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Prepare to better meet the needs of PK-12 special education students through modern technologies and cutting-edge research and theory.
The Center for Education is no longer accepting new students into its graduate education programs.
Master's
Certification
100% Online
Master's: 45
Certification: 42
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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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.
Gain the skills and capabilities to help students succeed in school using the latest methods and technology available.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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."
It takes someone special to teach someone special. Our pre-service educators are dedicated to learning, growing, and teaching the next generation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 for dissertation completion students will be 12-credits minimum at the graduate tuition rate.
Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.
503 East 13th Street
Chester, PA 19013
Hyatt Hall, Office #320