplomas will be released to the students in late September.
- Students who have not completed all requirements for graduation must petition the Committee on Academic Procedures by the last day to withdraw from classes to participate in spring commencement if more than one course requirement remains to be met.
Regardless of the number of courses remaining to be completed, students must submit a written plan to the registrar and Graduate Education Programs director, outlining how the requirements will be met before the end of the summer following spring commencement. This plan must be signed and approved by the director of the Graduate Education Programs. The written plan must be submitted by the last day of classes for the spring semester. For further information, contact the director of the Graduate Education Programs at 717-262-2045 or med@wilson.edu.