Middle Level/Special Education

Middle Level/Special Education Degree Requirements

Under the guidance of our expert faculty, the dual major in Middle Level Education and Special Education at York College challenges and supports students through a curriculum combining coursework in the chosen concentration area with essential Education courses.

In addition to foundations covering classroom management, differentiated instruction, and best practices for engaging the adolescent mind, students pursue certification coursework in English/Language Arts, Math, Science, or Social Studies.

Key courses in the 131-credit bachelor’s program include:

• SE 210: Educational Technology for Middle and Secondary Education
• SE 250: Professionalism and Partnerships in Early Childhood Special Education
• SPE 264: Educational Assessment of Students with Disabilities

These courses, alongside general education requirements, field experiences, and a culminating student teaching experience, prepare graduates for successful careers in both middle level and special education. This dual certification opens doors to various teaching environments, ensuring our graduates are versatile, adaptable, and ready to meet the needs of all students.

Program Admissions

Students must apply to York College as undergraduates to start on the journey to a bachelor’s degree in Middle Level/Special Education.

Upon admission, the initial coursework includes prerequisite education-related courses. This foundational stage is vital to gaining full entry into the Special Education degree program, setting the stage for more specialized studies and hands-on teaching experiences essential for certification.

Review the York College Undergraduate Admissions process and requirements.

Earn a B.S. in Middle Level/Special Education at York College of Pennsylvania

Graduates of the B.S. in Middle Level Education/Special Education degree program at York College make a profound impact and facilitate fulfilling educational pathways for all students in elementary and middle school classrooms.

Want to enhance educational outcomes for all students? Request more information or plan a visit to take the first step. Or, begin your application today.

Pursue Middle Level/Special Education Certification in Pennsylvania

A bachelor's degree in Middle Level/Special Education equips students with a strong foundation for teaching roles; broader opportunities in support, advocacy, and educational policy; and pursuing further certifications and advanced degrees.

Graduates are fully prepared to meet the criteria to sit for exams and apply for teacher certification in middle level education (grades 4-8) in Math, Science, Social Studies, or English, and special education (PreK-grade 12) through the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This preparation opens many possibilities, including working in dedicated special education settings or mixed-ability classrooms.

Our alums have secured positions at Central Dauphin High School, Donegal School District, Harford County Public Schools, Harrisburg Area Community College, West Shore School District, and Youth Advocate Programs Inc. York’s Career Development Center supports Middle Level Special Education majors in navigating career preparation and the certification process.

Salary and Career Outlook in Special Education

Earnings for special education teachers can vary based on several factors, including location, the type of educational institution, level of education, certifications, and years of experience. Reflecting the value of special educators' critical work, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that special education teachers earn an average annual salary of $62,950.

Advancement in this rewarding career path can further increase earning potential. Growth opportunities include gaining additional classroom experience, pursuing further certifications or advanced degrees, and assuming leadership or administrative positions within educational settings.

Field Experience and Student Teaching

The bachelor’s program in Middle Level/Special Education blends theory with substantial hands-on teaching opportunities, ensuring our students gain the practical experience needed to excel in the field. Our curriculum leads special education majors through structured field and classroom experiences, which are crucial for developing the skills necessary for impactful teaching.

For Middle Level/Special Education majors, in-person student teaching unfolds across the following stages:

• Early field experience
• Advanced field experience
• Content pedagogies immersion
• Professional semester (seminar and classroom teaching)

These immersive teaching experiences fulfill the certification requirements to teach special education in Pennsylvania public schools.

Explore student teaching and field experiences at York College.

Project-Based Coursework

While preparing for student teaching and the professional semester, courses such as SE 220: Instruction and Curriculum Development in Middle and Secondary Education provide practical, applied experience in researching and designing curricula, creating instructional materials, and more.

Learn From Expert Educators

Dedicated York College faculty are experienced educators who share their vast knowledge in middle level and special education and support your journey to becoming a special education professional. Their support and close attention in the classroom are crucial in shaping your approach to special education and your readiness to make a difference.

Placements With Local Schools

York College of Pennsylvania is ingrained in the special education community, from public and charter schools to specialized institutions and advocacy organizations.

For students in the B.S. in Middle Level/Special Education program, this means unparalleled access to student teaching opportunities and professional development resources right from the start. These connections form a solid foundation for launching your career and ensuring you're prepared to make a significant impact in the lives of students with special needs, supported by a network that values innovation and dedication in education. 

Clubs and Professional Organizations

In addition to student teaching, students in the special education certification program have many unique opportunities to broaden their learning beyond the classroom. Engaging with student organizations and clubs such as the Kappa Delta Pi education honor society and the Psychology Club enriches a focus on advocacy, innovative teaching methods, and community engagement.

Explore York’s student clubs and organizations.

Skills for Middle Level/Special Education Careers

In the bachelor’s degree leading to special education teaching certification, students develop essential skills tailored for teaching in these environments. Graduates of this program:

• Cultivate strong classroom management skills, focusing on creating supportive, accessible, and inclusive environments appropriate for the social-emotional development of students.
• Master differentiation and personalized learning approaches to accommodate diverse learning styles, abilities, and developmental stages common in middle level classrooms.
• Apply problem-solving strategies to address academic, behavioral, and social challenges in diverse classroom settings.
• Utilize creative thinking to design engaging lessons that appeal to adolescent learners while meeting various learning needs.
• Foster collaboration skills to work effectively with teaching teams, specialists, administrators, and families to support student success.
• Develop effective communication and public speaking abilities to engage students, clearly explain concepts, and maintain productive relationships with parents and colleagues across both general and special education contexts.

Related Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs at YCP

Choose from several Education majors in the School of Behavioral Sciences and Education leading to Pennsylvania teacher certification for different subject areas and age groups:

• Early Elementary/Special Education
• Early Elementary Education (PreK-4)
• Middle Level Education

For those interested in further education or certification, Graduate and Professional Studies at York offers an online master’s (MEd) in ABA leading to Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA®) certification to work with children with autism as well as other certificate and master’s degree programs to progress your career, whether pursuing leadership positions or specialized certification as a Reading Specialist.

Becoming a middle level or special education teacher typically requires completing a bachelor's degree, which takes about four years of full-time study. After earning your degree, you must also obtain a teacher certification, which can vary by state but often includes passing specific exams and completing a student teaching experience.

In some states, you can teach general education with a special education degree; in others, distinct certifications are required to teach both. The Middle Level/Special Education degree program includes dual certification in both special education and a general education content area, allowing for opportunities in both kinds of classrooms and blended classrooms.

Yes, special education is a high-demand field. The need for qualified special education teachers continues to grow due to increasing student enrollment requiring specialized services, making it a stable and rewarding career choice.