Program Philosophy, Goals and Objectives

The advanced certificate in special education is an 18 to 21 s.h. program designed for individuals who hold initial/professional New York state certification as childhood or adolescent education classroom teachers, and who would like a concentrated study for continued professional development.

The mission of Hofstra University’s special education programs is to prepare professionals in the education of exceptional children and youth. These individuals will be scholarly in their academic pursuits and dedicated to reflective, participatory, and collaborative processes within a variety of settings and service delivery models. The advanced certificate program in special education provides in-service and pre-service teachers with the skills and competencies necessary for effective instruction of students across the full range of disabilities. The assessment techniques and strategies used in the identification of exceptional learners, research-based methodologies and instruction, including collaborative consultation models and universal design for learning are major foci of the program.

Special education programs build upon general education and all students must have this prerequisite preparation. Field experiences are linked to each of the courses within the advanced certificate program. A universal theme woven into the fabric of all programs in special education is an appreciation of diversity and the understanding that the goal of education is to teach every child so that all children can learn and reach their full potential.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to the Advanced Certificate Program in Special Education in the Department of Special Education must possess New York state classroom teaching certification at the childhood, middle childhood, or adolescent developmental level.

Admission is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria, including the following:

• A completed application form to the advanced certificate program;
• A minimum grade point average of 3.0;
• Three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching of students with special needs;
• A written personal statement of professional intent; and
• Interview with a faculty member in special education

The Department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a candidate’s potential for success in a graduate program. Consequently, candidates are welcome to apply if they do not meet one of the criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience may compensate.

Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 18 to 21

• Prerequisite:  SPED 201 - The Exceptional Child Semester Hours: 3 (or equivalent course)
• SPED 246 - The Education of Students With Learning Disabilities and Other Associated Conditions Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 248 - Education of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 242 - Psychoeducational Assessment in Special Education Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 277 - Technology and Assistive Technology in Special Education Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 247 - Creating Effective Learning Communities: New Directions in Classroom Management Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 263 - Techniques of Collaborative Consultation Semester Hours: 3

Graduation Requirements

Graduation from this program requires:

1. Completion of 18 to 21 s.h. with no fewer than 15 s.h. in residence.
2. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in overall graduate course work.
3. All course work taken in satisfaction of the degree requirements must have been completed within a five-year period.
4. Proof of valid NYS certification.

Teacher Certification Requirements

Upon completion of the program students may pursue certification directly through New York state. It is strongly recommended that students successfully complete Content Specialty Test (CST) for teaching students with disabilities prior to completing the program.