Degree Requirements

The M.S. in Early Childhood and Special Education (Dual Certification) requires the completion of 46 credits.

EDUC 340 Introduction to Special Education
EDUC 506 Language, Cognitive Development, and Cultural Diversity
EDUC 509 Working with Systems, Teams, and Culturally Diverse Families
EDUC 513 Psychology of Teaching and Learning
EDUC 522 Teaching Mathematics in Inclusive Classrooms
EDUC 524 Teaching Social Studies and Science in Inclusive Settings
EDUC 527 Classroom Management and Social Skills Development
EDUC 528 Strategies for Inclusion, Differentiation, and UDL
EDUC 530 Student Teaching Childhood Education
EDUC 535 Introduction to Assistive Technology
EDUC 602 Research for Classroom Teachers
EDUC 621 Early Literacy Methods I
EDUC 622 Early Literacy Methods II
EDUC 675 Assessment of Young Children
EDUC 710 Practicum in Teaching Early Literacy and Mathematics
EDUC 760 Student Teaching in Special Education

Sample Program

M.S. in Early Childhood and Special Education (Dual Degree)

First Term – Summer 2021
EDUC 340 Introduction to Special Education
(child abuse seminar, school violence seminar)
(3 credits)
EDUC 506 Language, Cognitive Development, and Cultural Diversity (3 credits)
EDUC 513 Psychology of Teaching and Learning
(child abuse seminar, school violence seminar, DASA workshop)
(3 credits)
TOTAL (9 credits)
Second Term – Fall 2021
EDUC 522 Teaching Mathematics in Inclusive Settings (3 credits)
EDUC 621 Early Literacy Methods I (3 credits)
EDUC 675 Assessment of Young Children (3 credits)
EDUC 528 Strategies for Inclusion, Differentiation, and UDL (3 credits)
TOTAL (12 credits)
Third Term – Winter 2022
EDUC 509 Working with Systems, Teams, and Culturally Diverse Families (2 credits)
EDUC 535 Introduction to Assistive Technology (2 credits)
TOTAL (4 credits)
Fourth Term – Spring 2022
EDUC 527 Classroom Management (3 credits)
EDUC 530 Student Teaching (Gen Ed) (3 credits)
EDUC 622 Early Literacy Methods II (3 credits)
EDUC 710 Practicum in Teaching Early Literacy and Mathematics (3 credits)
TOTAL (12 credits)
Fifth Term – Summer 2022  
EDUC 524 Teaching Science and Social Studies in the Inclusive Classroom (3 credits)
EDUC 602 Research for Teachers (3 credits)
EDUC 760 Student Teaching in Special Education (3 credits)
TOTAL (9 credits)

Total Credits for Graduation – 46

Grades
All courses in the education program are evaluated with letter grades. The pass/fail distinction is used only with the final comprehensive exam. Students enrolled in the graduate program must attain a B or higher in each class and maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the course of study.

Exit Requirements
All students are required to pass a comprehensive examination. Students take this examination at the completion of the program and must register at least three months before the published test administration date.

Exit Criteria and Certification 
A student who successfully completes all academic and professional requirements will be recommended by the Teacher Education Department for initial/professional New York State certification in childhood education grades 1-6 and special education grades 1-6. Academic requirements include completion of all courses with the prescribed grades and grade point average. Professional requirements include demonstration of effective behaviors appropriate to the profession.

Workshop Requirements
In order to receive college endorsement for certification, students must complete the following state mandated workshops:

  • Child Abuse Identification
  • Violence Prevention
  • DASA

The required autism workshop is integrated into coursework as approved by New York State Department of Education.