Master of Science in Education in Teacher of Special Education (B-2)
There are three distinct 36-credit master degree programs in Special Education. Each focuses on a different age and grade range. The Early Childhood program focuses on children, Birth–Grade 2; the Childhood program on Grades 1–6; and the Adolescent program on Grade 7 through age 21.
Each program prepares candidates to work with children or youths whose disabilities range from mild to severe. Upon completion of their program, graduates are eligible for initial/professional or permanent New York State Certification in Special Education within their age/grade level.
All programs are part-time and take 3 years to complete. Candidates are required to take internship courses during the summer. They must also follow a prescribed course of study.
Applicants for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) will have to meet additional requirements to qualify for the BCBA examination and will be required to (a) declare their intention to complete the BCBA course sequence within their first semester of matriculation, (b) complete an additional 3-credit course (ECPSE 750. Advanced Workshop in Applied Behavior Analysis), bringing the total credits to 39 credits, and (c) complete their internship in severe disabilities (ECPSE 725) in a site in which they can be supervised by a licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
The faculty is committed to preparing teachers who have the knowledge, skills, and disposition to help children and youths with disabilities become independent, productive, fully included members of their schools and society. The purpose of the programs in Special Education is to help candidates develop the competencies needed to teach children and youths with disabilities, including severe disabilities, in a variety of settings, including age-appropriate general education environments. To this end, the New York State Pedagogical Core requirements for teachers of special education and related competencies have been embedded throughout the curriculum and programs.
Requirements for Matriculation
These requirements are in addition to the general requirements for matriculation.
- Hold an initial/provisional certificate in general education in the age/school range of the special education program to which they apply (Birth–Grade 2; Grades 1–6; Grade 7 through age 21)
- Write a well-organized, well-conceptualized essay that clearly communicates their reasons for pursuing a degree in special education, indicating the nature of their current and past experiences with people with disabilities
- Provide three letters of recommendation from professional sources. The letters must demonstrate the applicant’s superior abilities, qualities, and potential as a graduate candidate in special education
- An interview may be required