Making a meaningful difference

If you dream of having a profound influence on students with special learning needs, Susquehanna University offers a heartwarming and meaningful career path. From your first year, you’ll engage with inclusive and special education classrooms, guided by experienced professors. You’ll observe classroom instruction, write lesson plans, and lead small group instruction.

As a special education major, you’ll master evidence-based teaching methods, strategies, and assistive technologies. You’ll promote academic, social, and emotional success for diverse learners and gain real-world experience in assessing student needs and developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Notably, 100% of students gain experience in designing and applying IEPs.

You will also gain field and student-teaching experience in varied special education contexts throughout the program. By your senior year’s spring semester, you’ll complete your student teaching, making you a highly qualified special education teacher. With knowledge of relevant processes, policies, procedures, strategies, and learning theories, plus practical classroom experience, you’ll be a standout candidate in 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.

Learn more

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

Get Directions

Location

Seibert Hall

Campus Map

Phone & Email

David McLaughlin, department head of education
570-372-4508
mclaughlind@9590x.com

Sara Wenrich, education department coordinator
570-372-4236
wenrich@9590x.com