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. Initial or professional New York state teacher certification in childhood education.
2. A completed application form to the master’s program.
3. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, 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. 
4. Three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching of students with disabilities.
5. A written personal statement of professional intent.
6. Interview with a faculty member in special education.

Prerequisite:

• SPED 201 - The Exceptional Child Semester Hours: 3

Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 31 to 34

Matriculated students must complete a minimum of 25 to 28 s.h. of the master of science in education program in residence at Hofstra. No more than nine s.h. may be transferred into the program. Students may use student teaching to meet the 25 to 28 s.h. residency.

Students may complete a maximum of 12 s.h. of graduate coursework leading to the master of science in education degree prior to matriculation in the program.

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.

Footnotes

Field Experience Prior to Student Teaching

Field experiences are integrated extensively into course curricula. A minimum of 100 clock hours of observation is required prior to student teaching. At least one placement (SPED 201) will be spent in a site recognized by the New York State Education Department as high-needs. Placements are arranged by the Office of Field Placement.

Participation/observation field experiences which correspond to the developmental level of the certificate holder are required in each of the following courses:

• SPED 201 - The Exceptional Child Semester Hours: 3

• 20 hours of site visitation including a high-needs district.

• SPED 211 - Knowledge and Strategies for Teaching Students with Cognitive Disabilities, Grades 1-6 Semester Hours: 3

• 10 hours of participant observation in settings for students with cognitive disabilities.

• SPED 241 - Identification and Interventions for Children with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders, Grades 1-6 Semester Hours: 3

• 10 hours of field placement for students with emotional/behavioral disorders.

• SPED 242 - Psychoeducational Assessment in Special Education Semester Hours: 3

• 15 hours of individualized assessment with a student with special learning needs.

• SPED 245 - Curriculum and Methods for Students With Diverse Learning Needs Semester Hours: 4

• 20 hours of individualized instruction with a student with special learning needs.

• SPED 248 - Education of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders Semester Hours: 3

• 20 hours of participant observation at a school and board meeting for children with autism.

• SPED 249 - Understanding Physical, Sensory and Health Disabilities Semester Hours: 3

• 15 hours of site visitation at a center for students with multiple or severe disabilities.

Student Teaching

Students will qualify for admission to Student Teaching, SPED 237, when they have satisfied the following requirements:

1. Successful completion of 27 semester hours of core course work
2. A grade point average of 3.0 or higher in overall graduate course work.

Admission by permission of the graduate program director and application to the Office of Field Placement and the Department of Specialized Programs in Education , due on May 1 for the succeeding spring semester and February 15 for the succeeding fall semester. Application forms are available in Hagedorn Hall, Room 230.

Students registered for SPED 237 will complete two student teaching experiences at the developmental levels of their certificate.

Students registered for SPED 237A will complete a student teaching experience at two developmental levels of their certificate.

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 31 semester hours in prescribed courses with no fewer than 25 s.h. in-residence.
2. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in overall graduate course work and all special education core courses.
3. Passing grade on the comprehensive examination.
4. Completion of all required Educational Law Seminars.
5. All course work taken in satisfaction of the degree requirements must have been completed within a five-year period.

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.