What do the M.A. and M.Ed. in Special Education programs encompass?
The Point Park University M.A. and M. Ed. in Special Education are graduate degree programs designed for students to earn a master’s degree and Pennsylvania Special Education Pre-K through 12 Certification. The M.A. degree is for teacher candidates currently holding a teacher certification who want to earn a master’s degree with special education certification. The M.A. program is 30 credits, and teacher candidates will complete the coursework in 18 months (about one and a half years).
The M.Ed. degree is designed for those teacher candidates with a bachelor’s degree but no teaching certification who want to earn a master’s degree with an initial teaching certification in special education. The M.Ed. program is 42 credits, including a 15-week student teaching experience, and teacher candidates will complete the program in five semesters. The courses for both programs are structured in an eight-week online format, and students are enrolled in one course every eight weeks. The courses meet the standards, competencies, and guidelines for the Pennsylvania Department of Education certification programs.
What differentiates Point Park University’s M.A. and M.Ed. Special Education programs from other schools that offer similar programs?
Point Park’s program differs from others because master’s degrees at other universities may not offer the M.Ed. for those who want to earn both a master’s degree and a teaching certification. The coursework for both programs is streamlined so that students can complete the program with both a master’s degree and a teaching certificate in special education, Pre-K through 12.
The cohort sizes are small so that student candidates and instructors have a more personalized experience. The courses are designed and taught by instructors who are experienced teachers and administrators in special education. And therefore, the content, assignments and embedded experiences are very realistic to schools and classrooms.
How will this program help educators during this time of COVID and Post-COVID teaching? How will it better prepare them for today’s education challenges?
None of us predicted how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced how we teach. Valuable lessons were learned during the pandemic. Teachers, students, and parents needed to prepare to teach and learn virtually. With an online learning format, graduate students understand the unique challenges of learning, communicating, and collaborating through a virtual format.
Together, we ensured that our students and student teachers could continue with their teaching experiences even though we shifted our teaching platforms to online learning. We modified, adjusted, and adapted as needed. These are qualities of a good teacher. From a learner’s perspective, graduate students understand how learning styles and preferences can be supported without face-to-face teaching. Some courses also require assignments for and about virtual and online learning.
What career opportunities are available to students who graduate from the program?
There is a growing teacher shortage across Pennsylvania and the country. It is estimated that by 2030, Pennsylvania will need 10,000 more teachers. But we have a sufficient number of great people who would make excellent teachers. Students who graduate from the program can teach special education in Pennsylvania in any public, private, or charter school.
Additionally, students may relocate to another state where a Pennsylvania teaching certification is recognized and accepted by other state departments of education. With a master’s degree in special education and a teaching certification, teachers can hold positions such as:
- Special education teacher
- Substitute teacher
- Teacher assistant
- Case manager
These positions can be in a variety of settings including:
- Public schools
- Private licensed facilities
- Private schools
- Special education centers
- Mental health facilities
- Hospitals
- Residential therapeutic camps
- Sheltered workshops
- Nonprofits
Also, to add to the variety of job opportunities available to them, special educators with master’s degrees can add administrative certifications or endorsements.
Why should prospective students choose this program? Why should they choose Point Park?
I would invite prospective students to read the alumni profiles on the Point Park University success story blog about their experiences. Prospective students should choose this program because it is structured so they can teach, study, and balance their educational and personal lives while earning a master’s degree and teaching certification in special education Pre-K through 12.
Point Park is very affordable; graduate education tuition includes a 25% discount when compared to non-education graduate programs. The online format is convenient for students who are geographically unable to access a quality master’s program in person, as evidenced by those students from across Pennsylvania and in other states who are currently enrolled in the program.