Admission Requirements

Applications for admission to this advanced certificate program in the Department of Specialized Programs in Education  are made to the Graduate Admission Office. Admissions decisions are based is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria.  The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the GPA or testing criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate. All individual cases will be reviewed by an Admissions Counselor before being referred to the graduate program for further review.

1. A master’s degree.
2. New York state classroom teaching certification at the early childhood developmental level (birth-grade 2), childhood (grades 1-6), or in students with disabilities (grades 1-6).
3. A completed application form to the advanced certificate program.
4. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate course work, or its equivalent (e.g., a 3.0 in a completed graduate program). We encourage you to submit all transcripts from your undergraduate work and any graduate work for consideration.
5. Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching of young students with disabilities.
6. A written personal statement of professional intent.
7. Interview with a faculty member in special education.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 18

• SPED 207 - Introduction to Young Children With Disabilities Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 208 - Educational Intervention for Young Children With Disabilities Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 209 - Early Intervention: Infant Stimulation Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 216 - Assessment and Diagnosis in Early Childhood Special Education Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 226 - Early Intervention and Related Services in Early Childhood Special Education Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 295 - Practicum in Special Education Semester Hours: 3

Teacher Certification Requirements

Upon successful completion of degree requirements, students will be eligible to apply for the University’s recommendation for New York state certification. Contact the School of Education Dean’s Office for information regarding any required Educational Law seminars* and other certification requirements. 

*Please note, as of December 31, 2013, the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education now require a new six-hour seminar for Training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention, required under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA): http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/news/newsitem05162013.html.