Special Education PreK-12

Post-Graduate Certificate

The graduate department in Special Education and Applied Disabilities Studies is designed to afford providers of educational and behavioral services opportunities to (a) refine their critical thinking and analytical skills to the highest level of proficiency necessary to attain excellence in the field and (b) develop applied research competencies necessary to create innovations in education and behavioral services that benefit individuals with disabilities or unique learning needs.

Coursework in the Post Graduate Certification in Special Education PreK-12 qualifies students to teach in multiple and diverse settings, including early childhood, elementary, middle, and secondary classrooms. Specialized course instruction is paired with unique clinical experiences so that students become well-versed in the theory and practice of teaching students with disabilities. Dedicated faculty with years of experience in the special education field guide and supervise student learning both in clinical experiences and student teaching.

Students who have already earned a master’s degree in some other related field (e.g. Applied Behavior Analysis, Secondary Education, Elementary Education, Psychology) may want to further pursue Pennsylvania teaching credentials in Special Education PreK-12. This post-graduate certificate provides an avenue for those students.

Program Overview

Option: Post-graduate certificate
Location(s): On campus; limited online courses available
Credits: 35
Duration: Minimum 18 months
Cost: $953 (Special 667 per credit rate for PA teachers and veterans) per credit; $29,500 (26,000) total
Start term(s): Fall, spring, or summer semester

Please note: For those seeking special education certification or ABA certification, during the course of your program it will be necessary for you to undergo the following:

Criminal background check
Fingerprinting
Child abuse clearance
Drug screening
Medical verification of TB vaccination

Course Requirements

WL 501: Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Learners (Three credits)
EDUC 501: Introduction to ABA: Behavior Interventions I (Three credits)
EDUC 521: Psychology of Diverse Learners - Summer, online (Three credits)
EDUC 522: Inclusive Practices PreK-12 - Summer, online (Three credits)
EDUC 531: Curriculum & Instruction: High Incidence Disabilities (Three credits)
- EDUC 532: Clinical: High (One credit)
EDUC 533: Curriculum & Instruction: Low Incidence Disabilities (Three credits)
- EDUC 554: Clinical: Low (One credit)
EDUC 535: Assessment & Data-Driven Decision Making (Three credits)
EDUC 536: Professional, Legal, & Ethical Practices (Three credits)
EDUC 675: Capstone Clinical - Student Teaching (Six credits)

Learning Outcomes

As all coursework required for this program is embedded in the graduate Special Education program, students completing the post-graduate certificate will meet the following two student learning outcomes.

Utilize evidenced-based practices and assessments in clinical settings.
Write measurable objectives such as those found in an Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Ready to Apply?

Here's what you'll need:

- Completed online application.
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited school with a preferred overall minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Earned a Graduate degree.
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you’ve attended.
- Resume.
- 500-750 word personal statement outlining your reasons for enrolling, as well as personal and professional goals.
- Letter of recommendation from a professional or academic source (such as an employer or professor).

International students may need to complete additional requirements.

Why Choose Mercyhurst?

The graduate department of Special Education and Applied Disability Studies provides graduates with current and future special education and disability service practitioners with the skills and experiences necessary to implement evidence-based practices in the helping professions of teaching, behavior analysis, and disability services. Mercyhurst Graduate Special Education and Applied Disability Studies Program graduates:

Are prepared to create learning opportunities that allow individuals with educational and behavioral challenges to realize opportunities for self-determination and independence.
Are encouraged to be scientist-practitioners who serve the field in three evidence-driven ways:
- As consumers of applied research in their practice as teachers and clinicians.
- As producers of applied research or data-driven strategies in both their graduate studies and their professional careers.
- As disseminators of their clinical or research endeavors through the presentation of resulting data to others in the field.