Duquesne University

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.S.Ed.-Special Education: Cognitive, Behavior, Physical/Health Disabilities

Program Description:

The mission of the M.S.Ed. Special Education program is to prepare skilled educators who will maximize the potential for achieving meaningful quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Our graduates serve as advocates recognizing that disability is a natural part of the human experience and that individuals with disabilities have a right to support, allowing for full participation in the social, economic and educational mainstream of life.

The graduate curriculum in Special Education is designed to facilitate students’ development of state-of-the-art competencies. Coursework is built on the three fundamental themes of the School of Education’s Leading Teacher Program— leadership, technology and diversity. In addition, the curriculum helps students build the knowledge and skills in the five domains (Learning Theorist, Curriculum Designer, Expert in School Context, Instructional Leader, Master Practitioner) that provide the theoretical framework of professional development in the School of Education. The knowledge base, skills and dispositions of the program of study reflect Content Standards, Common Core Knowledge requirements, and the Individualized General Curriculum and Individualized Independence Curriculum standards of CEC and NCATE. Graduates of this program are prepared as specialists in the areas of assessment, curriculum, instruction, learning and behavior support, professional advocate and collaborative partnerships.

This program is fully accredited by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the Specialized Professional Association (SPA) recognized by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) to review special education degree programs and certificates.

Accreditation:

NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools PDE (Pennsylvania Department of Educaiton CEC (Council for Exceptional Children

Eligibility Requirements:

For admission to any graduate program in Special Education, applicants must have an instructional certification. A complete application for graduate admission to the School of Education. Official transcripts from the accredited college, university or seminary where the applicant obtained a bachelor’s degree. Along with those documents, applicants to the Additional Certification options in the Special Education– (CBP/HD) program must meet the additional criteria listed below: An overall 3.0 minimum GPA OR A minimum 3.0 GPA on the most recent 48 credits Have an instructional certificate in one of the following certificates: Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, or Reading Specialist

# of Credits Required:

30-36

International Student Requirements:

Same academic requirements as U.S. students. In addition, TOEFL test (Paper based 550 minimum and internet based 80 minimum) must be taken and possibly the Duquesne University English Placement Tests and successful completion of any required English language course work. Letters of recommendation submitted by persons in authority at former university. Financial documentation showing ability to pay for education and living expenses. Student to maintain full time status. Must have major medical coverage.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Cost Per Credit Hour:

1010.00 USD

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Format: Campus

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Intensive

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Large City

Size & Settings: 10,000 - 19,999