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MA, Childhood Special Education, Grades 1-6, Professional Certification

The 30-credit MA in Childhood Special Education, Grades 1–6 (Professional Certification) equips certified teachers to build on their pedagogical training to become effective teachers for children in special education settings. Understanding special education as specialized services, environment modifications, differentiated instruction, adapted curricula, or other supports provided to students with disabilities, you’ll emerge as highly trained teachers capable of educating children at different age levels and with diverse needs and abilities. 

This program is open to participants who have a bachelor’s degree and who hold certification or are eligible for certification in childhood education.

Core Course Sequence

You’ll take foundational coursework in childhood special education, including educational models and curriculum development, instructional planning and assessment, and issues in special education policy. In addition to specialized pedagogical training for students with disabilities, you’ll complete classroom observation and student teaching, culminating in a collaborative seminar where you can share, analyze, and extend your professional experiences.

Program Requirements

Course Title Credits
Major Requirements
General Pedagogical Courses
SPCED-GE 2051Fnds of Curr for Diverse Learners3
SPCED-GE 2124Historical and Contemporary Issues in Special Educ Policy, Research and Practice3
Specialized Pedagogical Courses
SPCED-GE 2108Learning Environments, Behavior, and Students with Disabilities3
SPCED-GE 2133Assess & Inst Design for Ss W/Mild Mod Dis II3
SPCED-GE 2161Educ of Stu With Disab in Clhd Settings3
SPCED-GE 2052Methods of Instruction for Children with Low Incidence Disabilities3
Observation, Fieldwork, and Student Teaching3-6
SPCED-GE 2901
Student Teaching Special Education:Childhood I
SPCED-GE 2901
Student Teaching Special Education:Childhood I 1
TCHL-GE 2999Drug, Alcohol Ed/Child Abuse ID/School Violence/DASA:0
Electives6-9
Total Credits30
1

If necessary based on student experience. May be substituted with an elective.

Sample Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid
1st Semester/TermCredits
SPCED-GE 2051 Fnds of Curr for Diverse Learners 3
SPCED-GE 2124 Historical and Contemporary Issues in Special Educ Policy, Research and Practice 3
SPCED-GE 2161 Educ of Stu With Disab in Clhd Settings 3
SPCED-GE 2052 Methods of Instruction for Children with Low Incidence Disabilities 3
SPCED-GE 2901 Student Teaching Special Education:Childhood I 3
TCHL-GE 2999 Drug, Alcohol Ed/Child Abuse ID/School Violence/DASA: 1 0
 Credits15
2nd Semester/Term
SPCED-GE 2133 Assess & Inst Design for Ss W/Mild Mod Dis II 3
SPCED-GE 2108 Learning Environments, Behavior, and Students with Disabilities 3
SPCED-GE 2901 Student Teaching Special Education:Childhood I 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits30
1

Can be waived if NYS requirement has already been satisfied.

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