Special Education PK-12 (M.Ed.)
About Our Special Education PK-12 Program
SRU’s master’s program in Special Education is being offered by one of the oldest and most reputable Special Education Departments in the United States with a long history of producing top quality special educators in Pennsylvania and across the United States. The faculty who has extensive teaching and administration experience in the field has developed an award-winning online program.
Special Education - PK-12 concentration program that can be completed in one calendar year for those with existing teaching credentials or a year and a half for those students seeking initial Special Education teaching certification. The online format has been designed for working professionals and busy consumers that want to obtain a degree and teaching credentials without extensive travel and the ability to complete it using a flexible schedule. Courses are set up in both an asynchronous and synchronous manner with most classes being offered in an asynchronous format.
Why Get a Special Education PK-12 Degree?
- A respected degree from one of the oldest and most reputable Special Education departments in the U.S.
- Add certification in Special Education PK-12 to your existing credentials.
- A pathway to a new career with initial teaching certification in Special Education PK-12.
- A curriculum approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
- Asynchronous coursework for flexible, on-your-time learning.
- Strategic synchronous sessions to support students seeking initial certification.
- Accreditation through CAEP, reflecting rigorous academic and professional standards.
- No GRE or MAT requirement for program admission.
- Expert academic advising from professionals active in the field who understand the job market.
Accredited. Respected. Proven.
Slippery Rock University's Special Education PK-12 Program is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This accreditation is the gold standard for teacher preparation programs, which means our curriculum has been rigorously reviewed by professionals and meets the highest national standards for excellence. Graduating from a CAEP-accredited institution gives you a competitive edge, showing school districts that you're a highly qualified educator who is well-prepared to lead a modern, effective classroom.
Career Outcomes
With a critical, nationwide shortage of qualified special education teachers, an M.Ed. in Special Education is a direct pathway to a rewarding and high-demand career. This program prepares you to earn a Pennsylvania teaching certification in Special Education PK-12, qualifying you to work with students with diverse learning needs. Whether you're a career changer entering the classroom for the first time or a certified teacher adding a new specialization, you'll graduate with the evidence-based strategies needed to create inclusive, effective, and supportive learning environments. This degree prepares you for a variety of essential roles, including:
- Special Education Teacher (Learning Support, Emotional Support, Life Skills)
- Inclusion Teacher or Co-Teacher in a general education classroom
- Autistic Support Teacher
- Early Intervention Specialist
- Transition Coordinator
- Special Education Department Head or Lead Teacher
- Advocate for students with disabilities
Requirements
What are the admission requirements for this program at SRU? Check out the requirements in the dropdowns of this section!
Program Director / Coordinator
Graduate Coordinator
Dr. Richael Barger-Anderson
Special Education
724.738.2873
richael.barger-ander@sru.edu
Email graduate.admissions@sru.edu or call 724.738.2051 for information regarding this program’s graduate application deadlines.
Attention: To apply for admission, please use the following link to apply now.
- $25 Application Fee
- Copy of Teaching Certificate (a PA certificate is not required and is optional for Autism). If you are not a teaching professional, please notify graduate admissions so we may adjust your application requirements
- Resume
- Two Electronic Recommendation Forms: two from a professional or one from a professional and one from a faculty member
- Official Transcripts- Undergraduate/Graduate (Official transcripts must be sent by institution via electronic transcript e-share to graduate.admissions@sru.edu or via mail- faxed copies will not be considered official)
- SRU current/Alumni/former students click here to order your official SRU final transcript and have it sent to graduate.admissions@sru.edu
Please Note:
- If you are requesting a review of your graduate transcripts for transfer of credit, please complete the transfer of credit form and submit it to the Office of Graduate Admissions with official graduate transcripts. Please also review SRU's transfer of credit policy.
- Applicants may submit supplemental materials as a PDF or JPEG file via email (graduate.admissions@sru.edu), fax (724.738.2146), or mail.
- If you are not a resident of Pennsylvania, please check the list of states approved for online classes and internships by clicking here. The Autism Endorsement must be applied for through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
- Clearances are due no later than one week prior to the course registration deadline for any practicum/field experience. No student will be permitted to register for these experiences without clear clearances on file at SRU. The following are required:
- Clear Act 34 Criminal History Record: Must be less than one year old at the time of submission.
- Clear Act 114 FBI Record Check: Must be less than one year old at the time of submission.
- Clear Act 151 Child Abuse Background Check: Must be less than one year old at the time of submission.
- Act 24 Arrest/Conviction Report and Certification: Students must file an updated Act 24 with SRU if any additional arrests/convictions occur while enrolled.
- Testing and PDE certification requirements can be found here.
Please note: For more information, visit www.sru.edu/graduate. Transfer course evaluation information can be found on our graduate website.
Resources from SRU
From application tips to academic information and support, we provide the guidance and tools you need to start strong and stay on track. Our resources are here to help you make the most of your SRU experience.
