MS in Teaching: Dual Certification in Middle Level & Special Education or Secondary & Special Education
MS in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum: Dual Certification Tracks
Drexel University’s online MS in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum: Dual Certification helps prepare you for certification in middle level and special education, or secondary education and special education, all while earning your master’s degree. Graduates are equipped to manage diverse learning styles and to utilize the latest assessment tools to develop, analyze, implement, and evaluate instructional strategies.
With two program tracks available, Dual Certification in Middle Level and Special Education, or Secondary and Special Education, you can go the route that works best for your teaching goals.
Learn about an exciting new scholarship opportunity!
What is an MS in Teaching, Learning, & Curriculum Dual Certification in Middle Level & Special Education or Secondary & Special Education?
Drexel’s dual certification combines elements of the MS in Special Education and the MS in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum: Teacher Certification Track – Middle Level or MS in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum: Teacher Certification Track – Secondary Education to help you excel in both areas. The program prepares you for initial Instructional I Certification and Instructional II (PK4-12) Special Education Certification. Courses focus on foundational pedagogy, specialized lessons for your subject area, and how to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Field experience and student teaching ensure that when you enter your own classroom, you’ll feel comfortable and ready to lead.
Teacher Certification Middle Level Subject Areas
For the Middle Level and Special Education Dual Certification track, you'll select from one of the following concentration areas:
- English
- General Science
- Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Social Studies
Teacher Certification Secondary Subject Areas
For the Instructional I Teaching Certificate, you'll select from one of the following secondary concentration areas:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth and Space Science
- English
- General Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Social Studies
Program Features
- Choose a Dual Certification track in Middle Level and Special Education or Secondary and Special Education
- Through Interstate Reciprocity Agreements, you can become certified to teach in almost any state
- 270 hours of field experience and a 14-16-week full-time student teaching experience will provide you with the experience needed to enter your own classroom with confidence
- Drexel’s field placement office works with you to secure appropriate school placements based on PA Department of Education's requirements
- While in the program you'll receive help with resumes and networking, including interviewing and job placement opportunities. Once you graduate, you’ll have access to two years of post-program support including classroom-based coaching, professional development programs, and notifications of job openings.
The Robert Noyce Scholarship
The Drexel University Middle School Robert Noyce program is a prestigious funded program from the National Science Foundation (NSF) with the goal of recruiting and preparing STEM teachers for schools in high need.
To be eligible for the scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, such as Mathematics, Science, or Engineering
- For every $10,000 in scholarship funds received, you must commit to teach for 2 years in a high-need school
- You must work toward completing your degree or certificate program within 14 months
For additional information, questions, or to apply, please contact Dr. Sheila Vaidya, Program Director, at vaidyasr@drexel.edu. Apply Today!
CAEP Accredited Provider
The Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP) accredits Drexel University School of Education educator preparation programs. CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement. Drexel University meets rigorous national standards for education preparation set by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation. Drexel University’s MS in Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum Teacher Certification programs include CAEP-accredited programs.
What are the Salary Expectations for Graduates with an MS in Teaching, Learning, & Curriculum Dual Certification in Middle Level & Special Education or Secondary & Special Education?
Teachers’ salaries can vary widely due to several factors – location, level of education, subject, etc. Here are some median salaries for educators:
Job Title
2017 Median National Salaries*
High School Teacher
$62,870
Middle School Teacher
$60,810
Special Education Teacher
$61,500
*Data from Bureau of Labor Statistics
Archived Webinars
Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.
