Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development offers students graduate level courses to become a certified special education teacher. This program is ideal for those who are seeking initial teacher certification in Special Education or are currently certified teachers (e.g., in early childhood education, middle grades education, art education, etc.) and would like to add special education as a second certification.

Applicants are initially admitted to our Special Education Master’s Program (MEd).  After successfully completing the minimum requirements for Certification, students may choose to earn certification-only or may elect to continue in the program and complete the additional 3 credit hours and requirements to receive Special Education (PreK-12) Certification and a Master’s degree. 

Non-degree Program Requirements

The Special Education non-degree graduate certification program requires the completion of up to 27 credit hours of graduate course work, depending on if this is an initial certification or if the student already holds a current certification and previous transferrable coursework. In addition to successfully completing the required coursework, candidates must pass the required certification exams and successfully complete student teaching to be eligible for Special Education Certification.