Admission Requirements

Applications for admission to this Master of Science in Education program in the Department of Specialized Programs in Education are submitted online 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.

1. *Initial or professional New York state teacher certification in early childhood, childhood, middle childhood, adolescent education, or literacy.
2. General Education core-Twelve (12) semester hours of second language study or demonstrated proficiency in a second language on a nationally normed standardized test
3. A completed application form to the master’s program.
4. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. 
5. Three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching of students with disabilities.
6. A written personal statement of professional intent.
7. Interview with a faculty member in special education. 

Coursework 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.

Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 40

Matriculated students must complete a minimum of 31 s.h. of the Master of Science in education program in residence at Hofstra. No more than 9 s.h. may be transferred into the program. Student teaching may be used to meet the 31 sh residency. A maximum of 12 s.h. of graduate coursework leading to the Master of Science in education 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.

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 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 (if needed)

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

• 15 hours of participant observation in a local education facility where assistive technology is prominently used by students with disabilities.

• ELED 225 - Teaching English as a Second Language in the Elementary Classroom Semester Hours: 3

• 25 hours in settings with English Language Learners (grades PreK-6).

• SED 267 - Teaching English to Adolescent Speakers of Other Languages Semester Hours: 3

• 25 hours in settings with English Languages Learners (grades 7-12).

Practicum

Students will qualify for admission to SPED 237A - Teaching Students With Disabilities  and CT 268 - Practicum: Teachers of Non-English Speaking Students  when they have satisfied the following requirements:

•  Successful completion of 31 s.h. of course work.
• A GPA 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 . Additional information is available on the Office of Field Placement website.

Graduation Requirements

• Completion of a minimum of 40 semester hours in prescribed courses with no fewer than 31 s.h. in-residence.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 in overall graduate course work and all special education core courses.
• Passing grade on the Special Education comprehensive examination.
• Completion of all required Educational Law Seminars.
• Completion of General Education Core and Liberal Arts requirements.
• 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. 

*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. 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.