The United Methodist Church founded Albright College in 1856 in the suburban community of Reading, and since that time, the school has grown to an enrollment of more than 2,300 undergraduate and graduate students. The special education program at the college allows students to gain certification to teach kindergarten through twelfth grade, as well as general early childhood and elementary education. Students in the program take classes in art and music, mathematical concepts, developmental reading and psychology and development of the special-needs child. In addition to the programs required for the certification, students also select a major field of study, such as psychology or child and family studies. The university also offers a five year plan that allows students to graduate with a bachelor's degree in their major area, a teaching certificate and a Master of Education degree.
Albright College Education Department
Masters Hall
13th & Bern Streets
Reading, PA 19612-5234
610-921-7790
faculty.albright.edu/edu/home.htm
Located in Radnor, approximately 20 miles from Philadelphia, Cabrini College is a private institution founded by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Order. Home to more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students, the university offers a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with certification in special education. Graduates of the program are eligible to teach kindergarten through twelfth grade. Among the courses required for the program are trends in special education, teaching methods for children with mild to severe disabilities, reading, classroom management, creative arts and developmental and educational psychology. During their freshmen years, students must complete volunteer work hours with local schools or social programs for special needs children. Field experience hours begin during the second year of the program and continue for the next three years, culminating in formal student teaching for seniors.
Cabrini College
610 King of Prussia Road
Radnor, PA 19087
610-902-8552
cabrini.edu
Founded in 1852, California University of Pennsylvania is a public institution with more than 8,500 undergraduate and graduate students at its small-town campus located 35 miles south of Pittsburgh. The university offers a Bachelor of Science in education degree with a major in special education that qualifies graduates to teach kindergarten through twelfth grade. Classes featured in the curriculum include psychology, behavior principles, English language learning, computer science, multicultural teaching and curriculum methods. Field placements begin during the first year, and the final semester in the four-year program consists of a full-time student-teaching experience. The university also grants a dual degree in special and general early childhood education as well as a degree in special and general elementary education.
California University of Pennsylvania
250 University Ave.
Box 94
California, PA 15419
724-938-4000
cup.edu