Special Education - Cognitive, Behavior, Physical/Health Disabilities (CBP/HD), M.S.Ed.

Bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA*

For admission to this graduate program in Special Education meet the minimum GPA requirement (3.0) for their previous coursework as established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), although some exceptions may apply.

*Applicants are customarily expected to have a 3.0 grade point average, based on a four-point scale, in their undergraduate work. However, exceptions may be granted on a limited basis, in which there is substantial additional evidence of a student's academic competency.

International Applicants

Duquesne University requires submission of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores for all non-native English-speaking applicants who attended a university outside of the United States.

Score Requirements

The University requires the following minimum scores in each area to be considered for admission: TOEFL minimum of 80 (iBT - internet-based) with no sub-score less than 17, or 550 on the paper-based test; IELTS minimum score of 6.5 with no sub-score below 6.5 for Reading, 5.5 for Writing, 5.5 for Speaking, and 6.0 for Listening.

Additionally, the English as a Second Language program conducts a review of each matriculated student upon arrival to determine individual needs for English instruction to support success in their chosen degree program

Transcript Credit Evaluation

If your transcript(s) is from an institution located outside of the United States, you must use a transcript credential evaluation service to obtain a course-by-course report.

The official reports must be sent directly to Duquesne University from the organization you order through and will qualify as official transcripts.

You may use the following services to request official foreign credential evaluations: World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

Visit International Admissions for additional information and requirements.

Rolling Admissions

Our M.S.Ed. Special Education - CBP/HD program has a rolling admissions process. This means you can apply anytime throughout the year.

Required Documents

• Graduate Application
• Official transcripts
  • International applicants, please read the information under Transcript Credential Evaluation section in the Admissions Requirements section above. 
• Statement of Purpose:
  Please write a personal statement explaining why you want to work in special education.

Process

Submit official materials through:

• Email to:
  Graduate%20Admissions%C2%A0

OR

• Mail to:
  Duquesne University
  Office of Graduate Admissions
  600 Forbes Avenue
  Pittsburgh, PA 15282

Please note:

• Applicants are also required to schedule an interview with Special Education faculty.
• All students will need to obtain the following clearances during their first semester of attendance:
  • Act 33 - Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
  • Act 34 - Criminal Record Check
  • Act 114 - FBI Clearance
  • Act 126 - Mandated Reporter Training
    TB test

Early Start Program - Special Education - CBP/HD, M.S.Ed.

Our M.S.Ed. Special Education - CBP/HD program offers an early start option for School of Education undergraduate students. During your junior or senior year, you have the opportunity to take up to five courses in this master's-level program at the undergraduate tuition rate. 

Connect with us to learn more and we will walk you through the application process. To get started, call (412) 396-6093.