Choose a career in special education and learn to empower diverse learners in PreK-12 schools.
"I fell in love with teaching and helping students reach their goals, no matter what is thrown their way."
Overview
The M.Ed. Special Education & Special Education PreK-12 PA Teacher Certification at Lehigh University is a 33-credit, two-year on-campus master's program that prepares candidates to create effective inclusive environments for students with a wide range of needs, guided by leaders in the field. The program culminates in teacher certification through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Special education is the heartbeat of inclusive learning. As a teacher in this field, you are at the center of a student’s development, serving as the primary advocate for those who learn differently. You expertly guide students’ learning and development through evidence-based practices, ensuring that the instruction you provide is a step toward a future of belonging and achievement
Special education teachers are the architects of individualized instruction. They expertly tailor teaching and learning environments for students navigating a diverse range of academic and behavioral needs. They don’t just 'adapt' lessons; they re-engineer the general education curriculum—expanding learning opportunities for all students.
Demand for Special Educators
The need for highly qualified special education teachers is pressing, as schools nationwide face significant staffing shortages.
International Students
Please Note:
Due to Pennsylvania Department of Education criteria, international students are not eligible for PDE certification. Lehigh is unable to provide immigration sponsorship for this program. International students may apply to the M.Ed. Special Education program.
Program at a Glance
Format: On-Campus
Credits: 11 courses (33 credits)
Length: 2 years
Deadlines: July 15 for fall start, December 15 for spring start and April 15 for summer start. The application and all supporting materials are due by the listed deadlines.
Credential Earned: M.Ed. in Special Education and Special Education PreK-12 PA Teacher Certification.
The COE Advantage
The Master’s in Special Education at Lehigh University stands out for its focus on rigorous training, inclusive practice, and real-world impact. You’ll learn from nationally recognized faculty while building expertise in evidence-based strategies you can apply immediately in your work with students with disabilities. With flexible concentrations tailored to your goals and an emphasis on equitable access and meaningful outcomes, our program prepares you to not only strengthen your practice, but to lead inclusive change in schools and communities. This program aligns with the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requirements for Special Education certification (PreK-12).
Centennial School
Many of our current master’s students who are pursuing their Special Education master’s degree and/or certification work at our highly-acclaimed and nationally-recognized lab school, the Centennial School. A primary goal of Centennial is to prepare special education teachers to work with students with emotional and behavioral needs and autism spectrum disorder as well as students’ families. Graduate students work full time as supervised teacher associates, while completing their Special Education master’s degree and/or certification.
Visit the Centennial School website for employment opportunities. Benefits include a stipend, 18 graduate credit hours of tuition remission annually, and full medical and dental benefits.
Lehigh University Autism Services
Master’s candidates have the opportunity to engage in research and clinical practice at Lehigh University Autism Services (LUAS). LUAS provides quality therapeutic services for young children with autism residing in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas, developing and disseminating research-based practices that improve the well-being of children with autism and their families and serving the local community.
Frequently Asked Questions
The course requirements are 33 credits including a semester of student teaching.
The M.Ed. Special Education degree is an on-campus program.
The typical course load is fall (2-3 courses), spring (2-3 courses), summer (2-3 courses). Classes are arranged in the late afternoons or evenings to make the program convenient for those who work full-time.
The time to completion for this program is typically 2 years.
Yes. Field work is an important part of the program.
Graduates work as secondary general and special education teachers in both public and private K-12 classrooms.
Curriculum
All courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise noted. Course descriptions can be found in the course catalog.
| course number | course name |
|---|---|
| SPED 332 | Education and Inclusion of Individuals with Special Needs in K-12 |
| SPED 404 | Cultural and Linguistic Diversity |
| TLT 407 | Instructional Design for K-12 Classrooms |
| SPED 418 | Alternative Curricular Approaches |
| SPED 419 | Intensive Intervention in Reading |
| SPED 421 | Intensive Intervention in Mathematics and Content Area Literacy |
| SPED 423 | Supporting Transition for Individuals with Disabilities |
| SPED 432 | Positive Behavior Support |
| SPED 452 | Assessment in Special Education |
| SPED 465 | Advanced Inclusionary Practices in K-12 |
| SPED 443 | Special Education Student Teaching and Semina |
Our Program Also Offers:
- Competitive Tuition: We pride ourselves on offering a top-ranked education at a price point that beats out our competitors. The College of Education also offers a Pennsylvania Educator Tuition Scholarship.
- Faculty in the Field: Class instructors have firsthand experience working as special educators.
- Small Class Sizes: A low student-to-faculty ratio means master’s candidates work closely with mentors throughout the program.
- Built for Working Adults: Courses are scheduled in the afternoons and evenings to allow you to continue working full-time, if desired.
- Rapid Employment: Our reputation speaks for itself—our most recent graduates have secured jobs before graduation day.
Pennsylvania Department of Education Requirements
It is important for individuals considering teaching as a career to be aware of the fairly rigorous academic, health, and personal character requirements for teacher certification that are required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for teacher candidates statewide:
- An overall GPA of at least 3.0 (both graduate and undergraduate).
- Clearances through the Office of Professional Certification
Please refer to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for additional information on Pennsylvania Certification.
Faculty & Staff
Donna Toothman
Program Coordinator, Teaching, Learning, and Technology & Special Education Programs
Dr. Kathryn Burke
Assistant Professor
Dr. Brinea M. Charles
Teaching Assistant Professor
Dr. Minyi Dennis
Associate Professor
Dr. Julie Fogt
Director of Centennial School and Affiliated Professor
Dr. Sara Kangas
Associate Professor and Program Director
Dr. Lee Kern
Professor and Director of the Center for Promoting Research to Practice
Dr. Elise Settanni
Teaching Assistant Professor
Application Requirements
- Transcripts, minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate). Evaluations are required for applicants who have earned a degree outside the U.S.
- Two letters of recommendation. These references must be professional or from a faculty member at an accredited institution.
- Proof of English proficiency
- Personal essay
- Deadline(s): July 15 for fall start (the fall 2026 deadline has been extended to July 31), December 15 for spring start and April 15 for summer start. The application and all supporting materials are due by the listed deadlines.
Still Have Questions?
- Talk with a Student Ambassador
- Contact Admissions Office at (610) 758-3225 or coe-admissions@lehigh.edu