The MSEd in Special Education is ideal for certified teachers who would like to develop their classroom knowledge and skills to meet the needs of students with disabilities. The program is a total of 36 credits. Most candidates complete the program in two years but candidates can work at a quicker or slower pace as needed. There are four-degree options for candidates in this program:
Special Education, Grades 1-6
Special Education, Grades 7-12
Special Education with a Specialization in Autism, Grades 1-6
Special Education with a Specialization in Autism, Grade 7-12
Upon completion of the program, candidates will be recommended for NY state teaching certification in Students with Disabilities at the appropriate grade levels. Candidates specializing in Autism will also be recommended for the Annotation in Severe and Multiple Disabilities. Candidates will be prepared to work as a special educator in a variety of settings such as a self-contained classroom, a resource room setting, or work as a co-teacher in an inclusive classroom.
Total Program = 36 credits (All Courses are 3 credits)
Program Requirements
MSEd Special Education (Grades 1-6) |
Level I: Core (12 credits)
GESP 5004 Mild/Moderate Disabilities
GESP 5005 Autism & Low Incidence Disabilities
GESP 5101 Cognition and Instruction
GESP 5102 Research Methods in Special Education |
Level II: Specialization (15 credits)
GESP 5201 Assessing Students with Mild Disabilities
GESP 5208 Developing Learning Environments
GESP 5304 Literacy: Reading and Writing Instruction
GESP 5307 Instructional Strategies
GESP 5309 Collaboration Skills for the Special Educator |
Level III: Electives (6 credits)
Two courses in Autism, Literacy, Middle School Extension, or by advisement. |
Level IV: Capstone Experiences (3 credits)
GESP 6105 Practicum (3cr)
GESP 7100 Comprehensive Assessment (0cr) ** Candidates are required to file a formal application for the practicum and comprehensive assessment. Application forms are available from the Graduate Education Office. All other coursework must be completed before taking the practicum. The comprehensive assessment is taken in the Spring semester prior to taking the practicum. |
MSEd Special Education (Grades 7-12) |
Level I: Core (12 credits)
GESP 5004 Mild/Moderate Disabilities
GESP 5005 Autism & Low Incidence Disabilities
GESP 5101 Cognition and Instruction
GESP 5102 Research Methods in Special Education |
Level II: Specialization (15 credits)
GESP 5201 Assessing Students with Mild Disabilities
GESP 5209 Developing Learning Environments
GESP 5314 Literacy: Reading and Writing Instruction
GESP 5317 Instructional Strategies (Secondary)
GESP 5309 Collaboration Skills for the Special Educator |
Level III: Electives (6 credits)
Two courses in Autism, Literacy, Middle School Extension, or by advisement |
Level IV: Capstone Experiences (3 credits)
GESP 6106 Practicum (3cr)
GESP 7100 Comprehensive Assessment (0cr)
** Candidates are required to file a formal application for the practicum and comprehensive assessment. Application forms are available from the Graduate Education Office. All other coursework must be completed before taking the practicum. The comprehensive assessment is taken in the Spring semester prior to taking the practicum. |
MSED Special Education with a Specialization in Autism (Grades 1-6) |
Level I: Core (12 credits)
GESP 5004 Mild/Moderate Disabilities
GESP 5401 Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders
GESP 5101 Cognition and Instruction
GESP 5102 Research Methods in Special Education |
Level II: Specialization (21 credits)
GESP 5201 Assessing Students with Mild Disabilities
GESP 5208 Developing Learning Environments
GESP 5304 Literacy: Reading and Writing Instruction
GESP 5309 Collaboration Skills for the Special Educator
GESP 5402 Applied Behavior Analysis
GESP 5403 ASD: Curriculum and Instruction
GESP 5404 ASD: Language & Social Communication |
Level III: Electives
There are no electives in the specialization in Autism |
Level IV: Capstone Experiences (3 credits)
GESP 6105 Practicum (3cr)
GESP 7100 Comprehensive Assessment (0cr)
** Candidates are required to file a formal application for the practicum and comprehensive assessment. Application forms are available from the Graduate Education Office. All other coursework must be completed before taking the practicum. The comprehensive assessment is taken in the Spring semester prior to taking the practicum. |
MSED Special Education with a Specialization in Autism (Grades 7-12) |
Level I: Core (12 credits)
GESP 5004 Mild/Moderate Disabilities
GESP 5401 Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders
GESP 5101 Cognition and Instruction
GESP 5102 Research Methods in Special Education |
Level II: Specialization (21 credits)
GESP 5201 Assessing Students with Mild Disabilities
GESP 5209 Developing Learning Environments
GESP 5314 Literacy: Reading and Writing Instruction
GESP 5309 Collaboration Skills for the Special Educator
GESP 5402 Applied Behavior Analysis
GESP 5403 ASD: Curriculum and Instruction
GESP 5404 ASD: Language & Social Communication |
Level III: Electives
There are no electives in the specialization in Autism |
Level IV: Capstone Experiences (3 credits)
GESP 6106 Practicum (3cr)
GESP 7100 Comprehensive Assessment (0cr)
** Candidates are required to file a formal application for the practicum and comprehensive assessment. Application forms are available from the Graduate Education Office. All other coursework must be completed before taking the practicum. The comprehensive assessment is taken in the Spring semester prior to taking the practicum. |
Candidates are required to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Candidates are required to complete field experiences in the classrooms at their chosen grade level. Candidates may apply for matriculation after taking GESP5101 Cognition and Instruction and 9 additional credits.
In order to be awarded an additional certification to teach Students with Disabilities in New York State candidates must also pass the following Certification Exams.
Content Specialty Test (CST) – Students with Disabilities
Content Specialty Test (CST) – Multi-Subjects (1-6) or (7-12)
For certification in NYS, candidates will also need to show they have completed Training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention, required under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA). Training workshops are held on campus twice a year.
