| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-06-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2024-12-01 | - |
| 2025-03-01 | - |
| 2025-06-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2025-12-01 | - |
| 2026-03-01 | - |
| 2026-06-01 | - |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2026-12-01 | - |
| 2027-03-01 | - |
Program Overview
This 30-credit Master of Science in Special Education (Inclusion) prepares certified childhood education teachers to effectively teach students with disabilities in inclusive elementary school classrooms. The program emphasizes developing skills and knowledge to help students with learning disabilities and behavioral problems succeed in a general education setting. The part-time program is designed for working professionals and offers courses online and on campus in the evenings. Graduates are qualified to teach students with disabilities in inclusive settings and may pursue further certification in teaching students with disabilities.
Program Outline
Master of Science in Special Education (Inclusion):
Degree Overview:
This 30-credit master's degree prepares certified childhood education teachers to effectively teach students with various disabilities in inclusive elementary school classrooms (grades 1-6). The program emphasizes developing skills and knowledge to help students with learning disabilities and behavioral problems succeed in a general education setting.
Objectives:
- Equip graduates with the ability to support students with diverse needs within inclusive classrooms.
- Develop expertise in instructional strategies and assessments for students with disabilities.
- Promote collaboration with families and other professionals to ensure successful educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
Outline:
Structure:
- Part-time program designed for working professionals.
- Courses offered online and on campus in the evenings.
Content:
- Special Education Courses:
- Introduction to Human Exceptionality
- Instructional Environments and Practices for Students with Disabilities
- Developing Reading Comprehension and Content Knowledge for Students with Disabilities
- Math and Inquiry Instruction for Students with Disabilities
- Managing School and Classroom-Wide Student Behavior
- Educational Psychology Courses:
- Basic Data Analysis or Statistical Methods I
- One elective chosen from: Educational Psychology, Assessment in Education, or Advanced Educational Psychology
- Capstone Research Project
- Literacy Courses: Choose two from:
- Children's Literature
- Literacy in Society
- Teaching Writing
- Integrated Literacy Instruction
Modules:
Each course within the program acts as a module, providing in-depth coverage of specific topics related to special education and inclusion.
Assessment:
- Ongoing formative assessments throughout courses, including participation, assignments, and projects.
- Summative assessments in each course, often in the form of exams or final projects.
- Capstone research project demonstrating application of knowledge and skills.
Teaching:
- Experienced faculty with expertise in special education and inclusive practices.
- Emphasis on active learning strategies, including case studies, simulations, and collaborative projects.
- Utilization of technology to enhance learning and engagement.
Careers:
- Certified elementary education teachers qualified to teach students with disabilities in inclusive settings.
- Potential roles within general education classrooms, resource rooms, or special education programs.
Other:
- The program leads to professional certification in elementary education in New York State, but not in teaching students with disabilities.
- Graduates seeking certification in teaching students with disabilities can pursue the special education graduate internship program.
