Special Education - Cognitive, Behavior, Physical/Health Disabilities (CBP/HD), M.S.Ed.
Special Education
Follow Us!
Our M.S.Ed. Special Education - Cognitive, Behavior and Physical/Health Disabilities
program is one that acknowledges the dignity and uniqueness of an individual.
We will mold you into a teacher leader who has academic and professional expertise
that is enlightened by ethics to sensitively guide individuals with needs in the global
society. Our graduate PreK-12 in special education program is designed to facilitate
your development of state-of-the-art competencies. You will be prepared to maximize
the potential for achieving a meaningful quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
You can pursue a fulfilling career as a:
Special Education teacher for students with cognitive, behavior and/or physical/health
disabilities in Grades PreK-12
Specialist in the areas of assessment, curriculum, instruction, learning and behavior
support
Professional advocate who develops collaborative partnerships
First-generation college student Caterina ("Cat") Veneziano shares her story and how
she knew our School of Education was the right fit for her. Follow Cat's story.
Our program prepares you to pursue a career as a PreK-12 special education teacher;
specialist in the area of assessment, curriculum, instruction, learning or behavior
support; or a behavior support professional advocate.
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.
International applicants, please read the information under Transcript Credential
Evaluation section in the Admissions Requirements section above.
A statement of purpose demonstrating the applicant's Professionalism and Ethics, commitment
to Academic Excellence and commitment to Collaboration and Diversity. For the statement
of purpose, the applicant should answer a set of questions framed around these themes.
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.
Student Perspectives
"I loved the idea of being in the classroom from day one and getting an early
start on my master’s degree. When I stepped into Canevin Hall for the first time,
I knew it was the place for me."
Caterina ("Cat") Veneziano B.S.Ed.’24, M.S.Ed. ’25B.S.Ed. Early Childhood Education '24 | M.S.Ed. Special Education '25 | First-Generation
College StudentDiscover Cat's Story
"As someone with an education background, this program lets me see from the perspective
of another professional...it will allow me to become a collaborative member of various
educational teams that I will utilize."
Eleanor SgroM.S.Ed. Special Education CBP/HD Student
It's Time for Bigger Goals
Apply Today!
Learn about admission requirements and the application process
