4+1 M Ed

This combination of academic and practical experiences prepares M.Ed. candidates to meet the needs of all learners by

• using adapted instruction to teach reading, writing, and math skills;
• using appropriate techniques to assess learning;
• creating a positive environment for learning.

Graduates of the program have gone on to work as general education and special education teachers in Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, and other states.

Please email Dr David McNaughton (dbm2@psu.edu) and ask to be added to the Canvas PRIDE for the 4+1 to receive updated information on the 4+1 program. Please include your major, and the semester/year in which you will complete your undergrad degree.

The 4+1 program at University Park

Eligibility. Students who have completed (or who are currently enrolled) in an undergraduate teacher certification program at Penn State have the opportunity to complete the M.Ed. in Special Education (and earn special education teacher certification in Pennsylvania) through the “4+1” program at the University Park campus. Students interested in the 4+1 program should complete the SPLED minor as undergrads, most importantly SPLED 400, 403 a/b, SPLED 419 (3 credits), and SPLED 525.

Outcomes. The 4+1 M.Ed. program will result (in five years) in

1. a bachelor’s degree with initial teacher certification
2. a Masters degree in Special Education, and
3. recommendation for PA special education teacher certification.

Application process. Individuals interested in this program should complete an initial degree and teaching certification in their four years as undergraduate students; this part of the program can be completed at the University Park campus or a PSU commonwealth campus that provides a teaching certification program (elementary education, secondary education, physical education, music education, art education). The individual should also complete the minor in Special Education as part of their undergraduate program.

The teacher candidate then applies to the SPLED M.Ed. program in the fall of his/her senior year (e.g., a student should apply in fall ’23 in order to begin the M Ed program in summer ’24).  If the teacher candidate is accepted into the program, s/he will complete some online summer coursework and then a fall and spring semester in residence at University Park. Upon successful completion, the teacher candidate will graduate with an M.Ed. in Special Education and be eligible for recommendation for special education teacher certification in Pennsylvania. Individuals who are completing the initial teaching certification at a Penn State campus, and who are interested in the 4+1 program, are encouraged to contact Dr. David McNaughton for more information on this program.

You are encouraged to watch the full video below. Key issues include

• please apply to begin coursework in the Summer semester ( as noted above, for example, a student should apply in fall ’23 in order to begin the M Ed program in summer ’24)
• please include among your three references
  • a SPLED faculty member (e.g., your instructor for SPLED 400, 403, 419, 525, or 461)
  • an individual who has seen you work with children (e.g., a mentor teacher, a PSU supervisor, an employer at a summer camp)
  • an individual of your choosing
• please note that you do not need GRE scores
• please submit your application as soon as possible (e.g, Fall semester of your Senior year). We work to provide prompt feedback as soon as we have all of your application materials.

Individuals who completed their initial teacher certification at a university other than Penn State are welcome to apply for this program. In addition to the course requirements listed below applicants may need to complete additional coursework as determined by their advisor. For individuals who obtained their initial teaching certification outside of Pennsylvania, there may be additional coursework requirements to be eligible for recommendation for Pennsylvania Certification in Special Education. Individuals who completed their initial teacher certification at a university other than Penn State should contact the Professor in Charge for the Special Education program for additional information.

Additional information on the application process is available here.

We also recommend you watch the video below for additional information. Information on completing the application form starts at the 16:00 mark.

SPLED 4+1 presentation 9-23-20 from AAC Learning Center – Penn State on Vimeo.

The Program. M.Ed. students must accumulate a specified number of credits, complete a sequence of practicum courses, and write a master’s paper. Students will follow this course sequence during their fifth year of study:

Summer Session (after senior year and following acceptance into the 4+1 program, World Campus)

• SPLED 525¹ 
• SPLED 573

Fall Semester (University Park)

• SPLED 411
• SPLED 504
• SPLED 512
• SPLED 554
• SPLED 495e (6-week practicum in local school)

Spring Semester (University Park)

• SPLED 509A
• SPLED 509B
• SPLED 509C
• SPLED 595B (15-week practicum in local school)
• SPLED 521

¹SPLED 525 can also be taken in the summer before a student’s Senior year (after the completion of the Junior year) and can be counted toward the SPLED minor (in place of SPLED 461). If the class is taken in the summer after the Junior year (i.e., before the student’s senior year), there are special enrollment procedures. Please visit this link for more information.

This information is also available at https://ed.psu.edu/special-education-master-education .