At Carlow University, the next generation of ethical leaders is already in the making.
Here, our students gain more than just a degree – they build connections, find purpose, and thrive – working in ways big and small to reshape the future. With your support, we can continue to invest in these future leaders and expand their ability to transform our world.
At Carlow University, the next generation of ethical leaders is already in the making.
Here, our students gain more than just a degree – they build connections, find purpose, and thrive – working in ways big and small to reshape the future. With your support, we can continue to invest in these future leaders and expand their ability to transform our world.
Prepare to help meet the educational needs of students with disabilities
Carlow University’s Special Education program at the graduate level prepares teachers to meet the needs of children with a wide variety of mental, physical, social, emotional and behavioral disabilities in multiple settings. You will learn to adapt general education lessons and prepare specifically designed instruction to effectively teach students with mild, moderate, and severe disabilities including intellectual disabilities, other health impaired, phsycial disabilities, emotional disorders, and specific language disabilities. You will learn about adaptive and assistive technology, positive behavior inteventions, autism, and dyslexia supports.
This certificate program and resulting PreK-12 special education certification can be added to an existing PA teaching license, or it can be completed by those individuals with no previous teaching experience or licensure.
In Grace Library, spanning the third and fourth floor of the University Commons, there are numerous quiet spaces and study rooms for individuals and groups to use.
Credits required:
26 credits
Delivery:
$600/credit
Time to completion:
As few as 18 months
Delivery:
Online Student Teaching In-Person
26 credits for those with an existing general teaching license. Additional courses are required for initial teacher certification in PA.
Graduate Certificate in Special Education curriculum
You will experience an accelerated program with eight-week online courses .The graduate Special Education program includes 23 credit hours of coursework focusing on the practical application of research-based special education theoretical constructs and methodology and 3 credits of student teaching. Coursework includes methods in mild/moderate disabilities, methods in severe and profound, adaptive and assistive technology, dyslexia, and positive behavioral supports.
Additional coursework is required for those seeking initial teacher certification in PA.
Quick facts
Emphasizes meeting needs of students with a wide range of disabilities and positive behavior support
Specialized training in Dyslexia
Latest special education technology
Approved provider for the federal TEACH Grant
Male teacher works with elementary school kids at their desk
Career opportunities for special education teachers
Most special education teachers work in public schools, teaching students at the preschool, elementary, middle and high school levels. Others work in private schools, child care services and other institutions.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of special education teachers is projected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029. Demand for special education services and teachers should rise as disabilities are being identified earlier and as children with disabilities are enrolled into special education programs.
Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No prerequisites or teacher licensure are required for this degree and certification.
Olivia Miller, ’21, biology major and runner on the track & field/cross country team.
Expand your knowledge
Carlow made life easy for Jennifer Do, MEd as she earned a master’s and then a graduate certificate in special education while maintaining her full-time job. “I needed them to understand I worked in the field already, that I had years of experience, and that I wanted to learn more. They challenged me and made me think about the world around me. They helped me to grow into a leadership position. Carlow fit into my life, and to this day I still reach out to the staff.”
Contact Admissions
If you are interested in this graduate certificate program, our Admissions team is available to assist you with the next steps.
Meet students’ unique needs: Master’s in Special Education
Carlow’s Master of Education in Special Education will give you a more thorough understanding of how students with special needs learn and what you can do to make sure each child reaches his or her potential. You’ll be an advocate for students and their families and assist parents finding their way around educational and health care systems.
Special Education Certification for Pre-K-12 is available as a stand-alone initial teaching certification or as an add-on to an existing teaching certificate. The program prepares you to meet the needs of children with a wide variety of mental, physical, social, emotional and behavioral disabilities in diverse settings.
Teacher Helping Pupils Studying At Desks In Classroom
Special Education degree courses focus on positive behavior support, disciplinary and digital literacy, and early intervention. The program culminates in student teaching. Study abroad options are available in Ireland and Nicaragua.
Students who have an existing teaching certification can complete this program with 30 credits. Students who also need initial teaching certification can complete this program with 51 credits.
Quick facts
Gain integrated practicum experiences
Develop strong background in structured literacy and dyslexia
Certification covers all areas of mild, moderate, and severe disabilities
Learn and grow from full-time faculty in the department with vast experiences in special education
At school – beautiful teacher helps her student to learn
Alternate degree completion options
Certificate options
Add-on certificate
If you already have a teaching license, you can earn this MEd under our add-on certificate option. When applying, indicate your interest in the add-on certificate option.
Graduate Certificate in Special Education (PreK-12)
This program is available as a graduate certificate which leads to an endorsement from PDE for already licensed teachers.
Accelerated
Fast track your way into this master’s program by taking graduate courses as a Carlow undergraduate student. Course credits count toward both degrees. Apply for the accelerated option after your sophomore year.
Career opportunities for MEd in Special Education
Employment of special education teachers is projected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Demand for special education services and teachers should rise as disabilities are being identified earlier and as children with disabilities are enrolled into special education programs.
