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Master's Degree & Certification
Special Education (MEd)
Prepare to better meet the needs of PK-12 special education students through modern technologies and cutting-edge research and theory.
At a Glance
Click to Open
Offered as
Master's
Certification
Format
100% Online
Credits
Master's: 45
Certification: 42
College/School
Campus Location
- Chester, PA
Explore the Special Education MEd & Certification
Whether you are a special education teacher or a general education teacher with differently-abled learners, Widener’s graduate program in special education (PK-12) prepares you to better meet your students’ needs through modern technologies and cutting-edge research and theory.
Learn how to use evidence-based practices for working with children and youth with special education needs. You’ll master principles of effective assessment, specialized instruction, and individualized programming, and upon completion of the program, you’ll be eligible to apply for Pennsylvania Instructional I certification in special education (PK-12).
Program Options
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Upon completion of the program, you’ll be eligible to apply for Pennsylvania Instructional I certification in special education (PK-12).
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Each state/jurisdiction has requirements that candidates must meet in order to obtain licensure and/or certification to teach. It is the student’s responsibility to seek appropriate guidance before beginning any academic program. If you intend to seek certification outside of Pennsylvania, the University recommends that you contact the appropriate state licensing agency to obtain specific licensure/certification requirements per state and the most up-to-date information.
To view Widener’s licensure eligibility by state/jurisdiction, please visit the Center for Education: Program Licensure page.
Outlook & Outcomes
Why Study Special Education at Widener?
Gain the skills and capabilities to help students succeed in school using the latest methods and technology available.
Personalized Learning
At Widener, you can rely on your graduate coursework to meet your career goals. In fact, students often learn by doing and sharing knowledge from their own professional experience.
Comprehensive Curriculum
You’ll learn to assess, analyze assessment results, and select and monitor interventions for diversely-abled children. You’ll develop sensitivity to your work environment so you can respond effectively to the needs of individual students, families, and teachers. You’ll be a positive change agent for the education field with the knowledge you’ve gained through the program.
Expert Faculty
Our special education program faculty are incredibly knowledgeable with many years of experience in the field to inspire you to academic excellence and help you find access accurate and up-to-date information in the field of education.
Clubs & Organizations
Secondary Education majors have the opportunity to join various clubs & organizations across and outside of campus to expand their network, including Kappa Delta Pi, and many more.
Our Faculty
It takes someone special to teach someone special. Our pre-service educators are dedicated to learning, growing, and teaching the next generation.
"I have authored or co-authored 15 publications in top-tier education journals and am honored to be a highly rated online professor of Widener students."
Recent News
Widener Prepares Student Teachers to Thrive in a Digital Classroom
When COVID-19 forced the closure of K-12 schools in mid-March, Widener student teachers found themselves embarking on a new partnership with Agora Cyber Charter School.
Preparing Tomorrow’s Special Education Teachers Today
Widener’s undergraduate and graduate special education programs provide aspiring teachers with the tools they need to find success in a growing and evolving field.
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions Information
- Completed online application
- $35 application fee
- Official transcripts from all previous graduate and undergraduate programs
- Two letters of recommendation from colleagues, supervisors, or college professors
- Interview with a faculty advisor
- Personal statement:
- Please describe your experiences as an educational leader, what you hope to gain from advanced studies, and a brief description of your current dissertation research interests
Additional requirements for dissertation completion students:
- Resume or CV
- For your two letters of recommendation:
- At least one letter must be from a faculty member in the student's former program, preferably from the dissertation chair or academic advisor. Letter must indicate that the student was in good academic standing when they left the program.
- Letters must address the student's writing ability, academic ability, and work ethic
- For your official transcripts:
- Include transcripts with master's degree conferral
- Students must have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their former doctoral programs
- Academic writing sample, such as a current draft of the student's dissertation or a paper
- Writing sample must be at least 10 pages long
- Personal statement indicating the following:
- The student's research interests
- The current status of the student's dissertation
- Widener faculty the student is interested in working with as Dissertation Chair
Financial Aid
Paths to Savings
85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Graduate Assistantships
Widener offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to enrolled students. GAs receive tuition assistance for their work. Once you're a student, contact your program director for more information.
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
Widener Scholarships
A limited number of university-based scholarships are made available to enrolled graduate students made possible directly from our academic department or thanks to the generosity of university donors. No extra steps are needed to be taken prior to admission. Once enrolled, contact your program director to learn more.
20% Discount for Widener Alumni
(some restrictions apply)
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
Program Cost
Program cost for dissertation completion students will be 12-credits minimum at the graduate tuition rate.
Center for Education
-
503 East 13th Street
Chester, PA 19013
- 610-499-4345
Kat LeConey
Assistant Director of Admissions & Enrollment
-
Hyatt Hall, Office #320
- (610) 499-1388
- ksleconey@widener.edu
Patricia A. Newman
Adjunct Professor
-
503 E. 13th Street
Chester, PA 19061
Room 113
- (610) 499-4630
- panewman@widener.edu