Teaching Students with Disabilities, Birth - Grade 12 & Early Childhood, Childhood or Adolescence Education

Program Overview

Mercy University's 4+1 program combines a Bachelor's and Master's in Teaching Students with Disabilities, allowing students to earn both degrees in five years. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of special education theories and practices, preparing students to become highly qualified teachers in various settings. Students complete 120-138 credits, including 15 graduate credits that can be applied towards a master's degree in early childhood, childhood, or adolescence education.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Mercy University offers a combined Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Master of Science (M.S.) in Teaching Students with Disabilities (SWD) for Birth through Grade 12. This is a 4+1 program, allowing students to earn both degrees in just five years. Students take up to 15 graduate courses in their undergraduate years that can be applied to both degrees.

Objectives:

The program aims to prepare students to become highly qualified and effective teachers of students with disabilities in various settings. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the theories, principles, and practices of special education. They will also develop the skills and knowledge necessary to plan, implement, and evaluate individualized instruction for students with disabilities.

Program Description:

• Students complete 120-138 credits, including 60 credits in general education, 36 credits in the SWD major, and 24 credits in open electives.
• Specialized content is available in one of the four core content areas taught in schools: English, math, social studies, or science.
• Students complete a semester-long student teaching experience.
• Upon completion of the undergraduate degree, students can apply the 15 graduate credits earned towards a master's degree in early childhood, childhood, or adolescence education.
• This will qualify them for additional teacher certification in the chosen area.

Outline:

in Teaching Students with Disabilities

• General Education Requirements: 60 credits
• Major Concentration: Teaching Students with Disabilities: 36 credits
• Open Electives: 24 credits
• Total: 120 credits

4+1 Program - Curriculum Requirements

Additional Graduate Credits

• Early Childhood Education: 18 credits
• Childhood Education: 18 credits

Teaching:

The program employs various teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, group work, and hands-on experiences. The faculty consists of experienced educators and researchers in the field of special education. The program also incorporates a unique approach that emphasizes the importance of collaboration between teachers, parents, and other professionals in supporting students with disabilities.

Careers:

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in a variety of settings, including:

• Preschools
• Elementary schools
• Secondary schools
• Charter schools
• Private schools
• Special education programs
• New York Public Schools