Post-Baccalaureate
Certification

Online 

The Post-Baccalaureate certification in Special Education is open to any student with a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with an expressed interest in working with children with disabilities. All applicants must meet the requirements listed below.

Admission Procedures

  • Apply online at wcupa.edu/grad. If you need assistance call the Graduate Office at 610-436-2943
  • Arrange to have one (1) complete undergraduate transcript and proof of a baccalaureate degree sent to the Graduate Office. The transcript should include the cumulative grade point average of all undergraduate work.

Certification Requirements

Public school teaching in Pennsylvania requires certification. When you demonstrate that you have completed all requirements for certification, the Dean recommends you to the PA Department of Education for Certification. This section contains information on steps to take in order to be recommended for certification. In order to be recommended to PA Department of Education you must complete the following:

  • A state-approved teacher education program including a student teaching or intern experience.
  • Appropriate PRAXIS Exam.
  • Application materials documenting that all certificate requirements have been met.

Admission Requirements

  • Baccalaureate Degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale calculated on the most recent 48 Credits of college/university coursework and 3.0 total undergraduate cumulative GPA. (If applicant possesses a master's degree, the GPA requirement applies to that degree.)

Curriculum

Special Education Core (39 credits)

  • EDA 513: PreK-12 Aspects of Transition
  • EDA 516: Curriculum and Instruction for Individual Learning Differences I
  • EDA 521: Assistive Technologies for Communication and Participation
  • EDA 523: Curriculum and Instruction for Individual Learning Differences II
  • EDA 524: Trauma Informed Schools and Classrooms
  • EDA 525: Culturally Responsive Teaching for Diverse Exceptional Learners
  • EDA 542: Foundations of Special Education
  • EDA 544: Classroom Management
  • EDA 574: Assessment in Special Education
  • EDR 550: Literacy Development for Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Classrooms
  • MTE 557: Teaching Mathematics to Exceptional Children
  • EDA 416 or 417: Student Teaching for Exceptional Learners

For further information, please contact our Graduate Coordinators, Dr. Mary Houser, and Dr. Tara Guerriero at gradspecialeducation@wcupa.edu.

FAQ

Can I take the Praxis to add Special Education to my existing teacher certification? 

No. Special Education is its own PA Level I certification and requires coursework and student teaching to obtain certification.  

Will I have to take the Praxis at the end of my certification program?