Admission Requirements

Applications for admission to this Master of Science in Education program in the Department of Specialized Programs in Education  are made to the Office of Graduate Admission. Admissions decisions are 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 criteria listed below 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. BA or BS degree, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or 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.
2. Two letters of recommendation.
3. Possession of a New York state initial or professional teaching certificate in early childhood or childhood education (See Note (c) below).
4. Interview with faculty members in literacy studies and special education.
5. A written statement of purpose is required for special education.

Notes:

1. Graduate students who enter a program of study on a non-matriculated basis are limited to a maximum of 12 semester hours of coursework.
2. A maximum of 6 semester hours of advanced standing may be accepted for relevant graduate coursework taken elsewhere.
3. Students who have initial/professional certification in an area of study other than those listed above in #4 should speak to the department adviser.

General Education Core Requirements

In order to ensure that prospective teachers have a broad education in the liberal arts and sciences, all students must have completed undergraduate course work from the content areas below.

1. Special Education (3 s.h.)

Course work for the general education core in the liberal arts and sciences must have a GPA of 2.75 or above with no grades below a C-.

Please note that programs may have general education requirements that exceed the minimum registered with the state. Degrees will not be conferred unless all general education core deficiencies have been met.

Program Standards

The graduate director will review the academic standing of all graduate students at the end of each semester.  A student must maintain a 3.0 average to be considered in good standing.  Students who do not maintain a 3.0 average will be placed on academic probation.  Students who earn more than one C-, C, or C+ per semester, accumulate more than two C-, C, or C+ grades in their graduate coursework, or receive a D or an F in any course will be dismissed from the program.  In addition to the required GPA, students must demonstrate adequate competence and professionalism throughout all coursework and fieldwork.  If the director or program faculty determines that a student has failed to demonstrate this standard, they will be dismissed from the program.  Students may petition for readmission by following the School of Education Appeal policy.

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 26 semester hours in prescribed Literacy Studies courses and a minimum of 25 to 28 semester hours in Special Education with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 for all courses.
2. Completion of a minimum of 50-hour practicum hours completed at the Saltzman Reading/Writing/Learning Clinic and supervised student teaching in Special Education under advisement of the Director of Special Education.
3. Successful presentation of a professional development project to faculty and peers in Literacy Studies and successful completion of a comprehensive examination in Special Education.
4. Completion of all program prerequisites.
5. Completion of all required Educational Law Seminars.

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. 

To be eligible for the certification, students are required to have passing scores on the appropriate New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE). Please contact the School of Education Dean’s Office for specific certification requirements.