Home > Academic Programs > Education > Special Education

Instructional I Teacher Certification in Special Education
(37 credits)

Individuals who hold a baccalaureate degree may enroll in this program solely for the purpose of becoming certified in special education. This program is designed to prepare educators to teach students with mental and/or physical disabilities. It also allows educators to qualify for special education certification (pending passing score on the PRAXIS teacher certification exam).

Admission Requirements for the Instructional I Certification Program

Applicants Must:

  • Hold either a bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or a postsecondary degree that is equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree earned from an officially recognized degree-granting international institution;
  • Have achieved a minimum junior/senior grade-point average of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0);
  • Submit a completed online Graduate School application.
    • Note:  At the end of the online application, there is a section designated as "Online Application Notes."  Please indicate Instructional I Certification in this area.
  • Submit two official transcripts from each college and university attended (Penn State transcripts may be unofficial);
  • Submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) for applicants whose native language is not English (minimum score of 550 required);
  • Submit the nonrefundable application fee.  Students are encouraged to contact an academic adviser before or during the application process;
  • For information on how to apply, click here.

Course Requirements (37 credits)

To receive an institutional recommendation for certification, students complete 37 credits and must hold a 3.0 cumulative average.

Required Courses

  • SPLED 401 (4) Motivating Exceptional Learners
  • SPLED 409A (3) Fundamental Literacy Skills for Students with Special Needs
  • SPLED 409B (3) Writing & Content Literacy for Students with Special Needs
  • SPLED 409C (3) Mathematics Instruction for Students with Special Needs
  • SPLED 411 (3) Intervention for Students with Severe Disabilities
  • SPLED 412 (4) Instruction for Students with Mild Disabilities
  • SPLED 425 (4) Foundations of Special Education, Etiologies, Law, and Implications for Practice
  • SPLED 454 (4) Assessment for Instruction
  • SPLED 495E (3) Experience with Exceptional Children (Form and clearances needed)
  • SPLED 595B.(6) Field Experience in Off Campus Laboratories