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 GPA or testing criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate.

1. Initial or professional New York state teacher certification in early childhood or childhood education.
2. A completed application form.
3. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
4. Submission of scores on a nationally-normed graduate admission test (GRE or Praxis). Recent SAT/ACT exams may be accepted if verifiable by the test provider.
5. Three (3) 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. An interview with a faculty member in early childhood special education.

*Certified teachers who hold a master’s degree from an accredited college or university are exempt from standardized testing.

Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 45

Matriculated students must complete a minimum of 33 s.h. in-residence at Hofstra. A maximum of 12 s.h. of graduate course work may be completed prior to matriculation in the program. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to remain in the program. Courses in which students receive grades below C- confer no credit toward the graduate degree but are included in determining grade point average.

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 and the 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 208 - Educational Intervention for Young Children With Disabilities Semester Hours: 3

• A minimum of 15 clock hours of site-based course work and participant observation in PreK-K setting

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

• A minimum of 10 clock hours of site-based course work and participant observation in PreK-K setting

• SPED 210 - The Creative Arts in Special Education Semester Hours: 3

• A minimum of 15 clock hours to implement Start With Art curriculum for young children with disabilities

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

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

• 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 259 - Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis for Special Educators Semester Hours: 3

• 20 clock hours in a setting utilizing applied behavior analysis

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

• A minimum of 15 clock hours in a local facility where assistive technology is prominently used by students with disabilities

Student Teaching

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

• Successful completion of 36 s.h. of core course work
• A GPA of 3.0 or higher in overall graduate course work.
• 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 . Application forms are available in 118 Hagedorn Hall. Students registered for SPED 237A  will complete a student teaching placement at two early childhood developmental levels.

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum 45 semester hours in prescribed courses with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in all special education core courses.
2. A minimum of 33 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

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, 233 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.

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 Office of Educational Support Services for specific certification requirements.