Are you searching for Master’s in Special Education degree programs in New York to advance your teaching credentials for working with students with exceptional learning needs? Well, you have come to the right place! Located in the northeastern Mid-Atlantic region of the United States as the third most populous and seventh most densely populated state, it is no surprise that there are numerous graduate degree programs devoted to preparing special educators. With so many top-notch accredited programs to choose from, the following is just the first third (A-L) of Master’s in Special Education degrees offered to students in the “Empire State.”
Note: Those interested in distance learning programs should consult our recommendations for Online Master’s in Special Education.
Adelphi University
Ruth S. Ammon School of Education
Founded in 1896 as the first private co-educational institution of higher learning on Long Island, Adelphia University is conveniently located in historic Garden City within just 45 minutes from New York City and its professional opportunities. Recognized as a “Best Buy” by the best-selling Fiske Guide to Colleges, Adelphi is ranked as the 152nd best college and 33rd top university for veterans by the U.S. News and World Report. The Ruth S. Ammon School of Education is a scholarly community that creates authentic academic and field experiences to cultivate respect for working with diverse student populations.
Master of Science in Early Childhood Special Education
Designed to prepare teachers for working with children with a diverse range of abilities and disabilities to reach their fullest potential in birth through 2nd grade settings, the Master of Science in Early Childhood Special Education program is strongly focused on upholding the dignity of each child and creating a climate in which all children are valued. Teachers who are already certified in early childhood education in New York are eligible for pursuing the accelerated 30-credit hour In-Service track. However, those who have not achieved certification must follow the Pre-Service track for 55 credit hours to receive dual certification.
Master of Science in Childhood Special Education
The Master of Science in Childhood Special Education program intends to prepare teachers for working in inclusive settings and regular classrooms for grades 1-6 to encourage children with specialized services to become as independent as possible through integration. Teachers who are already certified in early childhood education in New York are eligible for pursuing the accelerated 33-credit hour In-Service track. However, those who have not achieved certification must follow the Pre-Service track for 55 credit hours to receive certification for both early childhood and students with disabilities education.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
Harvey Hall Room 130
1 South Avenue
Garden City, NY 11530
(516) 877-4100
[email protected]
http://education.adelphi.edu/departments-programs/curriculum-and-instruction/graduate-programs/special-education/
Bank Street College of Education
Graduate School of Education
As a private non-profit institution situated in the heart of Manhattan, the Bank Street College of Education consists of a Graduate School for further professional development and an on-site independent School for Children. Fully accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the college is committed to providing programs that offer students a thorough, rigorous, humanistic foundation for successful careers in education.
Master of Science in Early Childhood Special Education
Ideal for educators who wish to earn certification to teach students with disabilities in birth through 2nd grade settings or change initial general certification to special education, the Master of Science in Early Childhood Special Education program is focused on developing the knowledge and skills to work with children who are developing typically or atypically. Through the study of the ongoing cycle of observation, assessment, and instructional planning, the curriculum teaches educators how to differentiate learning to help children realize their educational potential.
Master of Science in Childhood Special Education
Intended for individuals who currently hold initial New York State certification in general education and seek initial certification in teaching students with disabilities in grades 1-6, the Master of Science in Childhood Special Education program is centered on training educators to identify and address emerging special needs through close observation of students. With the mission of teaching educators how to tailor teaching approaches to student needs and creating a classroom environment that nurtures children, the program requires educators to work in classroom setting three days a week.
Master of Science in Infant/Family Development and Early Intervention
Designed for teachers who currently hold initial New York State certification in early childhood education and wish to be prepared to work with infants or toddlers, the Master of Science in Infant/Family Development and Early Intervention program provides in-depth understanding on human development, optimal environments for young children, and infant mental health. Through a number of practical experiences, teachers are trained on how to collaborate with families and nurture individual learning styles.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
610 West 112th St.
New York, NY 10025
(212) 875-4721
[email protected]
https://graduate.bankstreet.edu/academics/academic-programs/
Brooklyn College – CUNY
School of Education
Considered to be the most rigorous among the senior colleges within the City University of New York (CUNY) system, Brooklyn College is a comprehensive public institution located in the culturally vibrant borough of New York City. Enrolling more than 16,000 students, Brooklyn College is currently ranked as the 69th best college and 18th top public school in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. As one of the most comprehensive teacher preparation programs in the city, the School of Education takes advantage of innovative partnerships to provide high-quality experiential learning.
