Special Education: International Perspectives (non certification), MSEd

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Associate Professor Blue, Graduate Program Director, 516-463-5762

This 31 s.h. online program leads to a Master of Science in Education in special education with an international perspective. This degree does not lead to New York state certification in special education. It provides the curriculum in special education across the developmental levels and the range of disabilities for educators and related service personnel in countries in the process of meeting the goals of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2012). The treaty affirms a worldwide movement toward inclusion of individuals with disabilities. Article 24 specifically addresses the educational issues calling for inclusion, access to general curriculum and the right of education for all people.

Students in this program will receive background in the foundations of special education, working with parents, assessment and diagnosis, intervention and strategies, curriculum and methods of instruction, behavior management and knowledge of the current research and issues in the field. The entire program is offered online with courses using technology to not only impart knowledge and skills, but also to engage students with their classmates in stimulating discussions and problem solving. Course content uses a variety of online tools in and around Blackboard, including: Microsoft PowerPoint; lectures and discussion activities both in Blackboard and Voice thread; and audiovisual materials. Upon completion of the degree candidates will have the ability to apply the special education content within their own professional situations to meet the goal of education for students with disabilities.

Admission Requirements

Students will apply online through the Office of Graduate Admission. Admission to the MSEd program in Special Education: International Perspectives in the Department of Specialized Programs in Education is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria, including the following:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in education or a related field.
A completed application to the master’s program.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0.
Two (2) letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching of students with disabilities.
A written personal statement of professional intent.
International students are required to show passing scores on Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination. For acceptable scores, please visit http://www.hofstra.edu/admission/adm_international_faq.html.

The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a candidate’s potential for success in a graduate program. Consequently, candidates are welcome to apply if they do not meet one of the criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience may compensate.

Program Requirements – Total Semester Hours: 31

Inclusive Education Courses – Semester Hours: 16

SPED 264I - Introduction to Inclusive Education: An International Perspective Semester Hours: 3
SPED 204I - Working with Families of Children with Disabilities: An International Perspective Semester Hours: 3
or
SPED 209I - Early Intervention: An International Perspective Semester Hours: 3
SPED 216I - Assessment and Diagnosis of Young Children: An International Perspective Semester Hours: 3
or
SPED 242I - International Perspectives in Assessment of Special Education Semester Hours: 3
SPED 247I - Developing Positive Classroom Communities: An International Perspective Semester Hours: 3
SPED 245I - Teaching Diverse 21st Century Learners in Inclusive Settings: An International Perspective Semester Hours: 4

Nature and Needs of Disability Courses – Semester Hours: 12

Select four courses from the following:

SPED 211I - Intellectual Disabilities: Nature and Needs: An International Perspective Semester Hours: 3
SPED 241I - Emotional/Behavioral Disorders in Children and Adolescents: An International Perspective Semester Hours: 3
SPED 246I - International Perspectives in Learning Disabilities Semester Hours: 3
SPED 248I - Autism Spectrum Disorders: Nature and Needs: An International Perspective Semester Hours: 3
SPED 249I - Physical, Sensory and Health Disabilities: Nature and Needs: An International Perspective Semester Hours: 3

Research Course – Semester Hours: 3

SPED 310I - Current Issues in Special Education: An International Perspective Semester Hours: 3

Graduation Requirements

Successful completion of a minimum of 31 s.h. in prescribed courses.
Minimum GPA of 3.0 in overall graduate course work and all special education core courses.
All course work taken in satisfaction of the degree requirements must be completed within a five-year period.

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