Dual Certification

General and Special Education

The dual certification program provides students with a unique opportunity to double major in both general and special education and can be completed in four years of full-time study. This degree provides students with the knowledge and experience to become skilled collaborators and leading teachers. Through competency-focused coursework, the dual certification program prepares teacher candidates for certification in general education (i.e., PreK-4, middle level, or secondary) and PreK-12 special education. Program coursework requires students to complete fieldwork hours, which supports the application of content learned in class to field experiences in local schools. Teacher candidates conclude the program by participating in full-time student teaching under the guidance of a mentor teacher and university supervisor.

Course Requirements

The requirements for the Special Education PreK-12 certification must include all course and field competencies as outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in addition to three (3) credits/90 hours to meet competencies related to the instructional needs of English language learners. These courses are as follows below.

  • LTSP 203: Foundations of Inclusive Practices in Special Education - 3 credits
  • LTSP 293: Inclusive Field Experience Stage 1 - 0 credits
  • LTSP 216: Foundations of Assessment for Dual Certification PK-4, Middle, & Secondary & Special Education – 3 credits
  • LTSP 296: Classroom Assessment Field Experience for Dual Majors Stage 2 - 0 credits
  • LTSP 356: Instructional Methods in Special Education - 3 credits
  • LTSP 396: Classroom Instructional Methods for Dual Majors Field Experience Stage 3 - 0 credits
  • LTSP 490: Practicum in Special Education for Dual Certification Field Experience Stage 4 -  12 credits (6 credits special education classroom; 6 credits general education classroom)
  • LTEL 201: Meeting the Needs of English Language Learners - 3 credits

Minimum Program Credits to Complete B.S.Ed.

  • Early Childhood (PreK-4) and PreK-12 Special Education, 120 credits
  • Middle Level with English Language Arts concentration and PreK-12 Special Education, 131 credits
  • Middle Level with English Language Arts and Mathematics concentrations and PreK-12 Special Education, 142 credits
  • Middle Level with Mathematics concentration and PreK-12 Special Education, 137 credits
  • Middle Level with Science concentration and PreK-12 Special Education, 135 credits
  • Secondary Education English and PreK-12 Special Education, 121 credits
  • Secondary Education Mathematics and PreK-12 Special Education, 121 credits
  • Secondary Education Social Studies and PreK-12 Special Education, 133 credits

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will be able to meet competencies to obtain content area and special education certificates.
  2. Students will demonstrate the required skills and competencies in classroom environments
    to meet the needs of all learners.
  3. Students will be able to translate theory and adapt pedagogy to serve the needs of all
    learners.