UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Starting in summer 2024, the Penn State College of Education will offer a master’s program in special education that enables students with undergraduate degrees in non-education majors to earn a teaching degree.

The post-baccalaureate program in special education is intended for students who have completed a bachelor’s program in a field related to education, such as rehabilitation and human services, human development and family studies or psychology. The bachelor’s program must be completed before beginning the master’s program in special education.

According to Lauren Cozad, assistant teaching professor and coordinator of teacher education, the new master’s program was created with the intention of addressing a nationwide shortage in special education teachers. According to the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), “special education teachers are essential to our nation’s ability to provide a free and appropriate public education to the 7.3 million students with disabilities that attend our public schools.” However, a nationwide survey of schools in 2022 reported that vacancies in special education were nearly double that of other subject areas. This survey also found that 65% of public schools in the United States reported being understaffed in special education.

“There’s a huge need for special education teachers in Pennsylvania and across the country and we’re trying to figure out some creative ways we can get people out in the field,” Cozad said. We’re really hoping to capitalize on students who are trying to figure out what their next step is and think this might be a good fit for them.”

While state-issued emergency teacher certifications are used to address the teacher shortage in Pennsylvania, she added, they don’t provide participants with the optimal skill sets. The new master’s program in special education, while only requiring one year of post-baccalaureate study, provides thorough training to future teachers.

“We’re feeling hopeful that this program can help get some good teachers out in the field,” Cozad said.

With the launch of post-baccalaureate program in special education, incoming master’s students will have a choice between the new program and the current “4+1” program, which is for students who have completed or who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate teacher certification program at Penn State and then stay for an additional year to earn their master’s in special education. The 4+1 master of education program is five years and will result in a bachelor’s degree with initial teacher certification, a master’s degree in special education, and a recommendation for a Pennsylvania special education teacher certification. The master of education program is five years and will result in a master’s degree in special education, and a recommendation for Pennsylvania special education teacher certification in PreK-12.

The curriculum of the post-baccalaureate program is the same as the 4+1 program, Cozad said, with the exception that slightly fewer classes are required for students who come into the program with a teacher certification. For students entering the new program without teaching experience, she added, they are asked to do a few field observations such as volunteering with Special Olympics or being a counselor at a summer camp.

"We just want the students to have some opportunities working with students with disabilities,” she said.

In addition to fulfilling a societal need, Cozad said, an incentive for going into special education is that there is a significant amount of federal loan forgiveness for special education teachers.

Applications for the master’s program in special education will be accepted until April 1. To apply, visit https://gradschool.psu.edu/graduate-admissions/how-to-apply/.

An informational session on the new master’s program will be held via Zoom at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27. For any additional questions or to request a Zoom link, contact Cozad at lej121@psu.edu.