Drexel University’s online MS in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum: Dual Certification helps prepare you for certification in middle level and special education, or secondary education and special education, all while earning your master’s degree. Graduates are equipped to manage diverse learning styles and to utilize the latest assessment tools to develop, analyze, implement, and evaluate instructional strategies.
With two program tracks available, Dual Certification in Middle Level and Special Education, or Secondary and Special Education, you can go the route that works best for your teaching goals.
Learn about an exciting new scholarship opportunity!
Drexel’s dual certification combines elements of the MS in Special Education and the MS in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum: Teacher Certification Track – Middle Level or MS in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum: Teacher Certification Track – Secondary Education to help you excel in both areas. The program prepares you for initial Instructional I Certification and Instructional II (PK4-12) Special Education Certification. Courses focus on foundational pedagogy, specialized lessons for your subject area, and how to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Field experience and student teaching ensure that when you enter your own classroom, you’ll feel comfortable and ready to lead.
For the Middle Level and Special Education Dual Certification track, you'll select from one of the following concentration areas:
For the Instructional I Teaching Certificate, you'll select from one of the following secondary concentration areas:
There are unlimited opportunities to inspire, lead, and spark change in the educational landscape. Hear from Sarah Ulrich, EdD, associate dean of academic affairs and clinical professor as she breaks down how our program’s emphasis on leadership, experiential learning, and strong mentorship, equips you to lead the best practices in education.
The Drexel University Middle School Robert Noyce program is a prestigious funded program from the National Science Foundation (NSF) with the goal of recruiting and preparing STEM teachers for schools in high need.
To be eligible for the scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:
For additional information, questions, or to apply, please contact Dr. Sheila Vaidya, Program Director, at vaidyasr@drexel.edu. Apply Today!

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. Drexel University’s MS in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum Teacher Certification programs include CAEP-accredited programs.
Teachers’ salaries can vary widely due to several factors – location, level of education, subject, etc. Here are some median salaries for educators:
Job Title
2017 Median National Salaries*
High School Teacher
$62,870
Middle School Teacher
$60,810
Special Education Teacher
$61,500
*Data from Bureau of Labor Statistics
Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.
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.
| Dual Certification Middle Level (4-8) Mathematics, Science, English or Social Studies Core (51.0 credits): | ||
| EDEX 536 | Special Education Law and Process | 3.0 |
| EDEX 542 | Fundamentals of Special Education | 3.0 |
| EDEX 543 | Emotional and Behavioral Support of Individuals with Disabilities | 3.0 |
| EDEX 544 | Inclusive Practices | 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 568 | Literacy and Content Skill Development PK-12 | 3.0 |
| EDEX 578 | Special Education Practicum PK-12 | 3.0 |
| EDEX 588 | Implementing Academic Interventions in Inclusive Educational Environments | 3.0 |
| EDUC 515 | Adolescent Learners | 3.0 |
| EDUC 522 | Evaluation of Instruction | 3.0 |
| EDUC 540 | Field Experience | 3.0 |
| EDUC 562 | Middle Years Social Studies Methods | 1.5 |
| EDUC 564 | English/Language Arts Teaching Methods for the Middle Years | 1.5 |
| EDUC 565 | Foundations in Instructing English Language Learners | 3.0 |
| EDUC 567 | Middle Years Science Methods | 1.5 |
| MTED 563 | Middle Years Mathematical Methods (4-8) | 1.5 |
| Total Credits | 51.0 | |
| Dual Certification Secondary (7-12) Computer Science, General Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth and Space Science, English, Social Studies or Mathematics Core (48.0 credits) | ||
| EDEX 536 | Special Education Law and Process | 3.0 |
| EDEX 542 | Fundamentals of Special Education | 3.0 |
| EDEX 543 | Emotional and Behavioral Support of Individuals with Disabilities (Field Experience Required) | 3.0 |
| EDEX 544 | Inclusive Practices (Field Experience Required) | 3.0 |
| EDEX 549 | Teaching Individuals with High Incident Disabilities (Field Experience Required) | 3.0 |
| EDEX 550 | Teaching Individuals with Low Incident Disabilities (Field Experience Required) | 3.0 |
| EDEX 552 | Integrating Technology for Learning & Achievement (Field Experience Required) | 3.0 |
| EDEX 555 | Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Field Experience Required) | 3.0 |
| EDEX 568 | Literacy and Content Skill Development PK-12 | 3.0 |
| EDEX 578 | Special Education Practicum PK-12 | 3.0 |
| EDEX 588 | Implementing Academic Interventions in Inclusive Educational Environments | 3.0 |
| EDUC 514 | Science Teaching Methods (Stage III Pre Student Teaching Required) | 3.0 |
| or MTED 519 | Teaching Secondary Mathematics | |
| or EDUC 556 | Secondary Social Studies Methods (7-12) | |
| or EDUC 538 | English Teaching Methods | |
| or ESTM 535 | Teaching Secondary Computer Science | |
| EDUC 515 | Adolescent Learners (Field Experience Required) | 3.0 |
| EDUC 522 | Evaluation of Instruction | 3.0 |
|
Candidate selects appropriate methods course (including a school-based field component) matching desired area of certification
|
||
| EDUC 540 | Field Experience (12 week Student Teaching experience required) | 3.0 |
| EDUC 565 | Foundations in Instructing English Language Learners | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 48.0 | |
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
For the academic year 2025-2026, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.
2025-2026 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2025
September 22, 2025
December 6, 2025
December 8, 2025
December 13, 2025
Winter 2026
January 5, 2026
March 14, 2026
March 16, 2026
March 21, 2026
Spring 2026
March 30, 2026
June 6, 2026
June 8, 2026
June 13, 2026
Summer 2026
June 22, 2026
August 29, 2026
August 31, 2026
September 5, 2026