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. All individual cases will be reviewed by an Admissions Counselor before being referred to the graduate program for further review.

1. BA or BS degree, with minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, or its 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.
2. 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.
3. Two letters of recommendation.
4. Possession of a New York state initial or professional teaching certificate in early childhood or childhood education (See Note (c) below).
5. Interview with faculty members in literacy studies and special education.
6. A written statement of purpose is required for special education.

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

Notes:

1. Graduate students who enter a program of study on a non-matriculated basis are limited to a maximum of 12 semester hours of course work.
2. A maximum of 6 semester hours of advanced standing may be accepted for relevant graduate course work taken elsewhere.
3. Students who have initial/professional certification in an area of study other than those listed above in #4 should speak to the department adviser.

General Education Core Requirements

In order to ensure that prospective teachers have a broad education in the liberal arts and sciences, all students must have completed undergraduate course work from the content areas below.

1. Special Education (3 s.h.)

Course work 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-.

Please note that programs may have general education requirements that exceed the minimum registered with the state. Degrees will not be conferred unless all general education core deficiencies have been met.

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 26 semester hours in prescribed Literacy Studies courses and a minimum of 25 to 28 semester hours in Special Education with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 for all courses.
2. Completion of a minimum of 50 hours of field experiences in Literacy Studies within school, family, or community settings, including at least 30 practicum hours completed at the Saltzman Reading/Writing/Learning Clinic and supervised student teaching in Special Education under advisement of the Director of Special Education.
3. Successful presentation of a learning portfolio to faculty and peers in Literacy Studies and successful completion of a comprehensive examination in Special Education.
4. Completion of all program prerequisites.
5. Completion of all required Educational Law Seminars.

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.