BS in Special Education
Susquehanna University
Key Information
Campus location
Selinsgrove, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 54,440 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* tuition 2022-23
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
Because you want to make a difference
This program will not just prepare you to teach students with special learning needs, it also will empower you to shape the future of special education. When you graduate with a special education degree from Susquehanna University, you will be equipped with the knowledge of processes, policies, procedures, strategies, and learning theories to effectively support students with mild to severe disabilities.
The Special Education Program at Susquehanna University is designed to prepare you to teach students with disabilities from Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12 in a variety of educational settings. As the number of students with one or more behavioral, cognitive or physiological differences or disabilities continues to rise, your knowledge and skills will be in high demand. According to National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 14% of all U.S. public school students received special education services in 2018-19.
As a future special education teacher, you will learn about evidence-based teaching methods, strategies, and assistive technologies and will apply this knowledge in the classroom. Additionally, you will be trained to assess individual student needs, develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and monitor progress.
Discover what it takes to be a special education teacher
Professors with classroom experience will provide instruction in methods of supporting students across all disability categories to promote academic, social, and emotional success. The Susquehanna University degree in special education combines foundational educational theories and practices with field experience applications.
You will complete a progression of field experiences in a variety of special education classrooms that begin with observations and engagement with students and progress to more complex responsibilities such as lesson planning and small group instruction. During the spring semester of your senior year, you will complete your student teaching. Your comprehensive coursework at Susquehanna University, combined with field experiences and student teaching placements, will prepare you for a career as a highly qualified special education teacher.
Teacher Intern Program
Adults making a career change can also participate in SU’s Special Education Program. Susquehanna University, selected by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, provides the Teacher Intern Program to holders of baccalaureate degrees seeking teacher certification. Candidates can complete the required education courses while employed full-time as an educator under supervision.
Forging Partnerships for Teaching and Learning
Teacher candidates possess a foundation in liberal arts that supports and enhances studies and experiences about educational theory, research, collaboration, reflection, and professional development. Current trends, best practices, and performance assessments are inherent in the program design. Academic standards of basic education, program licensure standards, performance standards, and the code of professional conduct are embedded in regulation, educational research, and professional practice. The Education Department encourages the ongoing participation of the educational community in program planning and evaluation in support of the conceptual framework for teaching that includes preparation and planning, classroom environment, instruction, and professional responsibilities.
In support of this, we are committed to:
- Honoring and supporting each child
- Developing learning communities
- Exploring career paths and educational opportunities
- Collaborating with all stakeholders
- Modeling reflective teaching, decision making, and leadership
- Advancing integrated instructional technology
- Articulating high expectations for all children
- Celebrating diversity
Gallery
Curriculum
Requirements for Special Education PK-12
When you enroll at Susquehanna, you’ll be paired with an advisor and application tool to guide you in your course planning and scheduling. The following is an excerpt from the complete course catalog. Enrolled students follow the requirements of the course catalog for the academic year in which they declare each major and/or minor, consult with their advisor(s), and the Academic Planning Tool.
Requirements for Admission to a Teacher Certification Program
- Completion of at least 48 semester hours of coursework, including three semester hours of English composition, three semester hours of English/American literature, and six semester hours of college-level mathematics;
- Successful completion of EDUC-101 Introduction to Education and Society;
- A cumulative GPA of 3.00;
- Passing PAPA or CORE examinations scores or being exempt through sufficient SAT or ACT scores;
- Completion of one 40-hour externship (see below), with completed forms returned to the education department;
- Current Act 24, Act 34, Act 114, Act 126, and Act 151 clearances and negative Tuberculosis (TB) results;
- Two reference forms completed by Susquehanna University faculty; and
- A completed application form.
Teacher Certification
The Susquehanna University Department of Education offers the following programs for teacher certification approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education:
- Early childhood education (preK-4)
- Special Education PK-12
- Secondary (7-12) and (K-12) in areas listed below under Majors Approved for Teaching Certification
- Music education (PK-12). See the music department for information about this program.
The Elementary Education Major
Students taking the course of studies necessary to gain one of the Pennsylvania teaching certificates for the elementary grades will major in elementary education. This major combines courses in various disciplines with teacher education courses, including student teaching.
