Special Education Certification

The online Special Education Certification program seeks to produce professionals equipped with the fundamental skills, knowledge, and competencies necessary to meet the needs of students at risk for school failure and students with disabilities in multiple settings.

Certification

The program focuses on pre-kindergarten to secondary education levels and is for those interested in Special Education PreK-12 certification.

Candidates seeking Pennsylvania (PA) Special Education certification must have an active PA Instructional I or Instructional II teaching certificate. Out-of-state teachers may also earn their Pennsylvania Special Education PreK-12 certification if they transfer their current teacher certification to PA.

Program Features

A flexible online program that fits easily into your busy work and personal schedule. The only face-to-face requirements are the various field experiences that are conveniently arranged in an appropriate school in your area.
Named one of “America’s Best Graduate Schools” preparing today’s educators by U.S. News & World Report
Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
A highly interactive online learning method allows extensive interaction with faculty and other classmates

CAEP Accredited Provider

The Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP) accredits Drexel University School of Education educator preparation programs. CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement. Drexel University meets rigorous national standards for education preparation set by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation.

Archived Webinars

State restrictions may apply to some programs. Learn more.

Courses

This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.

Pre-requisites for Certification in Special Education (PreK-12)
Students must have completed the following courses in order to apply for a Pennsylvania Special Education PreK-12 certification. All students entering the post-bachelor's certificate program after 2011 should have had these core courses in their initial certification program. If a student has not completed the following three courses, they should be taken to apply for special education certification:

EDEX 542	Fundamentals of Special Education	3.0
EDEX 544	Inclusive Practices	3.0
EDEX 568	Literacy and Content Skill Development PK-12	3.0

Required Courses

Core Certification Courses
EDEX 536	Special Education Law and Process	3.0
EDEX 543	Emotional and Behavioral Support of Individuals with Disabilities	3.0
EDEX 549	Teaching Individuals with High Incident Disabilities	3.0
EDEX 550	Teaching Individuals with Low Incident Disabilities	3.0
EDEX 552	Integrating Technology for Learning & Achievement	3.0
EDEX 555	Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder	3.0
EDEX 575	Teaching STEAM in an Inclusive Environment PK-12	3.0
EDEX 578	Special Education Practicum PK-12	3.0
or EDEX 514	Special Education Student Teaching Seminar
EDEX 588	Implementing Academic Interventions in Inclusive Educational Environments	3.0
Total Credits		27.0

View Course Descriptions

Admissions Criteria

A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (graduate GPA will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA)
- If you do not meet this requirement, you’re still encouraged to apply and your file will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Program Director
A Pennsylvania Instructional I or Instructional II teaching certificate

Required Documents

With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.

A completed application
Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
Two letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
Resume
Essay describing why you're interested in pursuing graduate study in this field
Copy of PA Instructional I or Instructional II teaching certificate
Additional requirements for International Students

Tuition

The tuition rate for the academic year 2023-2024 is $1079 per credit. (A 25% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1438 per credit)

For the academic year 2023-2024, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.

This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations

These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.

Academic Calendar

2023-2024 Academic Year

Term

Classes Begin

Classes End

Exams Begin

Exams End

Fall 2023

September 26, 2023

December 9, 2023

December 11, 2023

December 16, 2023

Winter 2024

January 8, 2024

March 16, 2024

March 18, 2024

March 23, 2024

Spring 2024

April 1, 2024

June 8, 2024

June 10, 2024

June 15, 2024

Summer 2024

June 24, 2024

August 31, 2024

September 3, 2024

September 7, 2024

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