and policies. (PDE, pre-K- 4 program guidelines). Additionally, teacher candidates will be able to advocate for high quality, child-centered teaching practices. SPE 406. Communication and Collaboration in ECE/SPE 3 credits This course will enable teacher candidates to gain a greater understanding of the importance of collaboration and communication between educational stakeholders in order to ensure maximum educational success for young students with special needs. This course is designed to help teacher candidates learn to relate to families and children of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and abilities in order to create successful home school partnerships. SPE 495. Special Topics 3 credits Topics reflective of current theories and practices in special education will be decided upon at the time the student chooses to do a special topics course. SPE 497. Independent Study 1-6 credits Independent research on current problems in the field of special education and/or specific field experiences. No more than six credits in this sequence of courses may count toward a major or a baccalaureate degree. Prerequisite: Permission of the department.
EDUCATION — GRADUATE Debbie Clarke. M.A., Director, Graduate Programs in Education Diane Woodrum, Ed.D. Chair, Department of Education GENERAL INFORMATION The Graduate Programs in Education at Waynesburg University include the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T) with secondary teacher certification in Biology, Chemistry, English, General Science, Math or Social Studies; Master of Education (M.Ed) in Instructional Technology; Master of Education in Instructional Technology with Specialist Certification; Master of Education in Special Education; and Special Education Certification Program. The master’s degree programs are 36 credit hours; the Special Education Certification Program is 18 credit hours; the program will be adjusted to 24 credit hours beginning with the spring 2011 semester. Classes are offered evenings in 8-week sessions during the fall, spring and summer semesters. All courses have an online component; some courses are offered 100% online or in a blended online and face-to-face format while others are offered in the traditional face-to-face format. M.A.T. and M.Ed. in Special Education candidates are required to complete significant field experiences during several courses. A minimum 12 week, full time student teaching placement is required for M.A.T candidates. Applications are accepted on a rolling admissions basis. The Graduate Admissions Committee made up of the Education Department Chair and the Director of Graduate Programs in Education will review all applications to determine if admission requirements are met. Once accepted into the Graduate Programs in Education, students may enroll at any time throughout the year. Students who register for one course per session can complete a degree program in two calendar years and the existing Special Education Certification Program in one calendar year; the 24 credit certification program can be completed in sixteen months by following the one class per session plan. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS In order to be admitted to all Graduate Education Programs, the student must have met the following criteria: • B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited institution of higher education • 3.0 undergraduate grade point average • Satisfactory FBI Federal Criminal History Clearance • Satisfactory Pennsylvania Act 34 Criminal Record Clearance • Satisfactory Pennsylvania Act 151 Child Abuse Clearance • Evidence of negative TB test Applicants to the M.A.T. Program must meet the following additional criteria: • B.A. or B.S in either Biology, Chemistry, English, General Science, History, or Math or equivalent undergraduate coursework in the content area
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