Special Education & Rehabilitation

Discover Your Purpose in Special Education at ESU

Undergraduate & Graduate Programs | Certification Options | 1,000+ Hours of Field Experience

Where Passion Meets Purpose

Do you enjoy helping others? Want to make a lasting impact in classrooms, communities, and homes? East Stroudsburg University’s Department of Special Education offers transformative degree programs for those called to support, teach, and empower individuals with exceptionalities.

With comprehensive fieldwork, strong faculty mentorship, and a vibrant student community, ESU prepares you to make a difference from day one.

Why ESU?

Early & Extensive Field Experience
Students engage in over 1,000 hours of hands-on fieldwork, beginning in their first year. Work alongside expert teachers and serve individuals with disabilities across a variety of educational and community settings.

High-Quality, Affordable Education
Get a meaningful degree with real-world value. Whether you pursue a standalone Special Education degree or pair it with Early Childhood, Middle Level, or Secondary Education, you’ll graduate prepared and credentialed to teach across diverse learning environments.

Personalized Pathways & Professional Flexibility
With integrated and stand-alone programs, students can shape their path to meet personal and professional goals from classroom teaching to leadership roles in administration, behavior analysis, and more.

The Only University in PA with Gifted Certification
Stand out with a Gifted Education Certification, available exclusively at ESU in Pennsylvania.

Substitute Teach While in School
Gain real world teaching experience (and build your résumé) by working in the field as a substitute teacher before graduation.

Degrees & Certification Tracks

• Undergraduate Degrees:
  • Special Education PK–12 with integrated certification in Early Childhood (PreK–4), Middle Level (4–8), or Secondary (7–12) content areas.
• Graduate Degrees & Certifications:
  • Special Education M.Ed.
  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Concentration
  • Special Education PK–12 Post-Baccalaureate Certification
  • Supervisor of Special Education Certification

Whether you want to become a teacher, behavior analyst, case manager, or school leader, we have the program to get you there.

Student Life & Leadership

Join a Community of Changemakers
Make connections that matter through student led organizations that combine learning with service:

• Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
  • Plan events for children and adults with disabilities
  • Volunteer for Special Olympics, tutoring, babysitting, and more
  • Attend state-level conferences and professional workshops

• Sigma Pi Epsilon Delta Honor Society
  • Recognizes academic achievement and service
  • Open to majors in special education and rehabilitation with hands-on experience

• Best Buddies
  • Build one-on-one friendships with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
  • Join a worldwide movement of inclusion and advocacy

These organizations provide opportunities to develop leadership skills, build professional networks, and give back to the community while enhancing your résumé.

Real-World Research & Professional Development

At ESU, your education goes beyond the classroom. Work closely with faculty on research projects that explore innovative instructional strategies and interventions in real life settings. Students regularly contribute to projects that shape the future of the field.

You’ll also benefit from:

Where Can You Go from Here?

Our alumni are employed in public and private schools, charter and cyber schools, agencies, and intermediate units throughout the region and beyond.

Career possibilities include:

Ready to Get Started?

There is a strong demand for skilled, compassionate special educators across the country. At East Stroudsburg University, we’ll help you build knowledge, experience, and confidence to succeed whether in a classroom, in the community, or in a leadership role.

Apply today and take your first step toward a career that truly matters.

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