M.S. in Childhood Education and Special Education (Dual Certification Grades 1-6)

The M.S. in Childhood Education and Special Education (Dual Certification, Grades 1-6) program at the College of Mount Saint Vincent is a clinically-rich accelerated program designed for career changers or recent college graduates who wish to receive a New York State teaching license over four semesters in the course of just one calendar year.

Students begin the program in the summer and spend the next year completing coursework while gaining valuable classroom experience under the combined supervision of College of Mount Saint Vincent faculty and experienced mentor-teachers.

The program provides teacher candidates with the pedagogical knowledge and skills to develop and deliver instruction in both general and special education at the childhood level (grades 1 through 6).

This 14-month accelerated program consists of 45 credits and blends vital academic content with practical classroom teaching experience through a Teaching Fellows residency program. Additionally, students completing this dual certification program will have the opportunity to complete coursework leading to eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst exam. The course sequence includes four courses embedded in the graduate program ( EDUC 527, 712,714 and 716) and two additional courses. For more information, please view the ABA program information.

Fellows are paired with a classroom mentor teacher. Teaching Fellows work alongside their mentors in a grade-appropriate classroom, attend school-based staff meetings and professional development seminars, and assume instructional responsibilities as assigned. Before starting classroom-based activities in the fall, all Teaching Fellows attend a College of Mount Saint Vincent summer institute designed to provide the professional knowledge and skills upon which to build a successful career in education.

Sample Program

    • First Term – Summer 1 EDUC Care Summer Institute Term: June-July (12 credits)
    • Second Term – Fall 1 coursework and classroom experience (12 credits)
    • Third Term – Spring 1 coursework and classroom experience (12 credits)
    • Fourth Term – Summer 2 EDUC Care Summer Institute Term: June-July  (9 credits)  
      View a more detailed sample program plan

Successful completion of this program and required license exams lead to a master’s degree plus two teaching licenses covering grades 1 through 6: one is in childhood education, and the other is in special education.

The College is committed to reducing tuition cost through several scholarship opportunities. Apply now and learn how truly affordable the Mount is.

Contact
(718) 405-3322
gradstudies@mountsaintvincent.edu