The Master of Science in Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6) offered by the SUNY Old Westbury School of Education is designed as a path to professional teacher certification in Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6). The program is designed for both recent graduates who have completed the requirements for initial teacher certification at the undergraduate level, as well as experienced teachers who seek professional certification in Special Education or an advanced degree.
The degree combines theory and practice, and meets all relevant New York State Education Department professional certification requirements, including Common Core Learning Standards, and all certification workshops. This 30-credit degree program is composed of a 12-credit core that includes special education research, culturally responsive teaching, research methods and design, and research-based interventions in reading, writing, and literacy. Six credits of linked courses in advanced assessment and advocacy and leadership are also required along with six credits of elective coursework that includes classes in administrative organization, collaboration and leadership, instructional and assistive technology, advanced behavior management and instruction, applied behavior analysis and methods of teaching in early childhood special education. The final six credits are for the capstone project at the grades 1-6 level in Students with Disabilities.
Designed for part-time students only, the program takes 2½ years to complete for students taking two courses per semester. Applications for this program are accepted only for fall semester entry.
Applications for this degree program are accepted in the fall. or Fall applications only. All students applying for admission to the program are required to:
- Submit a Graduate Admissions Application and non-refundable application fee.
- Provide proof of an initial certification in the same certificate title (SWD 1-6) and proof of the following New York State required workshops (SAVE, DASA, Child Abuse and Autism workshop)
- Have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a scale of 4) or the equivalent, in the highest earned degree.
- Submit two (2) letters of recommendation (at least one from an academic source).
- Submit an admissions essay: This essay should be a well-developed 2-page personal statement ex pressing your professional goals and reasons for pursuing the MS Special Education (Professional Degree) at SUNY Old Westbury.
- Submit your GRE test results, or proof of an earned master’s degree.
NOTE International students must present additional testing and documentation as part of the College’s International Admissions Requirements, including TOEFL requirements, IELTS exam results, and document evaluations by ECE or WES.
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