Why This Program
Pursue a career dedicated to educating young children and students with disabilities. At Northampton Community College, earn an A.A. degree in Special Education grounded in a diverse, equitable, and inclusive framework of teaching. The A.A. and Specialized Diploma are available online and at our Bethlehem and Pocono campuses, giving you flexible study options before you transfer to a 4-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree.
What You'll Learn
You’ll gain hands-on experience, learn theories of family and disability perspectives, and build a philosophy of collaborative relationships as you advance through a program that emphasizes evidence-based practices and effective educational approaches. After graduation, you’ll be ready to continue your education or enter the workforce prepared in the competencies to be employed as a special education paraeduator in education settings.
Program Details
Semesters: 4
Credits: 62
College Catalog: View Curriculum
Program Map: Download PDF
Locations: Bethlehem | Fully OnlineProgram Overview:
The Associate Degree in Special Education is designed for students who wish to continue their education and earn their Bachelor’s Degree as a teacher with special education certification. Students completing the Associate Degree may also pursue employment as a special education paraeducator. Students in Northampton's special education degree program explore evidence-based theory and practices, including Universal Design for Learning, and gain understanding of family and disability perspectives through a lens of equity and collaborative relationships. Classroom experiential learning experiences are provided throughout the program.
Semesters: 2
Credits: 9
College Catalog: View Curriculum
Program Map: Download PDF
Locations: Bethlehem | Fully OnlineProgram Overview:
This in-person or online special education diploma introduces you to the knowledge and skills you’ll need as a paraeducator or to earn a bachelor’s degree with Pre-K–12th special education certification. You’ll complete 40+ hours of practical classroom experience along with three special education courses. The diploma is a beginning pathway to the special education A.A. degree or to transfer to a 4-year college or university.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires that all students participating in field experience must provide Mandatory Student Paperwork.
Licensure
Licensure requirements vary by state. If you live outside Pennsylvania or intend to complete an internship in another state, you should review your state board’s website to ensure that NCC’s program qualifies for licensure. If you participate in the program without proper authorization from your state’s professional licensing board, you could lose licensing eligibility. Contact the Program Director for more information.
Certification
Teacher certification requirements are established by State Departments of Education and vary by state. If you plan to teach outside of Pennsylvania, you should review the teacher certification requirements of the state where you intend to teach or work.
Tuition & Fees
Completing a degree in Special Education at Northampton Community College can drastically reduce the overall cost of your education. Our tuition and fees are some of the most affordable in the region. On top of the low upfront costs, you can also take advantage of NCC’s substantial financial aid and scholarship opportunities—we have one of the largest community college scholarship programs in Pennsylvania!
