California University of Pennsylvania

Overview
With campuses in California and Canonsburg, PA, California University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1852 to provide broad range of educational opportunities and experiences to students from diverse origins. Its academic programs include 200 courses under three major undergraduate colleges; spanning subjects from education and human services to liberal arts, science and technology. For more than 150 years, the University has retained a reputation for educational excellence and commitment to the core values of Integrity, Civility and Responsibility that serve more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students currently.

Student Appeal
Ranked one of the best regional universities in the Northeast, \"Cal U\" is known for its diverse and dedicated student body, nationally recognized housing, recently renovated facilities, varied events and endeavors, in addition to countless opportunities to foster a strong sense of community and traditions. It hosts more than 100 clubs and organizations with year-round activities, including concerts, lectures, films, and recreational events. Students receive the benefits of a large school in a small setting, where they get to know the professors personally.

Financial
Approximately 90% of all Cal U students receive financial aid, usually in some combination of loans, grants, scholarships and work-study jobs. The University considers and determines the amount and type of financial aid assistance needed based on federal, state and institutional guidelines.

Programs Offered:

• Master of Education - Autism Spectrum DisordersMaster of Education - Autism Spectrum Disorders
  This program directly addresses the needs of today's educators and professionals working with individuals with ASD throughout their lifespan. It provides specialized preparation that has at its core the provision of socialization opportunities for individuals with ASD and educational outreach materials and resources for parents and community members. This program was developed to extend the training of students who have earned a graduate degree in special education and would like to add the autism certificate, qualifying them to diagnose and teach children with autism.
• Master of Education – Elementary EducationMaster of Education – Elementary Education
  This accredited program is designed for students who wish to broaden their knowledge of elementary education and teachers certified in other areas, and for those with an undergraduate degree outside of education. The courses cover teaching theories and techniques for social studies, mathematics, science, language arts, and other subjects.
• Master of Education – Elementary Education/Special Education (dual certificate)Master of Education – Elementary Education/Special Education (dual certificate)
  Designed for students who have a baccalaureate degree and are seeking Pennsylvania elementary education (grades K-6) certification and/or a master's degree, this double-certificate program features coursework combining aspects of elementary education with special education.
• Master of Education – Mentally/Physically HandicappedMaster of Education – Mentally/Physically Handicapped
  Students will select from one of four tracks in the mentally/physically handicapped education program, which includes introduction to the nature and characteristics of ASD, prescriptive teaching, field experience and seminar in Special Education.
• Master of Education – Reading SpecialistMaster of Education – Reading Specialist
  From building a solid foundation in literacy theory and instruction to diagnosis and treatment of reading problems, psychology of reading, and adult literacy, this program is designed to train students in becoming a reading specialist, serving the need to promote education and literacy.
• Master of Education – School CounselingMaster of Education – School Counseling
  As one of the best school counseling programs in the nation, this curriculum prepares enrollees to become school counselors who assist students in their academic, personal and career development. The courses feature essential topics such as foundations of school counseling, counseling skills and techniques, developmental group counseling, cross-cultural counseling, career counseling, substance abuse and addiction, psychology of growth and development.
• Master of Science – Community and Agency CounselingMaster of Science – Community and Agency Counseling
  Designed to prepare those seeking employment as a professional counselor in a variety of behavioral health and social service settings, this program develops the strong knowledge base, competent counseling skills, and high level of self-awareness necessary to practice ethically and professionally. Through coursework, students gain an understanding of how humans grow and develop, how they learn, and how social, cultural, economic, religious, political, and educational systems impact personal development.
• Master of Science – School PsychologyMaster of Science – School Psychology
  Intended to advance the character and careers of students, this program focuses its efforts on three goals: student achievement and success, institutional excellence, and community service. The curriculum consists of the equivalent of three years of full-time graduate study designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary for successful performance as school psychologists.