Choose a career in special education and learn to empower diverse learners in PreK-12 schools.
"Through a lot of trial and error, I landed in the College of Education at Lehigh and could not be more thrilled. As my journey at Lehigh continues, the great faculty and beautiful campus confirm my choice again and again."
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:
Because of 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: December 15 for spring start. 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
Lehigh University’s Master’s in Special Education stands out for rigorous training, inclusive practice, and real-world impact. You’ll learn from nationally recognized faculty. You’ll build skills in proven strategies. You can use them right away in your work with students with disabilities.
With flexible concentrations matched to your goals, our program supports equitable access and meaningful outcomes. It prepares you to strengthen your practice and 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 are earning a Special Education master’s degree and/or certification. Many work at our highly acclaimed, nationally recognized lab school, the Centennial School.
A primary goal of Centennial is to prepare special education teachers to support students with emotional and behavioral needs. It also prepares teachers to support students with autism spectrum disorder and their families. Graduate students work full time as supervised teacher associates. They complete 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 therapy services for young children with autism in the Lehigh Valley area.
We also serve nearby communities. LUAS develops and shares research-based practices. These practices improve the well-being of children with autism and their families. LUAS also serves the local community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lehigh College of Education is committed to a 15% tuition discount for students who pursue a master's degree with initial Pennsylvania Department of Education certification in Special Education. Learn more at https://ed.lehigh.edu/inspire.
The course requirements for the M.Ed. Special Education & Special Education PreK-12 PA Teacher Certification 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 Seminar |
Our Program Also Offers:
- Competitive Tuition: We pride ourselves on offering a top-ranked education at a competitive tuition rate. 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 helps master’s students work closely with their mentors.
Built for Working Adults: Courses run in the afternoons and evenings, so you can keep working full-time if needed.
Rapid Employment: Our reputation speaks for itself—our most recent graduates have secured jobs before graduation day.
Pennsylvania Department of Education Requirements
People who want to teach should know about the strict requirements for certification. These include academic, health, and personal character standards. The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requires these standards 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
Request More Information