Gwynedd Mercy University ( v 8-11-21 )
AY2021-2022 Graduate Academic Catalog
placed according to the Bursar ’ s Office Refund Policy . ; The Monday of the third week of a session , prior to 6pm EST , is the deadline for withdrawing from an online course . ; If the request is submitted after the policy deadline , withdrawal request will be denied . The student will be informed via GMERCYU email and a final grade for the course will be submitted by instructor . ; All email requests must come from the student ’ s GMERCYU email
Program Name : Special Education Program Director / Coordinator : Dr . Jaimie Bowen Program Degree Level : Graduate Degrees Offered : Master of Science in Special Education ; Master of Science in Special Education with PK-12 Special Education Teaching Certification ; PK-12 Special Education Teaching Certification Accreditation : Recognized and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education Program Type : Non-Term Program Modality : Online
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 his / her behavior in light of its effectiveness and in relation to the scientific researched 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 weeks long . Gwynedd Mercy University ’ s accelerated graduate education programs are designed to provide educators with a strong theoretical background and a heavy emphasis of practical application so that they may have all the “ tools ” and professional characteristics necessary to be a positive and effective educational leader .
Preparation for Professional Licensure / Certification : This program was designed to meet the licensure / certification requirements of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania . Students who reside in a different state should carefully review their home state ’ s licensure / certification requirements prior to enrolling in this program . Both field experience observations and student teaching are required for certification . 150 Pre-student teaching hours are embedded within certification courses . Student teaching is 14 weeks full-time placement . Student is responsible for all required clearances in their respective state . To qualify for Pennsylvania Instructional I certification a student must complete all certification specific coursework , pass required qualifying tests , and validate clearances .
Program Learning Outcomes : PLO1 Apply theoretical and practical knowledge in support of their professional practice . ; PLO2 Utilize educational research and develop their own research interests and
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