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Graduate Programs in Special Education

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The RN to BSN program requires you to have a valid RN license or to have earned one within your first semester of the program.

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The DNP – Nurse Practitioner program requires you to be licensed to practice professional nursing in the state of Pennsylvania, or to be licensed prior to being admitted into the program.

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The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate program requires you to be licensed to practice professional nursing in the state of Pennsylvania, or to be licensed prior to being admitted into the program.

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The Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate program requires you to be licensed to practice professional nursing in the state of Pennsylvania, or to be licensed prior to being admitted into the program.

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The Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate program requires you to be licensed to practice professional nursing in the state of Pennsylvania, or to be licensed prior to being admitted into the program.

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Become a skilled educator of students with special needs  

Penn State World Campus offers three completely online post-graduate programs to help you prepare for a career working with students with special needs. Prepare for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® exam, become a teacher or caregiver for children with autism, or specialize your teaching to better support all students with special needs. No matter which top-ranked program you select, you’ll learn from the same respected and experienced Penn State faculty who teach our resident students, while enjoying the convenience and flexibility of online learning.

Nationally Recognized

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Our graduate education programs are highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Master’s Degree

Choose an emphasis in Academic and Behavioral Supports, Applied Behavior Analysis, or Autism.

Special Education (Master of Education)
Apply by April 1 to start May 13
Learn to support students with special needs. This online degree program focuses on current issues and topics in the field of special education and gives you the opportunity to choose an emphasis in academic and behavioral supports, applied behavior analysis, or autism.

Graduate Certificates

The credits earned by completing these certificates can be applied toward the Special Education master's degree.

Applied Behavior Analysis (Graduate Certificate)
Apply by April 15 to start May 13
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is an effective, evidence-based approach used by teachers and therapists to create lasting, positive change in an individual's life. This online ABA certificate program is designed to help you prepare for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB®) exam.
Educating Individuals with Autism (Postbaccalaureate Certificate)
Apply by March 31 to start May 13
Learn to assess individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and develop evidence-based practices to enhance social, behavioral, communication, and academic gains. As the number of children diagnosed with autism continues to rise, so does the demand for skilled professionals with expertise.

Doctoral Degree

Work closely with a faculty adviser to personalize your Doctor of Education curriculum, choosing courses that meet your career goals in the field of special education or from other graduate options within the Penn State College of Education.

Education (Doctor of Education)
Apply by September 15 to start January 13
Prepare for a leadership role to shape the future of education. Customize this online doctoral program by selecting courses from multiple disciplines to prepare for a career within educational institutions, private organizations, or all levels of government.

Gain Knowledge and Skills

Teachers and educational professionals enrolled in special education graduate programs can learn about evidence-based practices to support individuals with special needs.

As soon as I started the program, I felt like a part of Penn State. The connection I had with my professors and the feedback they provided showed that they were interested in my growth as a student.
— Theoni M., Graduate, Master of Education in Special Education

We Are Penn State Online

This is the real Penn State. You will take courses with curriculum developed by the same professors who teach on campus. You can expect the same caliber of academic quality that you associate with Penn State.