Early Childhood Certification
Students who enter SU’s elementary education program will earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and prepare for PreK-4 certification.
Middle Grades Certification
At this time, SU does not offer a program for middle-grades certification (grades 4-8).
Secondary Certification
Students who earn certification in secondary education must major in the subject they will teach. They earn a teaching certification in grades 7-12 by completing the teacher education program, which includes student teaching in the spring semester of the senior year. Courses required for the secondary teacher education program are listed below.
The Teacher Intern Program
The Teacher Intern program is a route to certification for those who have a bachelor’s degree in an approved major. It is an option for students who do not complete certification requirements as undergraduates, including those who decide to pursue teaching late in their undergraduate program. For information about the program, contact the director of the Teacher Intern Program in the Susquehanna education department office or visit www.susqu.edu/education.
Majors Approved for Teaching Certification
Major
- Elementary Education
- English
- Creative Writing
- Spanish
- French
- German
- Mathematics
- Music Education
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biochemistry
- Psychology
- Sociology/Anthropology
- History
- Political Science
Teaching Certification
- Early Childhood (PreK-4)
- English (7-12)
- English (7-12)
- Spanish (K-12)
- French (K-12)
- German (K-12)
- Mathematics (7-12)
- Music Education (7-12)
- Biology, General Science (7-12)
- Chemistry, General Science (7-12)
- Physics, General Science (7-12)
- General Science (7-12)
- Social Studies (7-12)
- Citizenship Education, Social Studies (7-12)
- Citizenship Education, Social Studies (7-12)
(Some certifications, such as social studies, and some majors, such as biology, may require extra coursework because of state or university requirements.)
Certification Requirements
To qualify for teaching certification in Pennsylvania, students must complete a bachelor’s degree in the appropriate major with a grade point average of 3.00 or higher. They must also complete an accredited teacher education program, such as that offered by Susquehanna University, and pass the PAPA, PECT, and/or Praxis tests required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).
Declaring Interest in Teacher Certification
Students who wish to pursue early childhood, K-12, or secondary education certification should notify their academic adviser and the head of the education department when they make that decision. They should also inform the Office of the Registrar by completing the Declaration of Academic Program form available in that office.
Externship
An externship consists of 40 hours in a school for observing and aiding in classrooms and other areas of the school, conducting staff interviews, etc. Applicants must complete an externship prior to admission to the education program. Externship information and forms can be obtained from the education department office or the education department website.
Applying to a Teacher Certification Program
The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires that education students apply and be admitted to a teacher education program before completing senior-level courses and student teaching. The application packet is available through the education department’s website and in the education department office in Seibert Hall. Students may apply for admission to the teacher education program as early as the spring semester of their sophomore year if all requirements have been met. Students must apply and be admitted no later than the first semester of their junior year.
Student Teaching
Student teaching usually occurs in the spring semester of the senior year. To participate in student teaching, students must already be admitted to the teacher education program. Students must also have current TB test results and clearances through Act 24, Act 34, Act 151, and Act 114. Student teachers must have completed all courses required for the major and all education courses except the student teaching block. Students should not take any additional courses during student teaching without written permission from the head of the education department.
Professional Conduct
The education department faculty reserves the right to make a judgment on the suitability of students for professional teaching practice. Practicum students (those in the schools observing and/or aiding a teacher) and student teachers must follow the policies of the host school district. Practicum students and student teachers are held to a professional standard of behavior as specified by the Pennsylvania Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators and will be removed from a school site by a building administrator for unprofessional conduct. A student asked to leave a school site may be assigned academic work outside of student teaching to complete the credits needed for graduation. Grades will be assigned by the education department faculty based on the work completed and evaluations from the Susquehanna faculty and the cooperating teachers.
