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.

  1. Academics
  2. Graduate Studies
  3. Special Education (MEd)
special education teacher in classroom with students

Program Overview

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).

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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.

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Program Highlights

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.

Faculty

Our professors' leadership and research are shaping the education field.

Briana Bronstein
Briana Bronstein
Assistant Teaching Professor

It takes someone special to teach someone special. Our pre-service educators are dedicated to learning, growing, and teaching the next generation.

Essence Allen-Presley
Essence Allen-Presley
Director of The Widener Child Development Center

"I believe classroom culture should include opportunities to create community through social justice values, respect, and equality for everyone. Teachers must include students' needs and interests, their knowledge from personal experiences, interactions, opportunities to explore hands-on activities, social-emotional regulation through positive behavior supports, and self-constructed inquiry and knowledge through questioning."

Xiaobao Li
Xiaobao Li
Associate Professor

"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."

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Your Inside Track to Success

Your Inside Track to Success

Here, you'll prepare for a rewarding career in special education.

Recent Employers & Industry Connections

  • CADES
  • Chester Community Charter School
  • Chester Upland School District
  • Elwyn
  • Interboro School District
  • Ridley School District
  • The School District of Philadelphia
  • Widener Partnership Charter School

Outlook & Outcomes

Potential Careers

  • Special education classroom teacher
  • Inclusive general/special education teacher
  • Special education consultant
  • Special education assistive technology advisor

Where Graduates Work

  • Public school districts
  • Private and charter schools
  • Early childhood centers
  • Intermediate units
  • Medical health centers

Take the Next Steps

Join a leading university dedicated to your success.

Visit Us

To visit Widener is, more often than not, to fall in love with the place. To fit your timeline and schedule, we offer a variety of ways to get to know us.

View Tuition and Fees

Explore program costs and payment options.

Financial Aid

At Widener, opportunities for financial aid extend to graduate students. Discover how Widener can help make obtaining your degree possible.

Next steps to apply

We strongly encourage you to meet with an academic advisor either in-person or by phone, prior to submitting your application. Once you are ready to apply, it’s easy! Complete the online application form and send us your admission requirements.

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Center for Education