Admission Requirements

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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 early childhood or childhood education.
2. A completed application form to the master’s program.
3. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, or it’s 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.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 33 to 36

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Matriculated students must complete a minimum of 27 s.h. of the MSEd program in residence at Hofstra. No more than 6 s.h. may be transferred into the program. Student Teaching may be used to meet the 27 s.h. residency.

A maximum of 12 s.h. of graduate coursework leading to the MSEd degree may be completed 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.

Footnote

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*Fulfills requirements for the annotation for Teaching Students With Severe or Multiple Disabilities.

Field Experience Prior to Student Teaching

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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 207) 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 and the Special Education Program Director.

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

• SPED 207 - Introduction to Young Children With Disabilities Semester Hours: 3

• 15 clock hours of site visitation including a high-needs district

• SPED 208 - Educational Intervention for Young Children With Disabilities Semester Hours: 3

• 15 clock hours to implement a cognitive curriculum for young children with disabilities

• SPED 209 - Early Intervention: Infant Stimulation Semester Hours: 3

• 10 clock hours to implement HELP curriculum for infants and toddlers with disabilities

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

• Students are required to complete 10 hours of visitations. Students pursuing Early Childhood Special Education certification must complete their field experience in grades 1 or 2 as coordinated by the School of Education Field Placement Office.

   

• SPED 216 - Assessment and Diagnosis in Early Childhood Special Education Semester Hours: 3

• 10 clock hours to observe the assessment of young children with disabilities.

• SPED 226 - Early Intervention and Related Services in Early Childhood Special Education Semester Hours: 3

• 10 clock hours to observe PT/OT/speech pathology intervention for young children

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

• Students will be required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of field experience.  Students pursuing certification in Early Childhood Special Education must complete their field experience in grades 1 or 2 as coordinated by the School of Education Field Placement Office.

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

• 20 clock hours in a setting for students with autism spectrum disorders

• SPED 277 - Technology and Assistive Technology in Special Education Semester Hours: 3

• 15 clock hours in a local facility where assistive technology is prominently used by students with disabilities in grades 1 or 2.

Student Teaching

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

1. Successful completion of 27 s.h. of core coursework
2. A grade point average of 3.0 or higher in overall graduate coursework.
3. All course work taken within a five-year period.

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 240.

Students registered for SPED 237A  will complete a student teaching placement at the early childhood developmental level. Students registered for SPED 238  will complete 50 hours of field experience in a classroom setting serving students with severe or multiple disabilities. Upon completion of this program, inclusive of SPED 238 , students are then eligible to apply for the annotation for Teaching Students With Severe or Multiple Disabilities.

Graduation Requirements

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1. Completion of  a minimum 33-36 semester hours in prescribed courses with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in all special education core courses.            
2. A minimum of 27-30 s.h. in-residence.
3. Passing grade on the comprehensive examination.
4. Completion of all required Educational Law Seminars.
5. All course work taken within a five-year period.

 

Teacher Certification Requirements

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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.