Special Education MS

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Overview

For educators in a special education or integrated classroom, it’s important to keep up with the latest research, teaching methods and understanding of student development. Saint Joseph’s University's innovative Special Education MS curriculum is designed to develop and refine competencies in professional educators in order to meet the demands of teaching students with special needs in a variety of school environments, public and private, urban and suburban.

What Is the Special Education MS?

The Special Education MS at Saint Joseph's University features online coursework and field experiences that offer a rigorous and well-rounded curriculum addressing critical areas of special needs instruction. Additionally, this program is taught by faculty with a variety of special education expertise.

Our most recent addition to the program offerings is the Reading Interventionist Certificate which provides teachers with the skills they need to help students become fluent, independent readers. Earn your certificate from a University with accreditation at both levels of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading.

Additionally, through Saint Joseph's 4+1 program, current undergraduate students can start earning credits towards a master's in special education, allowing them to earn a master's degree at an accelerated pace. If you're interested in this option, you'll need to apply to the graduate program in your junior year and be conditionally accepted before you complete your bachelor's degree.

Curriculum Shaped By Your Experience

Already a recognized leader in the field, Saint Joseph's special education master's program received approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) in 2020 to offer the PK-12 Special Education Certification. The Department of Special Education offers two options for the Special Education Certification in Pennsylvania, with reciprocity in many other states:

  • If you have an initial teaching certification, you can add the PK-12 Special Education Certification to the special education master's program. If you hold a Level I Certification at any education or study level and wish to obtain a certification to teach in special education classrooms and programs, you may choose between two grade-level certifications, PK-8 or 7-12, both of which prepare you for the Pennsylvania certification. This option will require completing 31 credits. 
  • If you have a bachelor's degree but do not have an initial teaching certification, you can add a stand-alone PK-12 Special Education Certification to the special education master's program, which includes a full semester of student teaching. This option will require completing 36 credits. 

Special Education Certifications and Endorsements

Saint Joseph's University offers a variety of endorsements and certifications to add to the online special education master's degree. Endorsements and certificates include:

You can add more than one of these tracks to your graduate studies, and each one is also available as a stand-alone option.

100% Online Master's in Special Education

The Special Education MS is designed to meet the needs of working professionals in the field looking to advance their careers. Courses in the master’s program are fully online, with small virtual class sizes making it easy to connect with your professors and classmates to develop your graduate network. Work at your own pace by choosing one, two or three courses per term.

What Can I Do with a Master's Degree in Special Education?

Besides teaching, graduates obtaining a master's in special education have gone on to pursue a wide array of fulfilling careers, including the following:

  • Principals
  • Administrators
  • Special education supervisors
  • Superintendents
  • Executive directors

17 percent growth rate for special education jobs between 2008-2018.

— Bureau of Labor Statistics

How Will Saint Joseph's University Advance Your Career in Special Education?

In 2021, Saint Joseph's special education program received recognition from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and has also been identified as one of only nine programs internationally to meet the rigorous standards of the International Dyslexia Association. The special education master's program features an experienced faculty whose expertise in urban teaching, inclusive education and assistive technology provide a unique educational experience. 

View Curriculum and Courses

Program Director

James Johnson, Ph.D.

James R. Johnson, Ed.D.

Program Director, Visiting Assistant Professor, Graduate Advisor

Merion Hall 216
View Profile

At a Glance

Degree Master of Science
Length Varies based on concentrations and certifications
Start Terms Fall, Spring, Summer
Format Online

Credits, Certifications & Endorsements

Graduate Students WITH a Teaching Certificate:

  • Masters’ Degree with PK-12 Special Education Certification – 31 credits (11 courses)

Graduate Students with a Bachelor’s Degree and NO Teaching Certificate:

  • Masters’ Degree with PK-12 Special Education Certification - 36 credits (11 courses) + full semester of student teaching

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program

  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) PK-12 Teaching Certification - 30 credits
  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Masters’ Degree & PK-12 Teaching Certification – 36 credits

Certifications and Endorsements:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders Endorsement – 12 credits (4 courses)
  • Social, Emotional and Behavioral PK-12 Wellness Endorsement – 12 credits (4 courses)
  • Reading Interventionist Certificate – 13 credits (5 courses)
Tuition & Fees

$828/credit (2022-2023)

$100 education fee per semester (2022-2023)

$325 Wilson fees (if enrolled in the Reading Interventionist Certificate program)
Average Class Size

10-20 students
Average Work Experience

Most students are in the field of education or a related field. Experience ranges from new teachers to those close to retirement or ready to change careers. We welcome all levels of experience and interest.

Jobs in Special Education  

Our graduates work as:

  • Principals or assistant principals
  • District/private school/learning center administrators
  • Curriculum supervisors
  • Directors or supervisors of special education
  • Superintendents or assistant superintendents of schools 
  • Executive directors/leaders in organizations, corporations, and non-profits
Graduate Assistantships Graduate assistantships are offered on a limited basis. Please contact the program director for availability.
Discount Eligibility 
  • Alumni of Saint Joseph's are eligible to receive 10% off the cost of this program through our alumni discount.
  • Completed a year or more of service with a recognized service organization? You may be eligible for our mission discount. 
  • Check with your employer to see if they are an Edcor or a Bright Horizons EdAssist member, which may entitle you to a discount on graduate programs. 

*note - discounts cannot be combined. 
Veterans SJU is a yellow ribbon school that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans Service can help you access and understand the benefits available to you and will support you during your educational career at SJU.

 

Related Programs

Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement

Endorsed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Autism Spectrum Disorder Endorsement program at Saint Joseph's features a curriculum that focuses on assessment and research-based strategies. The program places special emphasis on skill development and behavioral modification for students of all ages who have been diagnosed on the autism spectrum.