Departmental Honors
Departmental honors may be awarded to elementary education majors who meet the following criteria:
- Overall GPA of 3.50 and GPA of 3.50 or higher in education courses;
- Completion of early childhood education program for graduation;
- Submission of a formal application for honors to the education faculty by the second Friday of September of the senior academic year and before implementation of the research project;
- Acceptance of the application by the education faculty committee;
- Selection of an honors adviser from the education faculty;
- Development, in consultation with the selected adviser, of a proposal to execute, interpret and report on the individual research project;
- Approval by the education faculty committee of the project proposal;
- Enrollment in EDUC-601 Independent Study (1-4 semester hours);
- Completion of the research project and a public presentation of results;
- Submission of a final written report on the project to the honors adviser on or before the last day of classes for the semester of graduation; and
- Determination of honors status by the education faculty based on student performance.
Education Honor Society
Susquehanna University has a chapter of the international education honor society, Kappa Delta Pi. Education students with a GPA of 3.40 or higher who qualify for admittance to the teacher education program will be invited to apply for membership.
Education Course Requirements
Please note: Elementary, K-12, and secondary education students are required to include the following courses in their certification program:
- EDUC-260 Introduction to Special Education (4 semester hours) EDUC-270 Instruction of Exceptional Students (4 semester hours)
- EDUC-350 English Language Learners: Theory and Instruction (4 semester hours)
The exception to this rule is that music education students must follow the requirements of the music education curriculum, which may allocate this content to different courses. EDUC-290 will be taken in place of EDUC-270 by Elementary (ECE) students who elect to complete the Special Education Dual Certification.
Special Education PK-12 (BS)
The B.S. Special Education PK-12 program is designed for students who have an interest in teaching special education across the PK-12 continuum. Candidates will demonstrate knowledge and competencies in the areas of academic, behavioral, social, and emotional growth and methods to maximize a student’s capabilities. Utilizing research-based effective instructional strategies and diagnostic tools, candidates will develop a thorough understanding of child and adolescent development and appropriate diagnostic and instructional adaptive strategies for all learners, as well as competence in applying appropriate instructional practices to meet the diverse needs of all early, middle level, and high school level students. In addition to the B.S. degree, this program makes students eligible for the Special Education Grades PK-12 certificate in Pennsylvania, acknowledging that candidates have the skills, knowledge, and competencies necessary for meeting the needs of students with disabilities in multiple settings.
Please note: All education students seeking PDE certification are required to include the following courses in their certification program:
- EDUC-260 Introduction to Special Education (4 semester hours)
- EDUC-290 Instruction: Mild Disabilities (Special Education majors only) or EDUC 270 Instruction of Exceptional Children (4 semester hours)
- EDUC-350 English Language Learners: Theory and Instruction (4 semester hours)
Special Education Course Requirements
Candidates for the Special Education PK-12 teaching certificate must complete university Central Curriculum requirements plus the following required courses for a Bachelor of Science in Special Education:
12 Coursework required by PDE for admission to the teacher education program:
- 3 semester hours of English composition
- 3 semester hours of English/American literature
- 6 semester hours of college-level mathematics (100 level or higher)
(Please note that PDE’s requirement for 2 semester hours of math beyond Susquehanna’s Central Curriculum may be met by any math course that has a math prefix and a course number of 100 or higher. It may be taken at any accredited institution of higher education and does not have to be accepted by Susquehanna as a transfer course.)
