Master of Science - Childhood Education and Special Education

The Master of Science program prepares students for New York state certification in both Childhood Education and Special Education. Students will learn to develop and teach innovative curricula for children in Grades 1 to 6, and to teach elementary school children with special needs, including mental handicaps, learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, developmental disorders, and physical disabilities. In addition, students will explore the historical, social, and legal foundations of special education and receive extensive clinical experience by working with children with special needs. Students will learn to identify the characteristics of youngsters with varying levels of learning difficulties and adapt instructional strategies and materials to fit their needs.

The program is accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council, signifying it meets the highest standards of quality in preparing competent, caring, and qualified professional educators who will teach and lead in pre-K through grade 12 schools.

In service to the local community, the Department of Special Education and Literacy houses two on-campus clinics for children with reading challenges and disabilities: the Literacy and Learning Development Center and the Center for Community Inclusion.