Admission Requirements

Applications for admission to this advanced certificate 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. Valid New York state classroom teaching certification in students with disabilities.
2. A 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.
3. 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.

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

Program Requirements for Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2) - Semester Hours: 18

• SPED 204 - Collaborative Partnerships With Families of Children With Disabilities Semester Hours: 3

• or

• SPED 226 - Early Intervention and Related Services in Early Childhood Special Education Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 209 - Early Intervention: Infant Stimulation Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 210 - The Creative Arts in Special Education Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 216 - Assessment and Diagnosis in Early Childhood Special Education Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 238 - Field Experience Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 259 - Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis for Special Educators Semester Hours: 3

Program Requirements for Childhood (Grades 1-6) or Adolescence (Grades 7-12) - Semester Hours: 18

• SPED 204 - Collaborative Partnerships With Families of Children With Disabilities Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 238 - Field Experience Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 242 - Psychoeducational Assessment in Special Education Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 248 - Education of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders Semester Hours: 3

• or

• SPED 249 - Understanding Physical, Sensory and Health Disabilities Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 259 - Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis for Special Educators Semester Hours: 3
• SPED 277 - Technology and Assistive Technology in Special Education Semester Hours: 3

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of all program requirements.
2. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in overall graduate course work.
3. 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.