Douglas Olsen
Wilkes University offers a range of programs for students interested in working with individuals with special needs. The university is an international leader in educating educators, offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, both in-person and online. The Special Education Major at Wilkes University prepares students for high-demand careers in meeting the unique educational needs of prekindergarten through 12th-grade students with diagnosed special needs. The university also offers a Master of Science in Education with a major in Special Education, designed for teachers seeking Pennsylvania certification in special education. This program can be completed entirely online, without any campus visits. Additionally, Wilkes University's Graduate Education programs include special education certification, providing working educators with the flexibility of an online format. Graduates of these programs often assume leadership roles within special education, demonstrating their competence and effectiveness in serving diverse learners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Program | Special Education Major, M.S. in Education with Special Education Certification |
| Format | In-person and online |
| Target Students | Teachers who wish to earn Pennsylvania certification in special education |
| Curriculum | Educational psychology, special education methodology, behavior management, assessment, early intervention, educational policies, programs, practices and services for infants and young children with delays or disabilities, historical and legal perspectives, family systems theory, evidence-based interventions and services, theoretical foundations, curriculum, current issues and challenges in special education |
| Affiliated Institutions | The Graham Academy, Casa Grande School District in Arizona |
| Courses | EDSP 226 – Special Education Methodology II with Field Experience (20 hours), EDSP 227 – Behavior Management with Field Experience (20 hours), EDSP 302 – Special Education Methods, EDSP 501, EDSP 505, EDSP 506: Internship |
| Outcome | Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in special education, such as supervisors or specialists, serving as mentors to other educators, ensuring programs are in compliance, working as consultants or trainers, supporting students in clinical settings, or providing guidance to nonprofit organizations |
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What You'll Learn
Special Education Major
Wilkes University offers a Special Education Major for students who are passionate about helping children with special needs. The program prepares students for in-demand careers in education, meeting the unique needs of prekindergarten through 12th-grade students with diagnosed special needs.
The Special Education Major curriculum covers academic, social, and emotional growth in students with special needs, with a focus on maximising their capabilities through diagnostic and instructional practices. Students will learn about educational psychology, special education methodology, behaviour management, and assessment. They will also gain field experience in early intervention, educational policies, and services for infants and children with delays or disabilities.
The university has an affiliation with The Graham Academy, a school for students with behavioural and emotional needs. This affiliation provides students with practical experiences in planning, teaching, behaviour management, and collaboration with professionals and families. Additionally, a collaboration with the Casa Grande School District in Arizona offers opportunities for student-teaching positions.
Wilkes University also offers a Master of Science in Education with a Special Education Major. This program is designed for teachers aspiring to earn Pennsylvania certification in special education. It can be completed entirely online and covers foundational knowledge, early intervention strategies, individual learning differences, legal requirements, and best practices for serving diverse learners.
Graduates of the Special Education Major at Wilkes University are well-prepared for careers in education and often pursue leadership roles within their districts. They can effectively serve as mentors to other educators and ensure compliance with special education requirements.
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Special Education Certification
Wilkes University offers a Special Education Major for students with a passion for helping children with special needs. The program prepares students for in-demand careers addressing the unique educational needs of prekindergarten through 12th-grade students with diagnosed special needs.
The university is one of the first institutions in the state to offer the Special Education Major, building on its long history of preparing teachers for special education certification. The program offers a community of practicing educators through its internal cross-listing of undergraduate and graduate courses. Students benefit from strong community partnerships with several professional development schools, including The Graham Academy, a school for students with emotional and behavioral needs.
The Special Education Certification program prepares candidates to work with special needs populations in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (PK-12). Students will complete requirements for initial certification in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, Middle Level Education, or Secondary Education, with some permitted course substitutions. The program can be completed fully online, offering flexibility for working educators.
The curriculum covers foundational knowledge of special education, including diagnoses, early intervention strategies, individual learning differences, and legal requirements for safeguarding student welfare. Students will learn to create, interpret, and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans based on student needs. They will also gain expertise in pedagogy, leadership, and collaboration to foster inclusive practices.
Graduates of the program become effective and inclusive teachers, with many assuming leadership roles within their districts. They are prepared to serve as mentors, consultants, or trainers, supporting students in clinical settings or guiding nonprofit organizations focused on meeting the needs of individuals with disabilities.
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Special Education Courses
Wilkes University offers a range of Special Education courses to prepare educators to meet the diverse learning needs of students with special needs. The courses are designed to provide knowledge, skills, and experiences to create effective and inclusive teaching practices.
Special Education Major
The Special Education Major at Wilkes University is a comprehensive program that equips students with the skills and knowledge to work with children with special needs from prekindergarten through 12th grade. The curriculum covers a range of topics, including educational psychology, special education methodology, behaviour management, assessment techniques, and early intervention strategies. The program includes field experiences and affiliations with schools like The Graham Academy, providing robust training in planning, preparation, teaching, and managing student behaviours.
