Department of Exceptionality Programs
Introduction
The Department of Exceptionality Programs in the College of Professional Studies offers a wide range of special education options including undergraduate and graduate programs in special education, interpreting for the deaf/hard of hearing, education of the deaf/hard of hearing and reading. The department also hosts a reading center, an annual reading conference and has produced multimedia programs to assist teaching sign language. Opportunities for classroom and field-based study are provided through partnerships with area schools and organizations.
Policy governing admission, monitoring and exit criteria for education majors
American Sign Language/English Interpreting (B.S.)
Bloomsburg University provides specialized training for individuals seeking to become American Sign Language interpreters. The objective for the sign language interpreting curriculum is to prepare individuals for certification from the Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf as professional interpreters between deaf/hard of hearing and hearing consumers within the context of a variety of settings: legal, educational, social or business. In addition to learning to interpret, students in this program also receive strong education in aspects of deaf culture and related communication issues. Learn more
Special Education (B.S.Ed.)
The program in special education leads to certification for teachers to teach special education (N-12). Students may also acquire a concentration in education of the deaf/hard of hearing.
After the completion of specified coursework, a semester of student teaching occurs. Students enrolled in special education have the opportunity to student teach in the following settings: public schools, intermediate units, approved private schools, preschools, state centers, adjudicated environments and hospitals. Special education student teaching assignments are located within seven select counties in this region. Intensive pre-student teaching experiences are also available through professional development schools. The program incluides an area of concentration in education of the deaf/hard of hearing and the ability to dual major with elementary education.Learn more
Education of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing (M.S.)
The graduate program in Education of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing is offered through the Department of Exceptionality Programs. Prospective classroom teachers and itinerant teachers of the deaf/hard of hearing are provided a variety of courses to prepare them for working with individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing. Coursework furnishes conceptual as well as experiential background in the areas of academic teaching, speech-language therapy, communication, psycho-social development and curriculum and instruction. Depending on undergraduate major, students are prepared to work with preschool, elementary, secondary or multi-handicapped individuals who are deaf/hard of hearing. Learn more
Reading (M.Ed.)
This program offers a Master of Education in Reading and reading specialist certification. It is designed for experienced professionals who wish to pursue advanced training and experience in reading. The graduate program focuses on reading assessment and instruction, as well as developing leadership in organizing, managing, and evaluating literacy programs. Graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis and provide a partial tuition waiver and a stipend for working 10 to 20 hours per week in the Reading Center and the America Reads Project. The Bloomsburg University Annual Reading Conference provides a rich source of continuing professional development for educators from Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The conference attracts approximately 1,000 registrants and is held each year in May. Learn more
Special Education, Exceptionalities (M.S.)
Three different Master of Science degrees are offered.
The Master of Science in Special Education is designed for those who are certified to each physically/mentally handicapped on the undergraduate level. The objective of this program is to improve competencies through further graduate work in special education, qualifying for admissions into a doctoral program if desired
The Master of Science in Exceptionalities has two dimensions:
- For professionals who provide support services for special needs individuals (nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, counselors, etc.).
- For individuals seeking the Master of Science in Exceptionalities and Certification in special education (N-12) These individuals acquire the M.S. and are eligible for teacher certification upon completion of program exit criteria.
Special Education (M.S.) Requirements
Exceptionalities (M.S.) (with certification) Requirements
Exceptionalities (M.S.) (without certification) Requirements