Master of Science in Education in Early Childhood Special Education
With the goal of preparing qualified candidates to work in schools and other educational settings that serve children with disabilities from birth to 2nd grade, the Master of Science in Education in Early Childhood Special Education program provides graduate students with experiences in various academic settings in preparation for employment in culturally diverse urban schools. Fulfilling all training requirements for certification in New York State, the program involves the completion of 45 credit hours, at least 50 hours of supervised practice, and 20 days of student teaching.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
James Hall Room 2205
2900 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11210
(718) 951-5995
[email protected]
http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/courses/acad/program_info.jsp?major=680&div=G&dept_code=30&dept_id=527#680
Canisius College
School of Education
Located in Buffalo in the western region of the state just a few miles from Lake Erie and the Canadian border, Canisius College is a comprehensive private institution that prides itself on a strong foundation in the Roman Catholic and Jesuit traditions. As a small college of 3,250 students with all the amenities of a larger university, Canisius is currently ranked as the 27th best college, 7th top value school, and 6th best university for veterans in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. Even more importantly, the School of Education is nationally acclaimed for offering the 103rd best online graduate education programs in the United States.
Master of Science in Adolescence Special Education
Designed for individuals dedicating to meeting the needs of students with disabilities in grades 7-12 with a strong emphasis on theory, research, and field experience, the Master of Science in Adolescence Special Education is appropriate for educators who have completed initial certification and plan to secure special education certification at the graduate level. Through a total of 33 credit hours, educators in the program cover topics in human growth, cognition, assessment, diagnostic teaching, developmental disabilities, functional curriculum, assistive technology, collaborative practices, and differentiated instruction for diverse learners.
Master of Science in Childhood Special Education
For those holding childhood certification who wish to gain certification in special education for teaching in grades 1-6 in New York State, the Master of Science in Childhood Special Education program is focused on enabling educators to develop an understanding of etiology, related psychological or social factors, and techniques proven effective for instructing students with exceptional learning needs. Along with the required 33 credit hours, students must successfully complete one student teaching experience in special education.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
2001 Main St.
Buffalo, NY 14208
(716) 888-2545
[email protected]
https://www.canisius.edu/academics/programs/special-education-advanced
College of Staten Island
Department of Education
Boasting a modern 204-acre urban campus with facilities that are among the most advanced of any college in the nation, the College of Staten Island is a public senior institution of the City University of New York (CUNY) system with more than 13,500 students. According to the U.S. News and World Report, CSI is currently ranked as the 135th best college and 44th top public school in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. The Department of Education is committed to preparing teachers who possess the intellectual autonomy and professional responsibility to improve education.
Master of Science in Childhood Special Education
As a 33-credit program towards certification, the Master of Science in Childhood Special Education degree is designed to prepare educators to teach students with disabilities in grades 1-6 in culturally diverse urban school communities. With two distinct instructional sequence, the program can be accommodated to meet the academic needs of those who have completed the initial certification in childhood education in New York State as well as college graduates who have not received teaching certification.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
Education Building Room 219
2800 Victory Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10314
(718) 982-3728
[email protected]
https://www.csi.cuny.edu/academics-and-research/divisions-and-schools/school-education/programs-and-courses
Fordham University
Graduate School of Education
Based on an urban 93-acre campus in the Bronx within walking distance to the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Gardens with satellite locations in Lincoln Center and Westchester, Fordham University is a comprehensive private institution founded in the Jesuit tradition. With all of the dynamic resources of one of the world’s greatest cities, Fordham is currently ranked as the 57th best college in the entire nation by the U.S. News and World Report. As the 65th best education school in the United States, the Graduate School of Education is a national leader in the generation of knowledge and skills for teachers to serve diverse populations.
Master of Science in Early Childhood Special Education
Since the early years are especially critical, the Master of Science in Early Childhood Special Education program aims to produce qualified competent educators with the teaching skills and knowledge to instruct young children from birth to 2nd grade with disabilities. Exploring both theory and practice relevant to contemporary issues of diverse learners, English language learners, behavior management, assistive technology, social-emotional development, and inclusive teaching, the 45-credit hour program fulfills academic requirements for teaching students with disabilities.
Master of Science in Childhood Special Education
Designed to prepare caring teachers to enable children with disabilities to reach their personal and academic potential, the Master of Science in Childhood Special Education program is focused on developing expertise in children’s learning development, elementary curriculum content and pedagogy in grades 1-6, and the specialized knowledge of meeting individual children’s needs. While those who are certified teachers can complete the program in 30 credits, those who are not certified will need to finish at least 45 credits for dual certification.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
113 West 60th St.
New York, NY 10023
(212) 636-6450
[email protected]
http://www.fordham.edu/academics/colleges__graduate_s/graduate__profession/education/academics/programs/teaching/early_childhood_chil/
Hunter College – CUNY
Department of Special Education
Situated on an urban campus in the heart of downtown Manhattan on the famous Park Avenue, Hunter College is a comprehensive senior public research institution that is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. Home to a diverse community of more than 16,500 students, Hunter is currently ranked as the 48th best college and 10th top public school in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. Within the School of Education, the Department of Special Education aims to prepare educators to provide specially designed instruction for students with disabilities.
