The Master of Science in Special Education
with Gratz College
Tailored for Frum Educators:
Designed for Torah Day School Teachers
Option for State Certification
Accelerated Timeline
Complete Your Degree in Just 12 Months
Maximum Flexibility
Asynchronous Courses - Your Time, Your Schedule
Affordable Tuition
Total Cost of Degree: $10,000–$15,000
Personalized Experience
Separate Cohort for Women
Option for Men Available
Dual Degree Pathway
Earn a BA + Master's in 2 Years
THE PARTNERSHIP
WITS and Gratz College have partnered to offer students a Master of Science in Special Education. The M.S. in Special Education focuses on the growth and academic success of students with diverse learning needs, and the teacher's essential role in creating, assessing, and intervening to ensure that success.
THE DETAILS
The M.S. in Special Education is an online, asynchronous program where students take one to two courses each semester. Semesters are 8-weeks long and held throughout the year.
Students applying through WITS will be in a dedicated cohort within the program. In addition to the general special education curriculum, coursework in the WITS cohort will address the unique needs of special education within the Jewish school environment.
APPLY NOW - PRIORITY DEADLINE: MARCH 1
Classes begin this summer
THE PROGRAM
The ten-course (30-credit) program emphasizes both the student experience, and the teacher's role in instructional design, assessment and intervention. Five specialized special education courses prepare teachers for success in the contemporary landscape of special education.
This program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for students seeking the PK through Grade 12 Special Education certification in Pennsylvania. Maryland, as well as many other states, offers certification for teachers who have completed an education program leading to state certification. Students pursuing certification complete an additional 3 credit Student Teaching course.
QUICK FACTS
WITS cohort students have a special discounted tuition rate of $425 per credit.
Students in the WITS cohort can complete the M.S. degree in 12 months.
To learn more about the courses in the program:
Gratz will accept up to 9 credits of graduate-level education coursework taken in transfer. Applicants should submit a transcript for evaluation.
For students who attended WITS for their bachelor’s degree, 9 credits of specific WITS education courses can be applied towards the foundational course requirements of the degree. Students who complete these courses at WITS will only require an additional 21 credits at Gratz College to complete the M.S. degree.
Current and prospective WITS students can pursue a joint Bachelor of Science in Jewish Education at WITS and Master of Science in Special Education at Gratz and earn both degrees in two years. Students can apply 9 credits from the M.S. program to the B.S. degree AND 9 credits from the B.S. degree to the M.S. degree.
FAQ
What is the total cost of the degree?
The program costs $425 per credit plus approximately $1400 in fees over the course of the degree. If you are pursuing certification and therefore are taking 33 credits, your total cost will be around $15k. If you are not pursuing certification, and therefore taking 30 credits, the total cost will be less. Gratz accepts up to 9 credits in transfer of other graduate level coursework in education. If you have credits that are accepted in transfer, then your total cost of degree will be closer to $10k. If you took the education courses at WITS, then you will only need 21 or 24 credits for the MS degree (depending on whether you pursue certification), and your total cost of degree will be around $10k. It may even be less!
What is the time commitment?
How long will the program take?
Students take 1 or 2 courses per semester. Each semester is 8-weeks long. The program is designed to be completed in 12 months. Of course, you can choose to spread the courses out and take the program more slowly. Courses are asynchronous, so you can schedule time to do your schoolwork around your other obligations.
How do I earn certification?
Certification requires an extra 3 credit student teaching component. Upon admission, if you are pursuing certification, a member of the Gratz College staff will contact you to explain the requirements of student teaching. You can do student teaching at the school of your choice, provided you are working with a licensed special educator. If you do not have a school in mind, we can help place you. The Master of Science in Special Education has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for students seeking the PK through Grade 12 Special Education certification in Pennsylvania. Other states have arrangements where people who completed an approved program can get certified in that state. We have information about getting certified in New York and Maryland and are happy to help you find out about certification in your home state. Contact us!
Is there financial aid?
Yes. You can apply for financial aid through Gratz College. Gratz participates in federal loan programs.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Special education opens doors to diverse and impactful career paths inside and beyond the classroom.
Explore the many possibilities:
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Special Education Teacher
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Resource Room Teacher
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Literacy/Kriyah Specialist
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School Administrator
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Curriculum Developer
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Educational Diagnostician
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Special Education Instructional Coordinator
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Behavior Analyst
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Special Education Program Director
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Special Education Clinician
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Educational Consultant
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Instructional Coach
For more information:
APPLY NOW
New Students:
Begin your application by creating an account with Gratz College. You will then be directed to the application.
The application fee is waived for all students applying to the WITS cohort. Enter GRATZSPECIAL for the discount code.
When filling out the application, there is a question towards the end with a drop down menu
"Are you affiliated with a Gratz College partnership organization? If so, please select the organization from the list below.
From the drop down menu choose:
WITS MS in Special Education
WITS students and alumnae:
To apply for this program, contact Mrs. Cindy Ring. You will be emailed an application link. You cannot apply using the new student application as you are a returning Gratz College student.
