Making a meaningful difference

If you dream of having a profound influence on the lives of students with special learning needs, Susquehanna University will start you on a heartwarming and meaningful career. You will have many opportunities to participate in and engage with inclusive and special education classrooms during your first year at Susquehanna. Experienced professors will guide you as you observe classroom instruction, and eventually progress to write lesson plans and lead small group instruction.

As a special education major you will master incorporating evidence-based teaching methods, strategies and assistive technologies into classroom instruction. You will learn how to promote academic, social and emotional success for a range of learners with exceptionalities. Additionally, you will gain real-world experience assessing student needs, developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and monitoring student progress.

By spring semester of your senior year you will complete your student teaching. When you graduate, you’ll be well prepared to step into a career as a highly qualified special education teacher. You will possess the knowledge of the most relevant processes, policies, procedures, strategies and learning theories you need to support students with mild to severe disabilities. You will also have the classroom experience to make you a stand-out candidate on your job search.


100%
of students gain field and student-teaching experience
100%
of students write Individualized Education Programs
100%
of students participate in supervised, self-study research

Choosing from a colorful palette of educational opportunities

Susquehanna presents you with a myriad of opportunities within the world of education: early childhood education, secondary education, special education, English as a Second Language (ESL) and a master of education.

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Department of Education

“Students in Susquehanna’s special education program are immersed in comprehensive coursework, engaging real-world experiences and partnerships with local schools and organizations. The program prepares future special educators with the knowledge of evidence-based strategies, instructional skills and effective interventions to promote success for a range of students with exceptionalities in a variety of settings.”

Leigh Ann Kurz, director of special education


Potential Careers

  • School administrator
  • Special education teacher, PreK–12
  • Virtual teacher
  • Education advocate

Recent Employers

  • Pennsylvania public school system
  • New York public school system
  • New Jersey public school system
  • Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU)


Studying for a Degree in Special Education

Explore the courses you’ll take on your journey to earning a degree in special education at Susquehanna.


Explore other programs and opportunities

See the full list of related programs on the School of Humanities page.


Contact Us

Education

514 University Ave.
Selinsgrove, Pa. 17870

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Location

Seibert Hall

Campus Map

Phone & Email

Valerie Allison, interim department head
570-372-4240
allisonv@susqu.edu

Sara Wenrich, education department coordinator
570-372-4236
wenrich@susqu.edu