The M.S. in Childhood Special Education (Grades 1-6) provides a pathway for initial certification in Special Education in New York State.
This degree is designed for candidates who are career changers as well as candidates who possess initial certification in Early Childhood Education and/or Childhood Education. Having completed the program, graduates will be positioned to advocate as teachers in schools and other forums for learners with special needs while also engaging in research-based instruction.
After satisfying the State’s requirements for paid, full time classroom experience, graduates of this program will be qualified to apply for professional certification in Childhood Special Education.
Students With Disability (SWD-All Grades) Certification
Starting Fall 2024, SUNY Old Westbury Exceptional Education and Learning Department will be offering the Students With Disability (SWD-All Grades) certification which permits graduate students to teach students with disabilities from Pre-K through Grade 12.
Fall 2024 applications are now being accepted.
About the Program
The degree combines theory and practice, and meets all relevant New York State Education Department requirements. This 36-credit degree program has a 24-credit core that includes pedagogical content in classroom management, developmental disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, literacy, learning difficulties, and assessment. The remaining 12 credits include specialized coursework, research and field experience at the Childhood (grades 1-6) level in Special Education. The emphasis on pedagogy and subject specialization provides strong professional training for students in the program. The interdisciplinary/cross-disciplinary nature of pedagogy and content area coursework as offered here demonstrates to students the value of this approach to human learning and knowledge.
Time to Degree
Designed for part-time students only, the program takes three years to complete for students taking two courses per semester. Applications for this program are accepted only for fall semester entry.