Testimonials #1
Meet our Alumni
RACHEL OWENS, 2010
Director of Special Education, Provident Charter School
"When deciding to attend graduate school, Carlow University was a natural choice, not only because of its familiarity, but also because of the various degree options."
ANTWAN CARTER, 2018
Head Teacher, Child’s World Daycare
"I especially loved The Campus Laboratory School. It was a chance to experience the design of different classrooms, closely observe many teaching styles, and practice using different instructional strategies in a supportive environment."
MICHAEL SHOATS, 2020
Chemistry Teacher, Avonworth School District
"I want to take this moment and thank Dr. Keely Baronak and the whole Carlow team for the education and experiences I've gained from the MEd Secondary Education program. I'm excited to represent Carlow in my new home."
Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No prerequisites or teacher licensure required for this degree and certification
Improve outcomes for students struggling with reading
At Carlow University, our MEd in Reading Specialist program is accredited by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). We are in an elite crowd; Carlow is one of only a small number of universities nationwide with IDA accreditation. Best of all, Carlow’s MEd in Reading Specialist program is available online, with class meeting times occurring synchronously (virtually) and asynchronously.
Graduates of Carlow’s MEd in Reading Specialist Program take the KPEERI, Knowledge and Practice Exam for Effective Reading Instruction through CERI, the Center for Effective Reading Instruction. As a result, Carlow graduates are then Level II CERI certified, which awards the certification SLDI, Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Interventionist. Carlow’s MEd in Reading Specialists meet the rigorous requirements associated with CERI’s SLDI.
Carlow’s MEd in Reading Specialist program embeds a four-course Dyslexia Certificate which is built into the Reading Specialist program. Educators, students, and other practitioners may choose to complete the Dyslexia Certificate as a stand-alone certificate.
Credits required:
25-31 credits
Cost per credit:
$618/credit
Time to degree:
As few as 12 months
Delivery:
Online with synchronous and asynchronous meeting times
MEd Reading Specialist with Dyslexia Certification
Interested in pursuing a Master’s in Reading Specialist and/or Dyslexia Certificate from Carlow University?
Carlow University is a LEADER in the field of evidenced-aligned reading instruction! Carlow Reading Specialist candidates learn how to deliver systematic, explicit, multi-modal, diagnostic and intensive instruction.
At Carlow all of our coursework is aligned to IDA and Structured Literacy, and we are proud to have been awarded IDA accreditation for our MEd in Reading Specialist program!
Unique options exist, that meet various needs:
1. Four Course Dyslexia Certificate, 12 credits
READ 721 Dyslexia and Structured Literacy
READ722 Critical Components of Phonological Awareness
READ723 Structures of Language & Linguistics I
READ 724 Data Integration and Instruction
2. Reading Specialist Certificate, 25 credits
The four courses in the Dyslexia Certificate, plus:
READ 725 Teachers as Writers
READ 726 Critical Analysis of Text
SE 711 Disciplinary and Digital Literacy
READ 729 Structures of Language & Linguistics II
READ 740 Evaluating Literacy Curriculum
3. MEd in Reading Specialist, 31 credits
All courses in the Dyslexia Certificate and the Reading Specialist Certificate, plus:
Practitioner oriented equipping teachers of reading and writing with Structured Literacy and evidenced-aligned teaching practices
Faculty instructors who serve as national LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) trainers, Certified Orton-Gillingham Fellows, and literacy leaders and practioners in the field
Connected to Carlow’s Campus Laboratory School where Reading Specialist candidates have the unique opportunity of working directly with students with dyslexia in the school’s multi-sensory learning lab
Partnerships with regional schools that enhance professional development
Certificate options
Add-on certificate
If you already have a teaching license, you can earn this MEd under our add-on certificate option. When applying, indicate your interest in the add-on certificate option.
Career opportunities for Reading Specialist
School districts hire reading specialists to coordinate reading programs, support students and teachers, and work with intervention services.
Employment of instructional coordinators is projected to grow 6% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As states and school districts put greater emphasis on student achievement data, schools may increasingly turn to instructional coordinators to develop better curriculums and improve teachers’ effectiveness.
Official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions you have attended
Personal essay that describes your academic objectives
Current resume or curriculum vitae
Two letters of recommendation that address your leadership potential and ability to succeed in graduate-level work
Apply
anytime
Start terms:
Fall, Spring & Summer
An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred; however, provisional admission is also possible if you do not meet all of the admission criteria but exhibit a strong possibility of academic success. No prerequisites or teacher licensure are required for this degree and certification.
“Carlow’s Dyslexia Certificate is exceptional! The knowledge gained throughout my experience has helped me to better support and understand evidence based practices that are beneficial for all students and vital for students with dyslexia. In addition to the coursework and learning, I found valuable relationships in the Carlow faculty! The professors were excellent in their knowledge base, course structures, and accessibility. Knowing that all our students deserve instruction rooted in what the collective science says about how the brain learns to read, working through Carlow’s Dyslexia Certificate program was a must for me!”