Master of Science in Early Childhood Special Education
Offered with or without an annotation in Severe and Multiple Disabilities, the Master of Science in Early Childhood Special Education program is ideal for teacher candidates who are interested in teaching children between birth and age eight in public, private, or independent schools in the city or state. With three distinct program tracks, the degree can be obtained for those who do not have teaching certification, have a New York State teaching certificate at another level of education, or have an initial certification in early childhood education.
Master of Science in Childhood Special Education
Designed for educators who are seeking initial special education teacher certification in New York State for grades 1-6 who either have or have not been already granted certification in general education, the Master of Science in Childhood Special Education program leads to an advanced degree preparation in a program with an exciting internship option and specialized electives. Within the program, graduate students have the option to focus their studies in Learning Disabilities, Behavior Disorders, Severe/Multiple Disabilities, Blind/Visual Impairment, or Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
West Building Room 1000
695 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10065
(212) 772-4622
[email protected]
http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/school-of-education/programs/graduate/special-education
Iona College
Department of Education
As a private liberal arts institution founded in the Catholic traditions of the Christian Brothers with strong commitments to community service, Iona College is situated in suburban New Rochelle of Westchester County just 20 miles north of downtown Manhattan. According to the U.S. News and World Report, Iona is ranked as the 66th best college in the North. The Department of Education has the goal of preparing a new generation of knowledgeable teachers who consider the whole child in instructional planning and delivery.
Master of Science in Childhood Special Education and Literacy
Granted full accreditation from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) to prepare educators with the knowledge and skills to improve education, the Master of Science in Childhood Special Education and Literacy program is offered to certified teachers who have already gained an initial teaching certificate in New York State in general childhood education. As a 48-credit program that prepares teachers to teach in birth to 6th grade settings, the curriculum covers assessment, literacy development, responsive teaching, interventions, inclusive teaching, and practicum.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
715 North Avenue
New Rochelle, NY 10801
(914) 637-2754
[email protected]
http://www.iona.edu/Academics/School-of-Arts-Science/Departments/Education/Graduate-Programs/MSEd-in-Special-Education-and-Literacy.aspx
Lehman College – CUNY
School of Education
Part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, Lehman College is a comprehensive public institution situated on an urban 37-acre campus in the Bronx. Recognized for having the lowest tuition rate in the area with one of the highest return on investments, Lehman is ranked as the 126th best college and 40th top public school in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. The School of Education is committed to meeting the highest national standards to prepare highly qualified educators for the challenges of teaching in today’s dynamic classrooms.
Master of Science in Education in Adolescent Special Education
With the goal of developing competent, caring, and qualified special educators to teach diverse learners who present with disabilities in either inclusive or specialized 7-12 urban settings, the Master of Science in Education for Adolescent Special Education program is offered to individuals who have already earned an initial teaching certificate from New York State at the adolescent level. For those who have had no prior training in education at the level, there is also a Student with Disabilities 7-12 Generalist program that meets all teacher prerequisites for initial certification.
Master of Science in Education in Childhood Special Education
Following the values and standards established by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the Master of Science in Education for Childhood Special Education program is designed for entering graduate students who have already earned an initial teaching certificate from New York State at the childhood level for teaching grades 1-6. For those who have not had prior training in education, there is a Dual Certification Program with 12 additional credits to receive initial certification in both special and general early childhood education.
Master of Science in Education in Early Childhood Special Education
Focused on field work, supervised practicum experiences, and student teaching in both inclusive and specialized settings for birth to 2nd grade, the Master of Science in Education in Early Childhood Special Education is designed to prepare teachers who have already gained certification at the general level to create nurturing environments that are responsive to the needs of exceptional children in urban settings. For those who have not had prior training in education, there is a Dual Certification Program with 12 additional credits to receive initial certification in both special and general education concurrently.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
250 Bedford Park Blvd. West
Bronx, WY 10468
(718) 980-8183
[email protected]
http://www.lehman.edu/academics/education/special-education/index.php
Within a profession that is desperately in need of highly qualified teachers, graduates who have earned special education credentials can enjoy an overwhelming advantage in the job market for their specialized skills working with students with disabilities. If you are looking to gain a much-needed competitive edge to jumpstart a successful teaching career, be sure to check out these top-notch Master’s in Special Education degree programs in New York.
For Master’s in Special Education degree programs in New York, M-R, please click here.
For Master’s in Special Education degree programs in New York, S-Z, please click here.
