Graduate
Special Education
Graduate online programs in special education include Master of Education with Special Education (PK-12) Certification, Master of Education in Special Education, and Special Education (PK-12) Certification.
These programs are designed for:
• Adults with a bachelor's degree seeking to become a certified special education teacher
• Licensed teachers seeking to expand their certification areas or take an Act 48 course
• Educators seeking a master's degree in special education
• Special education teachers seeking to advance to a leadership role
- Program Length:
-
1.5 or 2 Years
- Tuition:
-
$516 Per Credit
- Study Format:
-
Online
- Credit Hours:
- 27-45
Achieve More With A Special Education Degree
Program Benefits
Take advantage of:
- Online coursework
- $516/credit tuition rate, aligned with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) institutions
- Rolling admissions
- Act 48 credits
Median Annual Wage
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for special education teachers in 2024 was $64,270.
Job Prospects
Graduates can pursue a variety of careers, including:
- Special education/learning support teacher
- Subject area teacher certified in Special Education (PK-12)
- Special education supervisor/director
Topics of Study
- Key disabilities
- Research-based practices in providing equitable and inclusive education to the students with special needs
- Technology to assist individuals with disabilities
- Special education law
- School law
- Research for educators
- Professional ethics
M.Ed. with Special Education Certification
Credit Hours: 45
Cost per Credit: $516
Transfer Credits Accepted: 6
Estimated Program Length: 2 years
M.Ed. in Special Education
Credit Hours: 33
Cost per Credit: $516
Transfer Credits Accepted: 6
Estimated Program Length: 2 years
Special Education Certification
Credit Hours: 27
Cost per Credit: $516
Transfer Credits Accepted: 6
Estimated Program Length: 1.5 years
- Application Instructions
Ë®¹ûÅÉ uses the rolling admission process: that is, we continually accept and review applications. This provides an advantage of starting the program at your convenience.
How to apply for:
- Financing Your Education
- Graduate education tuition rate is aligned with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) institutions.
- Tuition payment plan and tuition deferment are available.
- For more information, visit alvernia.edu/ Financial Aid for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application (fafsa.gov). AU Title IV Code: 003233.
- The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email: sfs@alvernia.edu.
- Accreditation
- The Special Education (PK-12) Certification Program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
- Ë®¹ûÅÉ is an accredited institution and a member of the (MSCHE). MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Recent News
Ë®¹ûÅÉ and Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences Renew Partnership to Expand Healthcare Education Pathways
Renewed agreement continues dual-enrollment pathways, degree opportunities and discounted bachelor’s completion options for RHSHS students
Ë®¹ûÅÉ’s O’Pake Institute launches O’Make Space to expand student innovation and entrepreneurship
Student-driven makerspace expands Spark Business Incubator services while creating hands-on learning opportunities
Alvernia honors community leaders, alumni at annual President’s Dinner
Honorees from Greater Reading, Schuylkill County and Lehigh Valley receive recognition for impact on respective communities and the university
