The Special Education Department at Slippery Rock University has a rich history in the field of special education. The Department was established in the early 1960’s under the leadership of Dr. Jack Dinger and has been a regional influence on school districts and community programs for adults with disabilities over the past several decades. More recently, that influence has been extended to a national level because of the various online graduate programs offered to pre-service and in-service teachers all across the United States. Our online programs have students enrolled from Pennsylvania, Florida, Utah, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, New York, and even Japan. 

Each year, the Special Education Department continues to enhance its master’s level programs to ensure the best preparation of special education teachers, general education teachers, and school administrators and leaders. Students who receive their professional development through the Department have an opportunity to learn and work closely with faculty members that have presented research and scholarly work at the state, national, and international levels. The Department’s commitment to effective teaching, support for pre-service and in-service teachers, and the development of school special education administrators makes the Special Education Department at Slippery Rock University a great place to begin or further a special education career.

The Special Education Department at SRU offers a variety of graduate degrees, endorsements, and certifications in special education, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Special Education Supervision and Leadership. All programs are offered online for the convenience of working professionals. The teaching programs and administrative program and individual courses within the programs are aligned with the Council for Exceptional Children Teaching Standards as well as NCATE Special Education Teaching Standards and Educational Leadership Standards. These programs must also meet Pennsylvania Department of Education guidelines and standards for teaching and administrative certification.