Program Overview

Special Education (Teaching Students with Disabilities)

The Special Education program at Adelphi University is designed to prepare students for a career teaching children with diverse abilities, helping them reach their fullest potential. The program focuses on inclusive, resource, and general education classroom settings that encourage students with disabilities to become as independent as possible and promote their inclusion into a broad spectrum of activities.

Why Earn an MS in Special Education?

With the special education graduate programs at Adelphi University, students will prepare for a career teaching children with a diverse range of abilities. The program trains students in inclusive, resource, and general education classroom settings, encouraging students with disabilities to become as independent as possible and promoting their inclusion into various activities. As a certified special education teacher, graduates can advocate for students with disabilities, upholding the dignity of every child and adolescent, and creating a climate in which all children and families are valued and respected.

Why Earn Your Master's in Special Education at Adelphi University?

The special education graduate programs at Adelphi University offer several benefits, including:

• A flexible, personalized experience with small classes
• The option to complete the program fully online at substantial savings
• Hands-on experience through field placements in public and private schools in diverse communities specializing in the unique needs of children with disabilities
• Learning from experienced professors committed to improving education for all students in inclusive, diverse, and special needs settings

What Can You Do With a Special Education Master's Degree?

A special education graduate degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities. Many graduates work in classrooms from preschool to high school, developing and implementing individualized education plans and helping their students succeed. Other career paths include:

• Academic intervention specialist: conducting assessments, developing interventions, working with students, teachers, and parents to provide support for students with learning and behavioral problems
• Curriculum specialist: developing and implementing programs for students with disabilities and working with teachers and other professionals to ensure the curriculum is appropriate and effective
• Researcher: conducting academic, hospital, and other institutional studies to improve understanding and treatment of disabilities
• Consultant: providing advice and support on assessment, instruction, and behavior management to schools, organizations, and families on issues related to special education

What Is the Difference Between a Special Education Advanced Certificate and a Master's Degree in Special Education?

A master's in special education is a graduate degree, whereas an advanced certificate in special education is a license extension. A graduate certificate can be a strong foundation for future teaching positions in a related area of study. Advanced certificate programs are less expensive than master's degree programs and take less time to complete, but candidates must have earned a master's degree for entry, with the exception of the non-certification track autism certificate.

Special Education MS and Advanced Certificate Program Offerings

The university offers various special education graduate programs, including:

• Early Childhood Special Education program (Birth–Grade 2)
• Students With Disabilities (All Grades) Special Education programs (PreK–12)
• Extensions and annotations are also available in Bilingual Education and in Autism/Severe and Multiple Disabilities
• Subject area extensions are also available in English, mathematics, science, and social studies

For First-Time Teaching Certification

The following programs are available for candidates seeking their first teaching certification:

• MS in Students with Disabilities (All Grades): Preservice Track (40 credits)
• MS in Students with Disabilities (All Grades): Preservice with 7–12 Subject Area Extension (43 credits)
• MS in Bilingual Special Education and Students With Disabilities (All Grades): Dual Preservice Track (49 credits)
• MS in Childhood 1–6 and Students with Disabilities (All Grades): Bilingual Certification Preservice Track (58 credits)
• MS in Childhood 1–6 and Students with Disabilities (All Grades): Preservice Track (52 credits)
• MS in Students With Disabilities (All Grades) Alternative Certification: Transitional B (37 credits)

For Candidates with Current Teaching Certification

For candidates who already hold a current teaching certification, the following programs are available:

• MS in Students with Disabilities (All Grades) and Bilingual Certification: In-service Track (42–46 credits)
• MS in Students with Disabilities (All Grades) and Childhood Dual Certification: In-Service Track (30–49 credits)
• MS in Students With Disabilities (All Grades): In-service Track (30–36 credits)

Non-Certification Special Education Program

• MS in Special Education Studies (30 credits): This program will not lead to New York state initial/professional teacher certification

Special Education Advanced Certificate Programs

For candidates who hold current teaching certification and a master's degree, the following advanced certificate programs are available:

• Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education
• Advanced Certificate in Autism and Severe or Multiple Disabilities
• Advanced Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder (Non-Teacher Certification)
• Advanced Certificate in Students With Disabilities (All Grades) (12–24 credits)

Exceptional Hands-On Learning

The special education graduate programs at Adelphi University are grounded in courses using field-based methods, providing students with critical hands-on teaching experience. These courses offer the opportunity to practice in the classroom before entering the more formal student teaching practicum. Students will have the opportunity to intern at various places, including:

• Gersh Academy
• Eastern Suffolk BOCES
• Nassau BOCES
• NYC Public Schools (NYCPS)
• The Waldorf School of Garden City
• Nassau Public Schools

Application Requirements

Applicants for these programs must have completed a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and should submit the following:

• Graduate application and fee
• Online survey completed by two recommenders
• Personal essay (500 words)
• Official transcripts from all prior institutions and proof of bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year institution
• Proof of master's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA for advanced certificates
• Course-by-course evaluation: All graduate applicants with undergraduate-level work completed outside of the United States will be required to send a course-by-course evaluation of their academic work prepared by a NACES member organization

Understanding Your Costs and Ways You Can Save

Information about the costs of the program and ways to save, including scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages, is available to help make an Adelphi education more accessible.