Connecticut is located in the northeastern region of the United States known as New England. As one of the original “Thirteen Colonies” that rebelled against British rule, the residents of this state have a rich tradition for strong ideals and a desire to enhance their lives through education.
Home to the first law school, Litchfield Law School, the highly acclaimed Yale University, and many other public and private colleges, Connecticut is committed to providing a quality education for all. A variety of graduate programs are available including Master of Sciences, Master of Arts, Master of Education for Special Education licensure and a Post-Baccalaureate certification program in Special Education.
Note: Those interested in distance learning programs should consult our recommendations for Online Master’s in Special Education.
Purdue University’s online MSEd in Special Education offers separate tracks for initial teacher licensure, and for licensed teachers looking to add advanced endorsements.
The online MSEd in Special Education from Saint Joseph’s University online MSEd in Special Education from Saint Joseph’s University offers concentrations in ASD, Hearing Impairment and the Wilson Reading System®.
Central Connecticut State University, CT
School of Education and Professional Studies
The Central Connecticut State University’s School of Education and Professional Studies is dedicated to providing quality programs for educators, social workers, administrators, counselors and educational leaders.
The Post-Baccalaureate, Master of Science and Master of Arts degrees offered are:
-Elementary Education Certification.
-Special Education Certification.
-Master of Science – Educational Studies.
-Master of Science – Early Childhood Education.
-Master of Science – Special Education for Cross-Endorsement.
-Master of Science – Special Education for Certified Teachers.
-Master of Arts in Teaching.
Leadership skills and core competence experiences are developed through research and outreach activities. The mission of The School of Education and Professional Studies is to influence educational and social policies through quality preparation of professionals in education and social services.
Special Education for P-12 Education: Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification
The Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification is a non-degree program designed for students who hold an undergraduate degree without teacher certification to obtain licensure in special education (grades P-12). Standards and certification requirements designated by the Council for Exceptional Children and the Connecticut State Department of Education are met with the completion of this program.
Teacher certification requirements include 30 hours of field experience in a typical classroom setting and an additional 10 hours with exceptional students. Anticipated learning outcomes include:
-Understand special education fundamental issues.
-Exhibit knowledge associated with the characteristics of learners, individual learning differences and applicable teaching techniques.
-Encourage environments conducive to learning and social exchanges for special needs children.
-Demonstrate knowledge of communication methods and language development for children with disabilities.
-Prepare a curriculum, assessment process and collaboration practices appropriate for teaching children with special needs.
Master of Science in Special Education (MS) (Initial P-12)
The CCSU offers two graduate degrees in special education. The first is a Master of Science in Special Education for teachers who hold a current initial, provisional or professional certification in special education. This program requires 30 credit hours to enhance the student’s skills in special education trends and current issues of concern in the field.
The second program is a Master of Science in Special Education for grades P-12 and is divided into two strands. Strand A is for current certified teachers with initial, provisional or professional certification in elementary or secondary schools who do not require a cross endorsement in special education. Strand B is similar to A except students are seeking a cross endorsement in special education. In both cases, teachers study exceptional learners and complete an action research course to improve their skills in this field. Strand B allows an application to the Connecticut State Department of Education for a cross endorsement in special education.
Accreditations
The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Connecticut State Department of Education
American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education
Teacher Education Council of State Colleges and Universities (TECSCU)
Contact Information
1615 Stanley Street
Barnard Hall #203.0000
New Britain, CT 06050
(860) 832-2100
https://www.ccsu.edu/sped/
Fairfield University, CT
The Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions
For the 23rd consecutive year, Fairfield University has ranked third or fourth by U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Colleges 2014” for its strong commitment to teaching among universities with master’s degree programs. The Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions strives to provide enhanced graduate programs to assist students in career advancement and lifelong success. There are 17 areas of study designed to earn a Master of Arts, Certificate of Advanced Study or Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts five-year degree. Programs include:
-Applied Psychology.
-Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
-Marriage and Family Therapy.
-Elementary Education.
-Secondary Education.
-Special Education.
Master of Arts in Special Education (M.A.)(K-12)
The Master of Arts in Special Education program provides a cross-endorsement certificate for students who have earned classroom teaching certification. The degree in comprehensive special education teaches the skills needed to serve children and adolescents (P-12) who require special support. Special needs involving education, social interactions, behavioral, cognitive and rehabilitative are the primary areas of study.
Core learning outcomes include: theory, assessment, understanding levels of disability, development of curriculum, implementation and collaboration techniques and complete integration. Teacher internships are available to those studying for a master’s degree. Licensure recommendation is available upon completion of the program.
Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.) with Comprehensive Special Education Endorsement (K-12)
A Certificate of Advanced Study graduate degree is available for students who do not have prior certification. The program prepares educators to teach disabled children and youth (grades K through 12) leading to an Initial Educator Certificate.
