M.S. in Teaching Students with Disabilities Generalist (Grades 7 to 12)

The 31-credit Master of Science in Teaching Students with Disabilities (Generalist Grades 7-12) is designed for certified teachers to earn an additional New York State certification in Teaching Students with Disabilities Generalist Grades 7-12. This program prepares teachers to work in supportive roles, such as consultant teachers, resource room service providers, and integrated co-teachers.

Program Overview

Each course in the sequence focuses on specific aspects of the teaching/learning process within and across the boundaries of the school environment, the home setting, and the therapeutic facility. In addition to intensive on-campus sessions, students participate in field placements and a practicum to gain valuable on-site experience. Critical topics addressed in the program include:

• Research trends and methodology
• Technology (assistive and instructional)
• Behavioral approaches
• Instructional modifications
• The New York State learning standards
• Collaborative strategies

Subject Area Extension to the Students with Disabilities Generalist Certification

The Students with Disabilities 7-12 Generalist program includes the option for students to earn an extension to the base certificate in a specific subject area. To pursue this option, applicants must have 18 semester hours of study or its equivalent in the subject area of the certificate extension sought and pass the Content Specialty Test in the specific subject area.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the M.S. in Teaching Students with Disabilities Generalist (Grades 7-12) program must meet the following requirements:

1. Application for Admission
2. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, including a content major or concentration (minimum 30 credits) and a strong liberal arts and science background that meet New York State Education Department criteria.
3. Official copies of undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts from any college(s) or universities attended.
4. Grade point average of 2.75, which may be computed from the total undergraduate record or on the last 60 hours of study.
5. One letter of recommendation from a professional in the field of education, psychology, or related disciplines.
6. Completion of an on-site writing sample, which will be evaluated on the extent to which the argument is developed and supported, logical organization and development of the central idea, paragraph organization and construction, and freedom from errors in mechanics and usage.
7. An interview with the Office of Admissions.

Degree Requirements

The program requires a minimum of 31 credit hours of graduate study. Students must complete all the coursework listed in the Degree Requirements section, achieve a grade of B- or higher for all graduate education courses, and earn an overall G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher.

Course Descriptions

The program includes the following courses:

• EDU 500A: Advanced Technology and Curriculum
• EDU 581: Instruction in the Content Areas: Special Education
• EDU 582: Applied Behavior Analysis
• EDU 584: Educational Interventions for Middle and High School Students with Disabilities
• EDU 585: Collaboration and Consultation in Special Education
• EDU 661: Diagnostic/Prescriptive Techniques for Use with Exceptional Children
• EDU 663: Teaching Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
• EDU 664: Research in Special Education
• EDU 668A: Practicum Special Education: Adolescence Level
• EDU 700A: Thesis Proposal: Special Education - Analysis of Teaching and Learning
• EDU 800A: Thesis Project: Special Education

New York State Teacher Certification Requirements

To meet New York State Teacher Certification Requirements, students must complete:

• 6 semester hours in each of the following areas: English/Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics.
• The New York State Teacher Certification Exam - Liberal Arts & Science Test (LAST)
• The Content Specialty Test (CST) - Students With Disabilities
• The Content Specialty Test (CST) - Multi-Subject 7-12

Each course description includes the course title, credits, and a brief overview of the course content and objectives.

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Overview:

• Founded in 1926 as the Brooklyn Law School
• Expanded to become Long Island University in 1954
• Currently has 6 campuses across New York State
• Enrolls over 20,000 students
• Notable achievements:
  • Ranked among the top 200 universities in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report
  • Recognized for its strong programs in business, education, and health sciences
  • Home to the Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, one of the largest pharmacy schools in the country

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Student Life:

Extracurricular Activities:

Over 200 student clubs and organizations, including academic, cultural, social, and recreational groups

Clubs:

Examples include the Student Government Association, the Black Student Union, and the International Student Association

Sports Teams:

NCAA Division I athletics in 16 sports, including basketball, football, and soccer

• Student Support Services:

  • Academic Advising
  • Career Counseling
  • Health and Wellness Center
  • Counseling and Psychological Services

• Campus Facilities:

  • Modern academic buildings
  • State-of-the-art athletic facilities
  • Student centers with dining, recreation, and study spaces
  • On-campus housing available at most campuses

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Academics:

• Academic Resources:

  • Over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Faculty of over 1,000 full-time and part-time professors
  • Research centers and institutes in various fields

• Teaching Methodologies:

  • Traditional lectures
  • Small group discussions
  • Hands-on learning experiences
  • Online and hybrid courses

• Academic Support Services:

  • Tutoring
  • Writing Center
  • Math Lab

• Unique Academic Programs or Initiatives:

  • Honors College
  • Global Studies Program
  • Experiential Learning Program

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

Reputation:

Ranked among the top 200 universities in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report

Specialized Facilities:

State-of-the-art facilities for health sciences, business, and education

Industry Connections:

Partnerships with leading companies and organizations

Notable Alumni:

Includes politicians, business leaders, and entertainers, such as former New York City Mayor David Dinkins and actor Alec Baldwin

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Services:

Counseling:

Counseling and Psychological Services provides individual and group counseling, as well as crisis intervention

Health:

Health and Wellness Center offers medical care, vaccinations, and health education

Housing:

On-campus housing available at most campuses, including traditional dorms, apartments, and townhouses

Library Resources:

Over 1 million volumes in the university libraries, as well as access to online databases and research tools

Technology Support:

IT Help Desk provides technical assistance and support for students

Career Development:

Career Services offers resume writing, interview preparation, and job search assistance