Christine Long YOU'LL GRADUATE READY TO TAKE THE LEAD — Christine Long '05, MEd, graduated ready for the challenges of teaching. “Due to the strong coursework and student teaching, I successfully ran a special education classroom and led three instructional assistants at the age of 22.”

Learning to Serve Exceptional Persons

Whether you want to become an administrator or special education educator, the IUP Special Education master's program will suit your needs. The program will provide you with the knowledge and understanding of working in special education services from implementing curricula to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities to assessing those individual student strengths.

In addition to offering this track in a flexible hybrid format, both in-class and online, IUP also offers two other tracks: the MEd in Special Education with a Special Education certificate, or the Special Education Certification Only track.

As a student you will:

  • Prepare to work in advanced studies in the field of special education.
  • Take core classes in vocational preparation, assessment, research, advanced instruction, professional collaboration, and family perspectives.
  • Select your electives working in conjunction with your advisor.
  • Choose between a thesis and non-thesis option.
  • Take full advantage of your practicum and internship.

Admission Requirements

Students seeking admission to the program must provide the following:

  • The online application form (or a hard copy by obtained by emailing graduate-admissions@iup.edu.)
  • Nonrefundable $50 application fee.
  • Signed and dated statement of career and academic goals: Identify your professional goals and research area of interest, a summation of your achievements within the field of practice, and a summary of your research abilities. Must be at least 300 words.
  • Two letters of recommendation.
  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, including those institutions from which a degree was not earned.
  • A minimum 3.0 GPA.

Please send all information to the following address: Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Admissions Office, Sutton Hall, Suite 120, 1011 South Drive, Indiana, PA 15705.

Course List

Students working towards the Special Education degree may select a thesis or non-thesis option at an appropriate point in their program of studies.

The required courses for this 32-credit program include the following:

  • EDEX 523: Instruction of English Language Learners with Special Needs (2 credits)
  • EDEX 525: Methods and Curriculum - Mild to Moderate Disabilities (3 credits)
  • EDEX 535: Methods and Curriculum - Severe Cognitive Disabilities (3 credits)
  • EDEX 558: Vocational Preparation and Transition for Youth with Disabilities (3 credits)
  • EDEX 560: Family Perspectives (3 credits)
  • EDEX 569: Education of Persons with Emotional or Behavioral Disorders, Learning Disabilities, or Brain Injury (3 credits)
  • EDEX 578: Education of Persons with Intellectual/Developmental and Physical/Multiple Disabilities (3 credits)
  • EDEX 752: Assessment of Persons with Disabilities (3 credits)
  • EDEX 754: Advanced Instruction Design in Special Education (3 credits)
  • EDEX 755: Professional Collaboration and Team Building for Special Educators (3 credits)
  • GSR 615: Elements of Research (3 credits)
  • Also required are:
  • Comprehensive Exam
  • Benchmark Project