Course Sequence and Residency Requirements

The M.Ed. in Special Education is designed as a 33-42 credit program that can be completed in as little as two-years. Coursework requires synchronous, technology-aided meetings from a distance. In addition, 50 hours of field experience, or observations, are required throughout the first year. The second year of the program culminates in a one-term Residency placement in a middle or high school setting in New York State. As the term progresses, residents incrementally assume more responsibility for the classroom, building to an immersion and lead instructional responsibility for the critic teacher’s classes for four weeks. During the residency, students complete an additional 6 credits of relevant course work that links theory to classroom practice, while receiving intensive mentoring by faculty members and supervisors.

The program concludes with the Special Education Masters Capstone Project.  In addition to completing the program, students must pass the appropriate NYS certification exams (SWD CST & Multi-Subject 7-12 CST) in order to qualify for Initial certification.  Students in the M.Ed in Special Education program must hold a valid Initial certificate for the duration of their time in the program or they could be subject to additional examinations.

Sample 42-credit M.Ed. in Special Education Curriculum (programs may vary from 33-42 credits)