Are you a certified teacher who wants to expand your knowledge and skills for working with students with disabilities? Do you want to earn teacher certification in special education, or expand your employment potential by adding on special education certification? Let PennWest help you achieve your goals with one of the best online Master’s in Special Education programs anywhere.
PennWest’s M.Ed. in Special Education offers you many options. You may earn your master’s degree and your teacher certification in Special Education at the same time, or you can delve into specialty areas that interest you the most -- Applied Behavior Analysis, Autism, or the Competent Learner Model (CLM).
No matter what path you choose, rest assured you will be inspired and supported by PennWest’s legacy of excellence in teacher education. It is our priority to produce the best possible educators and educational leaders, engage with our community partners to impact the lives of people in our community, and improve our disciplines through scholarship and research-based activities.
All PennWest Special Education programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), which promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement.
This program provides the course sequence required to sit for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst Exam.
U.S. News & World Report named our master’s degree in Special Education one of the best in the country.
Children across the United States have been diagnosed with autism, and demand for board-certified behavior analysts is high.
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With a master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism, you will become an invaluable partner in the education of all students with autism and other behavioral challenges.
This concentration equips you with the skills you need to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. It also arms you with the competencies to work with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). You’ll study the nature and characteristics of ASD, how to use evidence-based strategies, assessments and interventions, and the professional and ethical practice of a behavior analyst.
When you complete this 36-credit program, you will be ready to effectively organize and facilitate a team of educators as you strive to make behavior intervention decisions that will improve the lives of your students.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects one in 68 children in the United States. If you are already a certified Special Education teacher in Pennsylvania, this graduate-level Autism endorsement will put you at the forefront of education for these exceptional students.
Challenging coursework will help you understand the nature and characteristics of ASD. You will learn more about evidence-based strategies, assessments and interventions that address challenging behaviors, and gain insight into how you can advocate for them as they approach various life transitions and social situations.
With your M.Ed. in Special Education Autism, you will be welcomed as a valuable member of your school district’s educational team.
In today’s inclusive classroom, a strong background in special education is more valuable than ever. You can earn teacher certification while you earn your Master’s degree in Special Education with this unique online program from PennWest.
Your coursework will prepare you to meet the K-12 competencies established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for those seeking Special Education teacher certification.
Learn the foundations, theory and history of special education, how to conduct evidence-based assessments and analyze the needs of students with disabilities or at risk for disabilities. Gain a greater understanding of how to create and implement individualized education plans, and more. You’ll graduate ready to take the PRAXIS exams for teacher certification, armed with the skills you need to make a difference in the lives of others as a Special Education teacher.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the overall employment of Special Education teachers will grow 8% from now till 2030. The largest growth is expected to be in the area of preschool Special Education.
Demand for behavior analysts is also increasing. The career outlook for behavior analysts is expected to grow 23% through 2030.
Conditional Admission Requirements
PennWest’s three campuses, California, Clarion and Edinboro universities, have been delivering award-winning online programs for more than 20 years. You’ll graduate with a degree from Pennsylvania Western University, completely supported by the expertise and community of learners on our brick-and-mortar campuses.