Tanya Lewis is a principal in the Butler Area School District, Pennsylvania and a graduate of Carlow’s Educational Leadership Program and Dylslexia Teaching Certificate track
“I recently completed the accelerated, one-year MEd Reading Specialist and Dyslexia Certification program at Carlow University. I was initially attracted to Carlow because of the IDA accreditation, course offerings, and virtual instruction. Each course in the MEd Reading Specialist program and accompanying texts expanded my knowledge of reading science and structured literacy. The practicum experiences allowed me to put my new learning into practice. My fondest memories of Carlow are the classes taught by enthusiastic, expert instructors in the field of literacy. I am proud to be a Carlow graduate, reading specialist, and a CERI Certified Structured Literacy Interventionist!”
Laurie Gibbons is a Reading Specialist in Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland and a graduate of Carlow’s MEd in Reading Specialist Program
“I highly recommend Carlow University’s MEd Reading Specialist program to anyone who is looking to expand their knowledge of evidence-based reading instruction and structured literacy. The professors are knowledgeable educators who have a wealth of experience in the field of education. The coursework helped me dive deeper into how children learn to read, the difficulties they may experience, and how to facilitate learning for students who struggle with reading. The embedded practicum allowed me to use the skills I was learning and provided opportunities for feedback and discussion with my professors and peers.”
Sarah Seyler is a Reading Coach in Sussex County Public Schools, Virginia and a graduate of Carlow’s MEd in Reading Specialist Program
“My courses in the Reading Specialist program at Carlow have been career-changing. I have been an elementary teacher for 17 years and have learned more about teaching reading in courses I’ve taken than I have in my previous combined eight years of higher education. Already having an MEd, obtaining another was not my original plan. Being introduced to the Science of Reading and getting a taste of the research changed my mind. I want to keep learning and growing as a teacher and soak up as much knowledge as I can from the amazing professors and education department at Carlow.”
Samantha Buterbaugh is a teacher in South Butler County School District and a graduate student in our dyslexia teaching track and reading specialist program
Combine business and social work with a MSW-MBA dual degree
You will be prepared to take on high-level leadership roles when you complete this dual Master in Social Work and Master in Business Administration degree program in as little as three years.
In this MSW-MBA dual degree program, you will learn to be a competent leader who can meet the challenges of social work. You can be an advocate for the social work profession and the people you serve while having the ability to make effective business decisions. You will learn how to manage employees, interpret data for decision making and develop business plans.
You can specialize in either social work direct practice or social work macro practice.
Choose from direct practice or macro practice social work specializations
Engage in trauma-focused learning
Graduate with two master’s degrees
Career Opportunities for MSW-MBA graduates
MSW-MBA graduates are effective in diverse roles, including managing a private practice or taking on a leadership role in a business or social service organization. A master’s degree is preferred to become a clinical social worker, and a firm understanding of business further prepares graduates to take on leadership roles.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of social workers to grow 13% between 2019 and 2029.
Accreditation
Carlow University’s Master of Social Work program received Initial Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation in June 2020 and has upheld its accreditation status since. CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing accreditation standards that define competent preparation and ensure that social work programs meet them. CSWE administers a multistep accreditation process that involves program self-studies, site visits, and program reviews.
Please note that Social Work programs cannot accept life experience or work experience for credit.
Accelerate your respiratory care career with a bachelor’s in respiratory therapy. Our degree completion program ensures you’re ready to deliver high-quality patient care for all and assume leadership positions in the field.
The healthcare field is evolving. Advanced practice nurses must possess the business knowledge needed to lead in organizational and academic settings. Carlow’s MSN – MBA program offers the well-rounded knowledge needed to advance in today’s healthcare field.
Carlow University’s online master’s degree in nursing education and leadership is a convenient and swift path for working nurses to gain the educational and administrative skills necessary to advance their careers.
Accelerate your nursing career through Carlow University’s RN to BSN online program. Prepare to deliver compassionate, high-quality care for all patients.
Gain the business expertise needed to accel your career
Obtain your MBA in just 40 weeks with Carlow’s intensive, accelerated online Executive MBA program. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for advanced management opportunities at your current company, as well as in-demand high-level positions at diverse organizations.
Dig into life’s important questions with a Philosophy minor
Studying for a philosophy minor, you will examine and ask the largest and most important of human questions concerning life and the nature of the universe. You will immerse yourself in a critical study of past and present systems of philosophic thought and learn to investigate the truths and principles pertaining to the nature of existence, knowledge, values and conduct.
With its emphasis on language skills, critical thinking and abstract reasoning, the Philosophy minor has numerous practical applications. It complements majors such as Psychology or Education, and students majoring in Liberal Studies will find the Philosophy minor a superb addition to their other minors.
Philosophy minor curriculum
The minor requires 15 credits, including five courses in philosophy.
Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Jackie smith at jmsmith@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.