M.S. in Education with Special Education Certification
Wilkes University offers a Master of Science in Education with a major in Special Education. This online program is designed for teachers seeking Pennsylvania certification in special education. The curriculum explores foundational knowledge, diagnoses, early intervention, individual learning differences, legal requirements, and best practices for meeting diverse student needs. Graduates are prepared to take on leadership roles and implement inclusive practices.
Special Education Certification
The Special Education Certification program at Wilkes University offers both graduate and undergraduate options. Candidates complete student teaching in both special and regular education settings, gaining practical experience. The program focuses on effective teaching practices, literacy, universal design, and differentiation for students with diverse needs and disabilities. It includes courses such as Special Education Methodology II and Behaviour Management, providing field experience. Graduates are well-prepared to work in special education and assume leadership roles.
Dual Special Education Program
The Dual Special Education Program at Wilkes University aims to develop competent, caring, and ethical educators. The program facilitates competence in academic, social, and emotional growth, maximising student capabilities through diagnostic and instructional practices. It prepares candidates to work with special needs populations across various age, grade, and ability levels, ensuring inclusive and effective education.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Wilkes University's Special Education programs pursue careers as special education teachers, educational consultants, advocates, early intervention specialists, and supervisors. They may also work as trainers for school districts, support clinical settings, or provide guidance to nonprofit organisations serving individuals with disabilities.
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Career Paths for Graduates
Wilkes University offers a Special Education Major for students interested in pursuing a career in education. The program is designed to prepare graduates to meet the unique educational, social, and emotional needs of students with special needs from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade.
The Special Education Major at Wilkes University offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of special education. Students will gain knowledge in educational psychology, special education methodology, behaviour management, assessment techniques, and early intervention strategies. They will also learn about educational policies, programs, practices, and services for infants and young children with delays or disabilities.
Special Education Teacher:
Graduates with a Special Education Major from Wilkes University can pursue a career as a special education teacher. They will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to create inclusive classrooms, differentiate instruction, and address the diverse learning needs of students with special needs.
Educational Consultant or Advocate:
Outside the classroom, graduates can explore roles as educational consultants or advocates. They can provide expertise and guidance to schools, districts, or families to ensure that students with special needs receive appropriate accommodations and support.
Early Intervention Specialist:
With their understanding of early intervention strategies, graduates can work as early intervention specialists. They can assist in identifying and providing support to young children with delays or disabilities, ensuring their needs are met at an early age.
Special Education Supervisor or Specialist:
Some graduates may assume leadership roles within their districts as special education supervisors or specialists. In these positions, they mentor and support other educators, ensure program compliance, and promote inclusive practices throughout the district.
Clinical or Non-Profit Settings:
Graduates can also pursue careers in clinical settings or with non-profit organizations committed to serving individuals with disabilities. They can provide guidance, support, and expertise to ensure the needs of this population are met both inside and outside the traditional classroom setting.
The Special Education program at Wilkes University prepares graduates to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students with special needs. With a strong foundation in educational practices and a focus on inclusivity, graduates are well-equipped to pursue a variety of career paths that align with their interests and passions.
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Student Teaching Experience
Wilkes University offers a Special Education major for students who wish to pursue a career in meeting the unique educational needs of prekindergarten to 12th-grade students with diagnosed special needs. The program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to become effective teachers and build their competence in areas of academic, social, and emotional growth.
The Special Education program offers a unique collaboration with the Casa Grande School District in Arizona, providing students with the opportunity to student-teach in a diverse setting. Additionally, Wilkes University's affiliation with The Graham Academy, a school for students with behavioural and emotional needs, offers robust experiences in planning, preparation, teaching, and managing student behaviours.
The student-teaching experience in the Special Education program ensures that candidates complete half of their teaching in a special education setting and half in a regular education setting. This provides a well-rounded exposure to different learning environments. Students will also gain field experiences in early intervention and special education, learning about educational policies, programs, and practices for young children with delays or disabilities.
The curriculum covers a range of topics, including educational psychology, special education methodology, behaviour management, assessment, and instructional delivery. Students will learn about diagnoses, early intervention strategies, and legal requirements for safeguarding student welfare. They will also develop skills in creating inclusive classrooms and using intercultural communication techniques to meet the diverse needs of students.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to take on leadership roles within special education, such as supervisors or specialists, and ensure compliance with certification requirements. They may also explore career paths outside the classroom, such as consultants or trainers, providing guidance to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Wilkes University does not offer a program for special needs students. However, the university does offer a Special Education Major that prepares students for a career in meeting the unique educational needs of prekindergarten to 12th-grade students with diagnosed special needs.
Students majoring in Middle Level Education with a concentration in Special Education PK-12 will complete the following courses:
- EDSP 226 – Special Education Methodology II with Field Experience (20 hours)
- EDSP 227 – Behavior Management with Field Experience (20 hours)
- EDSP 302 – Special Education Methods
Yes, Wilkes University offers Special Education Certification. The program is offered in a convenient online format, giving working educators the flexibility they need.
