Degree Requirements

The M.S. in Adolescent Education and Special Education (Dual Certification, Grades 7-12) requires the completion of 45 credits.

Students will choose one (1) of the following methods courses based on their undergraduate academic major. Each course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to teach an academic discipline effectively in middle and high school.

EDUC 510 Teaching English in Middle and Secondary School
EDUC 511 Teaching Social Studies in Middle and Secondary School
EDUC 512 Teaching Mathematics in Middle and Secondary School
EDUC 514 Teaching Science in the Middle and Secondary School

Additionally, students will select courses from the following:

EDUC 502 Foundations in Urban and Multicultural Education
EDUC 506 Language, Cognitive Development, and Cultural Diversity
EDUC 515 Practicum in Adolescent Education
EDUC 526 Student Teaching in Adolescent Education
EDUC 527 Classroom Management and Social Skills Instruction
EDUC 602 Research for Classroom Teachers
EDUC 620 Teaching Literacy in Inclusive Middle and High School Classrooms
EDUC 702 Education and Development of the Middle School Learner
EDUC 712 Strategies for Inclusion
EDUC 714 Practicum in Assessment and Instruction of Special Learners
EDUC 716 Life Span Special Education
EDUC 728 Teaching Across the Content Areas: Pedagogy
in English Language Arts and Social Studies
EDUC 729 Teaching Across the Content Areas: Pedagogy in Mathematics and Science
EDUC 751 Student Teaching in Special Education

Sample Program

M.S. in Adolescent Education and Special Education (Dual Certification Grades 7-12)  

First Term – Summer 1
EDUC Care Summer Institute Term: June-July
EDUC 502 Foundation of Urban and Multicultural Education (3 credits)
EDUC 506 Language, Cognitive Development, and Cultural Diversity (3 credits)
EDUC 702 Education and Development of the Middle School Learner (3 credits)
EDUC 712 Strategies for Inclusion of Special Learners (3 credits)
Child Abuse Identification Workshop (0 credits)
TOTAL (12 credits)
Second Term – Fall 1
Please note: Students will choose the methods course that corresponds to the content area certification: 
EDUC 510 Teaching English in Middle and Secondary School (3 credits)
EDUC 511 Teaching Social Studies in Middle and Secondary School (3 credits)
EDUC 512 Teaching Mathematics in Middle and Secondary School (3 credits)
EDUC 514 Teaching Science in Middle and Secondary School (3 credits)
EDUC 515 Practicum in Adolescent Education (3 credits)
EDUC 620 Teaching Literacy in Inclusive Middle and High School Classrooms (3 credits)
EDUC 714 Practicum in Assessment and Instruction of Special Learners (3 credits)
Violence Prevention and Intervention Workshop (0 credits)
EAS Certification Exam to be completed by December 1
TOTAL (12 credits)
Third Term – Spring 1  
EDUC 526 Student Teaching in Adolescent Education (3 credits)
EDUC 527 Classroom Management and Social Skills Instruction (3 credits)
EDUC 602 Research for Classroom Teachers (3 credits)
EDUC 757 Student Teaching in Special Education Grades 7-12 (3 credits)
DASA Workshop (0 credits)
Completion of CST in Special Education to be completed by March 1
Completion of CST Multisubject to be completed by May 1
TOTAL (12 credits)
Fourth Term – Summer 2
EDUC Care Summer Institute Term: June-July  
EDUC 716 Life Span Special Education: Transition from Birth to Adulthood (3 credits)
EDUC 728 Teaching Across the Content Areas: Pedagogy in Language Arts and Social Studies (3 credits)
EDUC 729 Teaching Across the Content Areas: Pedagogy in Science in Mathematics (3 credits)
Health and Safety Workshop (0 credits)
TOTAL (9 credits)

Total Credits for Graduation – 45

Grades
All courses in the education program are evaluated with letter grades. Graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and obtain a B or higher in each course. The pass/fail distinction is used only with the final comprehensive exam.

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 appropriate content area grades 7-12 and special education grades 7-12.  Academic requirements include completion of all courses with the prescribed grades and grade point average. Professional requirements include demonstration of affective 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 the coursework as approved by New York State Department of Education.