Gwynedd Mercy University 2025-2026 University Catalog 166
any one Practicum. Students may retake an individual course only one time. When possible, a student should follow the course sequence as listed.
Academic Progress, Probation and Program Dismissals: Academic Probation A student whose GPA falls below a 3.0 will be placed on academic probation and must improve their GPA to a 3.0 or higher within the next six credits attempted.
A student who earns a grade of C or C + will receive a notice of academic warning from the Dean.
Academic Dismissal
A student who is placed on academic probation and fails to resolve the issue as outlined above will be dismissed from the program. A student who earns a C or C + in more than two courses or who earns below a C in any course will be dismissed from the program.
Students who are dismissed may apply for readmission one year after the date of dismissal. Acceptance for readmission is not guaranteed.
Attendance Policies: Online students are present for the week if they post to a discussion forum or submit any assignments or other deliverables during the instructional week( Monday – Sunday). Failure to actively engage in the course by posting to discussion forums or submitting assignments will result in an official absence. If a student is absent and has not submitted coursework for any 2 consecutive class session weeks, then the student will be administratively withdrawn for the student’ s current course and earn a grade of“ WA”. Additionally, the student will be dropped from future courses and administratively withdrawn from the program unless attending a concurrent course.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION Program Name: Special Education Degree: Master of Science Degrees Offered: Master of Science in Special Education; Master of Science in Special Education with PK – 12 Special Education Teaching Certification Certification Only: PK – 12 Special Education Teaching Certification Program Accreditation: Recognized and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education Program Modality: Online Program Director: Jaimie Bowen
Program Description: The program seeks to provide a strong grounding in the skills necessary for further professional development in the field of education specifically dealing with students with special needs in PreK through 12 th grade. The curriculum is designed to encourage reflective practice whereby the teacher consistently reviews student behavior in light of its effectiveness and in relation to the scientific research-based data. The program course sequence integrates theory and research knowledge with appropriate field experiences in the various competency areas. As a requirement for certification by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, a student teaching supervisor will conduct a formal observation of certification candidates. Students who complete the graduate program successfully will be eligible for certification in special education within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The Master of Science in Special Education Program is presented in an accelerated cohort model. Courses are offered online and, where appropriate, through field experiences. All courses are seven