Program Overview

This program leads to professional certification for teachers who possess New York state initial certification in Students with Disabilities at the early childhood (Birth- Grade 2) or childhood (Grades 1-6) or adolescent (Grades 7-12) developmental level. It is designed to provide an advanced professional research core, content-pedagogy linkage to liberal arts and sciences, and a specialization in one of the following areas: special education assessment and diagnosis, gifted education, autism spectrum disorders, learning specialist, transition specialist, or early childhood special education. This advanced 36 s.h. program utilizes research to develop student expertise in the chosen field of specialization.

Program Philosophy, Goals and Objectives

The Master of Arts program is designed to provide advanced professional preparation for individuals who are already certified as teachers of students with disabilities. The special education program in the School of Education  at Hofstra University recognizes the evolving roles of special educators in today’s schools. Special educators are now seen as collaborators with general educators, consultants regarding specific populations, and facilitators in various educational processes. This degree program’s foci are on the research knowledge and skills needed to address the current issues in the field. In order for special educators to fill the new roles and to serve as problem solvers, they need expertise in specific areas such as the specializations offered in this program.

Admission Requirements

Admission may be accomplished through application to the Office of Graduate Admission. Admission is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria, including the following:

• A completed application form to the MA program in special education
• Evidence of successful completion of requirements for the baccalaureate degree
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 from an accredited institution of higher education
• Evidence of New York state initial certification for students with disabilities or equivalent out-of-state certification in special education
• Three letters of recommendation
• A written personal statement of professional intent
• An interview with a faculty member in special education

Matriculated students must complete a minimum of 27 semester hours of the MA program in residence at Hofstra including the master’s thesis.

The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a candidate’s potential for success in a graduate program. Accordingly, candidates are welcome to apply if they feel that some other aspect(s) of their experience may compensate for not satisfying one of the criteria above.

Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 36

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of 36 s.h. of course work, including a minimum of 27 s.h. in-residence.
2. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in overall graduate course work, with no grades below B.
3. Satisfactory completion of the program-approved master’s thesis.
4. Completion of all required Educational Law Seminars.
5. Completion of Phases 1, 2 and 3 within a five-year period beginning with the onset of the first course(s) taken in the program.

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 Office of Educational Support Services, 129 Hagedorn Hall, for information regarding any required Educational Law seminars* and other certification requirements. Forms for applying for certification can be found at the Office of Educational Support Services Web page under the certification tab.

*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.