Location:

Erie, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Graduate Certificate

Specialty:

Special Education

Program Overview

Program Description:

The Master of Science in Special Education at Mercyhurst University will enhance teaching talents, while also providing the skills and knowledge to transform the lives of students with mild to severe disabilities. This program provides new advances in a research-to-practice model, coupled with an intensive field-based component. It’s designed to provide opportunities for certified teachers and non-certified individuals to refine their critical thinking and analysis skills, while also developing applied research competencies necessary to create innovations in education. All levels of teachers - from novice to expert - are required to continue their education beyond a bachelor’s degree and attain a master’s degree within the first five years of teaching. Mercyhurst University continues to be a leader in the education field by offering programs that meet both our students' needs as educators and the Pennsylvania certification requirements. By completing the master’s degree program in special education, our students will attain the most diverse certification area possible because they will be prepared to teach every student successfully in a wide range of potential settings. Concentrations available: 1. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) 2. Autism 3. Higher Education Leadership and Disabilities Concentration 4. Generalist

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

Mercyhurst University is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Financial Aid:

Yes

Requirements:

Students who seek admission to graduate education at Mercyhurst must meet the following minimum requirements: -An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 overall, with at least 3.0 in their major field. (Some programs have established higher requirements.) -An undergraduate degree in the area of intended graduate study or in an approved, related field. -Academic, scholarship and leadership potential as evidenced by three positive recommendations from supervisors or faculty. -A personal statement outlining in narrative form the candidate’s career path, career aspirations and professional interests. - Satisfactory scores from the Miller Analogies Test or the Graduate Record Exam as required by each program. -A completed application form, which can be found online. -A professional resume or curriculum vitae.

International Requirements:

Students must submit official, notarized scores from the T.O.E.F.L. (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam as part of their admission application. Minimum score requirements are 550 for the paper-based exam, 213 for the computer-based exam, and 79-80 for the Internet-based exam. International students must also provide Mercyhurst with assurance that they possess adequate financial support for the period of graduate studies. This documentation must be provided through submission of an affidavit of financial support. An I-20 form will not be issued until the affidavit of financial support is received and accepted. All documents and credentials submitted must be translated into English. Mercyhurst recommends that international students contact World Evaluation Services (WES), the foremost organization that specializes in transcript and credential evaluation, to provide such translations.