Introduction to the Special Education and Literacy Program

The Department of Special Education and Literacy at Long Island University provides four Master of Science degree programs that prepare students to identify students in need of corrective and remedial instruction, develop reading and written communications curricula, and evaluate student progress. The program aims to prepare students for New York State certification as special education teachers and literacy specialists.

Program Overview

The M.S.Ed. in Special Education (Grades 1-6) is a 30-credit Master's program that prepares students to create effective learning environments for students with disabilities, including mentally handicapped, emotionally disturbed, and learning disabled students. The program covers areas of study such as classroom management, diagnosis and correction of learning disabilities, inclusion techniques, and the use of technology.

Areas of Study

• Classroom management
  • Diagnosis and correction of learning disabilities
  • Inclusion techniques
  • Use of technology
• Understanding the neurologically impaired child
• Psychology and education of autistic children

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the M.S.Ed. in Special Education Program must meet the following requirements:

• Application for Admission
• Official copies of undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts
• A minimum overall and major grade point average of 3.00
• GRE is required
• Provisional or initial teaching certificate

Program Requirements

The program requires the completion of 30 credits, including:

• EDS 600 Introduction to the Study of the Exceptional Child
• EDS 620 Assessment and Diagnosis of Children with Disabilities
• EDS 617 Literacy for Children with Disabilities: BirthGrade 6
• EDS 630 Curriculum-based Assessment and Instruction of Students with Mild Disabilities
• EDS 631 Curriculum-based Assessment and Instruction of Students with Severe Disabilities
• EDS 632 Instruction and Classroom Management for Children with Emotional Behavior Problems
• EDS 633 Accommodating Learners with Special Needs in Inclusive Settings
• EDS 702 Practicum in Special Education
• EDS 624 Contemporary Issues and Research in Special Education
• EDS Elective in Special Education

Course Descriptions

EDS 600 Introduction to the Study of the Exceptional Child

A basic introduction to exceptionality, including emotional, neurological, and physically based etiologies.

EDS 620 Assessment and Diagnosis of Children with Disabilities

An introduction to instruments and valuation strategies used in assessing children with disabilities.

EDS 617 Literacy for Children with Disabilities: Birth-Grade 6

A course covering theory, research, and effective practices for teaching students with significant reading problems.

EDS 630 Curriculum-based Assessment and Instruction of Students with Mild Disabilities

A course examining the complexity of issues inherent in the teaching-learning process with particular reference to students with mild disabilities.

EDS 631 Curriculum-based Assessment and Instruction of Students with Severe Disabilities

A course focusing on methodologies of assessment, curriculum development, individualized educational planning, and instructional programming for children with severe developmental disabilities.

EDS 632 Instruction and Classroom Management for Children with Emotional and Behavior Problems

A course focusing on program development, including prescriptive remediation based on diagnostic assessment.

EDS 633 Accommodating Learners with Special Needs in Inclusive Settings

A course exploring the concept of inclusion, discussing it from both a theoretical and practical perspective, and presenting strategies necessary for successful inclusion.

EDS 702 Supervised Practicum In Special Education

A structured, college-supervised learning experience for students in a teacher education program.

EDS 624 Contemporary Issues and Research in Special Education

An advanced seminar in current issues facing the field of special education, designed to provide an opportunity for students to research, discuss, and understand the topics impacting the field.

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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