72 Education courses taken by Special Education majors before student teaching
- 2 EDUC-101 Introduction to Education and Society
- 4 EDUC-240 Cognition and Classroom Learning: Early Childhood
- or 4 EDUC-250 Educational Psychology: Secondary
- 4 EDUC-260 Introduction to Special Education
- 4 EDUC-290 Instruction: Mild Disabilities
- 4 EDUC-300 Arts in Education
- 4 EDUC-310 Math Methods I
- 4 EDUC-311 Math Methods II
- 4 EDUC-320 Instruction: Moderate & Severe Disabilities
- 4 EDUC-330 Technology in Education
- 4 EDUC-340 Behavioral Interventions*
- 4 EDUC-350 English Language Learners: Theory and Instruction
- 4 EDUC-365 Pre-school Language and Emergent Literacy
- 4 EDUC-366 Primary Literacy Development
- 4 EDUC-367 Literacy Assessment and Interventions
- 2 EDUC-380 Instructional Design
- 4 EDUC-415 Assessment in Special Ed
- 4 EDUC-400 Social Studies Methods: Early Childhood
- 4 EDUC-430 Science Methods: Early Childhood
- 4 EDUC-490 Pedagogy and Classroom Environment
16 Cognate courses (some may also satisfy university Central Curriculum requirements):
- 4 PSYC-101 Principles of Psychology
- 4 PSYC-238 Developmental Psychology: Conception Through Childhood
- or PSYC-239 Developmental Psychology: Adolescent
- 4 INTD-320 The Sciences
- 4 (HIST-111, HIST-112, or HIST-115) United States History
14 Student teaching courses (taken during the spring semester of the senior year; students may not enroll in other courses during this semester without written permission from the head of the Education Department):
- 4 EDUC-501 Preparation and Planning
- 4 EDUC-502 Classroom Teaching
- 4 EDUC-503 Classroom Management
- 2 EDUC-600 Seminar
Courses Options
- EDUC 101 Introduction to Education & Society, Credits: 2
- EDUC 205 Topics in Education, Credits: 2–4
- EDUC 240 Cognition & Classroom Learning, Credits: 4
- EDUC 250 Educational Psychology, Credits: 4
- EDUC 260 Introduction to Special Education, Credits: 4
- EDUC 270 Instruction of Exceptional Students, Credits: 4
- EDUC 290 Instruction: Mild Disabilities, Credits: 4
- EDUC 300 Arts in Education, Credits: 2
- EDUC 300A Arts in Education: Art, Credits: 2
- EDUC 300M Arts in Education: Music, Credits: 2
- EDUC 310 Math Methods Pre-School, Credits: 4
- EDUC 311 Math Methods: Primary Grades, Credits: 4
- EDUC 320 Instruction: Moderate & Severe, Credits: 4
- EDUC 330 Technology in Education, Credits: 2
- EDUC 340 Behavior Interventions, Credits: 4
- EDUC 350 English Language Learners, Credits: 4
- EDUC 365 Preschool Language & Literacy, Credits: 4
- EDUC 366 Primary Literacy Development, Credits: 4
- EDUC 367 Literacy Assessment & Interventions, Credits: 4
- EDUC 370 Theory & Practice of Peer Leadership, Credits: 2
- EDUC 380 Instructional Design, Credits: 2
- EDUC 389 Assessment, Credits: 2
- EDUC 400 Early Childhood Social Studies, Credits: 4
- EDUC 410 Family and Community, Credits: 2
- EDUC 415 Assessment in Special Education, Credits: 4
- EDUC 421 Methods in Teaching English, Credits: 2
- EDUC 422 Methods in Teaching Foreign Languages, Credits: 2
- EDUC 423 Methods in Teaching Mathematics, Credits: 2
- EDUC 424 Methods in Teaching Science, Credits: 2
- EDUC 425 Methods in Teaching Social Studies, Credits: 2
- EDUC 427 Methods in Teaching Citizenship, Credits: 2
- EDUC 428 Business, Communications, and IT Methods, Credits: 2
- EDUC 429 Methods of Teaching Art, Credits: 2
- EDUC 430 Early Childhood Science Methods, Credits: 4
- EDUC 440 ELL Language & Literacy Development, Credits: 4
- EDUC 441 Teaching & Learning Language, Credits: 4
- EDUC 442 Language Teaching Foundations, Credits: 4
- EDUC 443 Introduction 2nd Lang Acquisition - Educators, Credits: 4
- EDUC 479 Principles Teach & Learn Secondary Education, Credits: 2–4
- EDUC 483 Differentiated Instruction in Secondary Education, Credits: 2
- EDUC 490 Pedagogy & Classroom Environment, Credits: 4
- EDUC 500 Student Teaching, Credits: 0–0
- EDUC 501 Preparation and Planning, Credits: 4
- EDUC 502 Classroom Teaching, Credits: 4
- EDUC 503 Classroom Management, Credits: 4
- EDUC 530 Education Policy, Credits: 4
- EDUC 600 Seminar, Credits: 2
- EDUC 601 Independent Study, Credits: 1–6
- EDUC 710 Social Foundations of Education, Credits: 4
- EDUC 711 Curriculum Design, Credits: 4
- EDUC 712 Research Methods, Credits: 4
- EDUC 715 Assess in Spec & Inclusive Education, Credits: 4
- EDUC 720 Students With Moderate & Severe Disabilities, Credits: 4
- EDUC 725 Teach Students With/ Mild Disabilities, Credits: 4
- EDUC 740 English Language & Literacy Development, Credits: 4
- EDUC 741 Cultural Context of Language, Credits: 4
- EDUC 742 Teaching English language Learners, Credits: 4
- EDUC 743 Understanding 2nd Language Acquisition, Credits: 4
- EDUC 745 Behavior Interventions, Credits: 4
- EDUC 750 Critical Media Literacy in K-12, Credits: 4
- EDUC 755 Inclusive Classroom Strategies, Credits: 4
- EDUC 760 Critical Literacy/Education Trends, Credits: 4
- EDUC 780 Trending Topics in Education, Credits: 1–4
- EDUC 790 Independent Study, Credits: 1–4
- EDUC 799 Master’s Paper, Credits: 2
- INTD 320 The Sciences, Credits: 4
- INTD 340 Inquiry-Based Science, Credits: 4
Program Outcome
Learning goals
- Understand how children learn and develop and can provide learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social and personal development.
- Understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students’ development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and performance skills.
- Create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
- Prepare and plan instruction based on knowledge of the subject matter, students, curriculum goals, and formal and informal assessment strategies.
- Include every student — accommodating, adapting, and/or differentiating instruction as appropriate, considering readiness, history, interests, achievement, and learning styles; cultural, racial, social, and ethnic affiliations; and exceptional needs and abilities.
- Use effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interactions in the classroom.
- Function effectively within community-wide systems of education.
- Evaluate the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community) through ongoing reflective practice and actively seek opportunities to grow professionally.
Career Opportunities
Recent Education graduates are employed at:
- Abington School District, Abington, Pa.
- Academy Primary School, Montgomery County, Md.
- Academy of St. Elizabeth, Morristown, N.J.
- Accomack County School District, Accomac, Va.
- Alamance-Burlington School System, Burlington, N.C.
- America Reads
- AmeriCorps
- Baltimore County Public Schools, Baltimore
- Beginnings Learning Center, Philadelphia,
- Bound Brook School District, Bound Brook, N.J.
- Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Alexandria, Va.
- Danbury Public Schools, Danbury, Conn.
- Danville Area School District, Danville, Pa.
- Diocese of Scranton, Scranton, Pa.
- Eugenia Maria de Hostos Charter School, Philadelphia
- James W. Smith Elementary School, Cove City, N.C.
- Lewisburg Area School District, Lewisburg, Pa.
- Livingston Public Schools, Livingston, N.J.
- Lower Kuskokwim School District, Quinhagak, Alaska
- Loyalsock School District, Williamsport, Pa.
- Manhattan School for Children, New York City
- Manheim Township School District, Manheim Township, Pa.
- Midd-West School District, Middleburg/Beaver Springs, Pa.
- Otto Eldred School District, Duke Center, Pa.
- Palisades School District, Bucks County, Pa.
- River Ridge Academy, Bluffton, S.C.
- Selinsgrove Area School District, Selinsgrove, Pa.
- Shamokin Area School District, Shamokin, Pa.
- Shikellamy School District, Sunbury, Pa.
- Sirindhorn School, Mueang Surin, Thailand
- Somerset Hills Learning Institute, Bedminster, N.J.
- Sprague School District, Baltic, Conn.
- Stafford County Public Schools, Stafford County, Va.
- Michael the Archangel School, Coopersburg, Pa.
- Success Academy Charter School, South Bronx, N.Y.
- Teach for America
- Warrior Run School District, Turbotville, Pa.
- Wellsboro Montessori Children’s Center, Wellsboro, Pa.
Recent Education graduates have enrolled in programs at:
- Bank Street College of Education, New York City
- Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, Pa.
- King’s College, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.
- Joseph’s University, Philadelphia
- Touro College of Education, New York City
- University of Maryland-Baltimore County, Baltimore
- University of Virginia, Richmond, Va.
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn.
- West Chester University, West Chester, Pa.
- Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
English Language Requirements
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