In addition to 30 credit hours of coursework, a field work internship for non-certified teachers is required in special education to complete the degree. Duties required include substituting, small group and individual instruction, and assisting a mentor instructor in the classroom. An additional student teaching assignment must be completed as part of the state certification requirement.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Connecticut State Board of Education
Contact Information
GSEAP
Canisius Hall, Room 102
1073 North Benson Road
Fairfield, CT 06824-5195
(203) 254-4250
[email protected]
https://catalog.fairfield.edu/graduate/education-allied-professions/
Southern Connecticut State University, CT
School of Education
Southern Connecticut State University’s School of Education has the largest graduate teaching program in the state. Degrees are available for Master of Fine Arts, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Sixth Year Certificate and Graduate Certificate. Areas of study include: Art Education, Business Administration, Computer Science, Elementary Education, Special Education, Exercise Science, Nursing and several other programs.
The School of Education provides high-quality professional training through traditional classroom, hybrid and online courses.
Master of Science in Special Education (M.S.) (K-12)
The Master of Science in Special Education requires a minimum of 30 coursework credits and a teaching experience in field work. Each student must choose an area of concentration from these selections: Interdisciplinary, learning disabilities, adaptive technology, Autism Spectrum Disorders and serious emotional disabilities. This degree program can be combined with a cross-endorsement certification in special education.
Student learning outcomes include:
-Identification and placement of disabled children and adolescents.
-Instructional strategies.
-State and federal requirements.
-Curriculum content and implementation.
-Use of adaptive technology for the disabled.
-Clinical practice in a school or institutional setting.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI)
Contact Information
501 Crescent Street
New Haven, CT 06515
(203) 392-SCSU
https://www.southernct.edu/academics/special-education
University of Connecticut, CT
The Graduate School/Department of Educational Psychology
The Graduate School at the University of Connecticut provides skilled training for a professional career path in a variety of fields. Master of Arts degrees are offered through the Department of Educational Psychology with concentration in Cognition, Instruction and Learning Technologies; Educational Technology; Gifted and Talented Education; School Counseling and Special Education.
Graduate students at UCONN benefit from an experienced faculty in traditional classroom settings as well as the flexibility online courses provide to those already working in their field.
Master of Arts in Special Education (K-12)
The Master of Arts in Special Education is an individualized concentration program that prepares professionals to work with children and adolescents from kindergarten through grade 12. Educational coursework and field work includes an emphasis on behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, developmental disabilities. Students are encouraged to develop skills for lifetime learning past the school-aged groups.
This graduate program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours and is designed to provide in-depth learning to support special needs children and youth. A student teaching/internship experience is also required. The master’s degree curriculum is aligned with a career as a special education teacher and licensure.
Anticipated learning outcomes include:
-Effective mainstreaming techniques for students with special needs.
-Reading and writing support for children and adolescents with learning difficulties.
-Pupil assessment, strategies and adaptations for students with special needs.
-Behavior analysis and management in a classroom setting.
-Use of educational technology with special needs children and adolescents.
Accreditations
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
The Council for Higher Education (CHEA)
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Contact Information
Whetten Graduate Center
438 Whitney Road Extension
Storrs, CT 06269-1152
(860) 486-3617
University of Saint Joseph, CT
School of Education
To meet the high expectations of schools today, the University of Saint Joseph School of Education prepares educators as effective practitioners. Graduate programs are affordably priced and provide practical applications for success as a practitioner. As their 80-year Mercy Mission traditions dictate, all programs include one-on-one advisement and small classes for developing strong relationships. In addition to demanding a strong academic commitment, the School of Education provides outstanding tools and resources to prepare students to strive for life-long learning practices.
The School of Education offers both traditional classroom-based Master of Science and Master of Arts programs as well as online versions. Fields of study include:
-Master of Science: Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis.
-Master of Science: Biochemistry (online).
-Master of Science: Biology (online).
-Master of Arts: Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
-Master of Arts: Early Childhood Education/Special Education.
-Master of Arts: Special Education with Teacher Licensure.
Master of Arts: Special Education with Teacher Licensure (M.A.) (K-12)
The Master of Arts: Special Education with Teacher Licensure program prepares students to teach grades K through 12 with disabilities effecting language, academics, cognition or social-emotional learning. Faculty members have expertise in teaching special needs children and adolescents and will mentor graduate students on assessment, literacy, mathematics, behavior, collaboration, technology and laws.
This program is for individuals seeking a master’s degree in special education with initial Special Education licensure. Students must earn a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework and complete field experience in a special education setting.
Anticipated learning outcomes include:
-Understanding the development stages of special needs children and adolescents.
-Knowledge and application of a holistic curriculum.
-Evaluate special needs students.
-Classroom management skills.
-Exhibit responsibility and sensitivity to children and adolescents with disabilities.
-Become an expert and advocate to make a difference in the lives of special needs students.
A Special Education with Cross-endorsement and concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorder specializations are also available for licensure. However, candidates must apply directly to the Connecticut State Department of Education, which has exclusive authority.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Connecticut State Department of Education
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Connecticut Board of Higher Education
Contact Information
School of Education
1678 Asylum Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117-2791
(860) 231-5584
https://www.usj.edu/academics/sasbe/education/
