Outcomes for Degree Completion
Due to changes in certification requirements from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), only those who are currently hold Instruction I certifications from PDE in Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, or Secondary Education (English, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics) are eligible for this program. This program is designed for candidates who want to add the Special Education certification (CBP/HD) to their current Pennsylvania teaching certificate. This program requires a minimum of 34 semester hours, meets the requirements for the degree and certification to teach in special education programs for students with Cognitive, Behavior, Physical/Health Disabilities (CBP/HD) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in kindergarten to twelfth grades.
BEGINNING SUMMER 2012
Special Education - Cognitive, Behavior, Physical/Health Disabilities (CBP/HD)
Master's Degree and Additional Certificate in Special Education PreK-8
This program requires a minimum of 34 semester hours. It meets the requirements for the degree and certification to teaching in special education programs for students with cognitive, behavior, physical and health disabilities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in Kindergarten to eighth grades. A teaching certificate in early childhood, elementary, or reading specialist and a baccalaureate degree that satisfies the School of Education requirements as approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education is prerequisite. This program requires four (4) sections of Professional Core Practicum (GSPE 670) which are taken concurrently with each required Professional Core course and related Seminar. The culminating Practicum in Special Education (GSPE 690) is a 180 hour experience over the course of one semester. In order to be eligible for a teaching certificate, the Pennsylvania Department of Education requires candidates to successfully pass the Praxis II, Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications Exam (0354).
Master's Degree and Additional Certificate in Special Education 7-12
This program requires a minimum of 34 semester hours. It meets the requirements for the degree and certification to teaching in special education programs for students with cognitive, behavior, physical and health disabilities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at the secondary level (grades 7-12). A teaching certificate in a secondary content area (i.e., English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies) and a baccalaureate degree that satisfies the School of Education requirements as approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education is prerequisite. This program requires four (4) sections of Professional Core Practicum (GSPE 670) which are taken concurrently with each required Professional Core course and related Seminar. The culminating Practicum in Special Education (GSPE 690) is a 180-hour experience over the course of one semester. In order to be eligible for a teaching certificate, the Pennsylvania Department of Education requires candidates to successfully pass the Praxis II, Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications Exam (0354).
The Special Education Teacher Certification program at Duquesne University is a traditional evening program. All courses are held in the evenings (Mondays-Thursdays) from 6pm to 8:40pm with few online courses. The average student takes approximately two years to complete the coursework and required fieldwork. Students who wish to attend on a full-time basis (9 credits per semester) are able to complete the Program in one year (Summer, Fall, Spring, Summer). Incoming students will either follow the K-8 or 7-12 track.
PRIOR TO SUMMER 2012
This program offers three enrollment options:
Master’s Degree and Additional Certification
This program requires a minimum of 36 semester hours and meets the degree and certification requirements that are needed in Pennsylvania to teach kindergarten through twelfth grade in special education programs for students who have cognitive, behavioral or physical disabilities. The prerequisite to acceptance into this program is a baccalaureate degree that satisfies the School of Education requirements, as approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This program requires GSPE 595 Field Experience and GSPE 689/690 Practicum in Special Education.
Extended Certification
This program was created for candidates who want to add CBP/HD Special Education Certification to their current teaching certificate, but do not wish to obtain a graduate degree. This program requires a minimum of 24 semester hours of special education classes and other courses that are deemed necessary, based on a review of the candidate’s previous transcripts by a Special Education faculty advisor. Demonstration of competence in field experiences is required, and the program includes GSPE 595 Field Observation and GSPE 689/690 Practicum in Special Education. These credits may be counted toward an Instructional II Permanent Certificate.
Master’s Degree only
This program requires a minimum of 30 semester hours and is designed to help the student obtain the knowledge and skills needed for employment and advancement in community mental health or special education agencies. Coursework develops competencies appropriate for positions of direct care, health maintenance, advocacy, intensive case management and the coordination of independent support in environments that serve individuals with disabilities.