Curriculum
This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
Dual Certification Middle Level (4-8) Mathematics, Science, English or Social Studies Core (51.0 credits): | ||
EDEX 536 | Special Education Law and Process | 3.0 |
EDEX 542 | Fundamentals of Special Education | 3.0 |
EDEX 543 | Emotional and Behavioral Support of Individuals with Disabilities | 3.0 |
EDEX 544 | Inclusive Practices | 3.0 |
EDEX 549 | Teaching Individuals with High Incident Disabilities | 3.0 |
EDEX 550 | Teaching Individuals with Low Incident Disabilities | 3.0 |
EDEX 552 | Integrating Technology for Learning & Achievement | 3.0 |
EDEX 555 | Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder | 3.0 |
EDEX 568 | Literacy and Content Skill Development PK-12 | 3.0 |
EDEX 578 | Special Education Practicum PK-12 | 3.0 |
EDEX 588 | Implementing Academic Interventions in Inclusive Educational Environments | 3.0 |
EDUC 515 | Adolescent Learners | 3.0 |
EDUC 522 | Evaluation of Instruction | 3.0 |
EDUC 540 | Field Experience | 3.0 |
EDUC 562 | Middle Years Social Studies Methods | 1.5 |
EDUC 564 | English/Language Arts Teaching Methods for the Middle Years | 1.5 |
EDUC 565 | Foundations in Instructing English Language Learners | 3.0 |
EDUC 567 | Middle Years Science Methods | 1.5 |
MTED 563 | Middle Years Mathematical Methods (4-8) | 1.5 |
Total Credits | 51.0 |
Dual Certification Secondary (7-12) Computer Science, General Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Earth and Space Science, English, Social Studies or Mathematics Core (48.0 credits) | ||
EDEX 536 | Special Education Law and Process | 3.0 |
EDEX 542 | Fundamentals of Special Education | 3.0 |
EDEX 543 | Emotional and Behavioral Support of Individuals with Disabilities (Field Experience Required) | 3.0 |
EDEX 544 | Inclusive Practices (Field Experience Required) | 3.0 |
EDEX 549 | Teaching Individuals with High Incident Disabilities (Field Experience Required) | 3.0 |
EDEX 550 | Teaching Individuals with Low Incident Disabilities (Field Experience Required) | 3.0 |
EDEX 552 | Integrating Technology for Learning & Achievement (Field Experience Required) | 3.0 |
EDEX 555 | Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Field Experience Required) | 3.0 |
EDEX 568 | Literacy and Content Skill Development PK-12 | 3.0 |
EDEX 578 | Special Education Practicum PK-12 | 3.0 |
EDEX 588 | Implementing Academic Interventions in Inclusive Educational Environments | 3.0 |
EDUC 514 | Science Teaching Methods (Stage III Pre Student Teaching Required) | 3.0 |
or MTED 519 | Teaching Secondary Mathematics | |
or EDUC 556 | Secondary Social Studies Methods (7-12) | |
or EDUC 538 | English Teaching Methods | |
or ESTM 535 | Teaching Secondary Computer Science | |
EDUC 515 | Adolescent Learners (Field Experience Required) | 3.0 |
EDUC 522 | Evaluation of Instruction | 3.0 |
Candidate selects appropriate methods course (including a school-based field component) matching desired area of certification
|
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EDUC 540 | Field Experience (12 week Student Teaching experience required) | 3.0 |
EDUC 565 | Foundations in Instructing English Language Learners | 3.0 |
Total Credits | 48.0 |
Admissions Criteria
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (graduate degree GPA will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA),
- If you're pursuing Teacher Education Certification, you must meet the PA State content course requirements for your specific area of certification
- Content course reviews are conducted at time of application
- Coursework missing from your undergraduate background or below the minimum 3.0 GPA cumulative average may be taken concurrently with the graduate program
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
- Two professional letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Personal Essay
- Additional requirements for International Students
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2024-2025 is $1111 per credit. (A 25% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1481 per credit)
For the academic year 2024-2025, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.
- This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
- Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans with Drexel University Online, you may not combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Academic Calendar
2024-2025 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2024
September 23, 2024
December 7, 2024
December 9, 2024
December 14, 2024
Winter 2025
January 6, 2025
March 15, 2025
March 17, 2025
March 22, 2025
Spring 2025
March 31, 2025
June 7, 2025
June 9, 2025
June 14, 2025
Summer 2025
June 23, 2025
August 30, 2024
September 2, 2025
September 6, 2025
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