Program Overview

---

Master of Science in Special Education and Literacy (II)

Program Overview

This program is specifically designed for applicants without initial teacher certification in childhood education. The course of study emphasizes how evidence-based practices and social-justice ideologies operate interdependently to disrupt inequity and promote school success for all students.

Program of Study

The program includes intensive practicum and internship experiences to fully prepare students to work with exceptional children in elementary classrooms. Coursework covers topics such as:

• Child development and learning
• Teaching literacy to diverse students
• Practica in literacy instruction
• Teaching children with special needs
• Practica in special education
• Curriculum development and classroom management

Clinical Internship with Integrated Seminar in Teaching Students with Disabilities

This full-time internship provides supervised clinical experience working with students with disabilities in education settings. The accompanying seminar covers special topics to help students succeed in their fieldwork.

Master's Project

Students must complete a master's project as part of the program.

NYSED Training Requirements

The program includes training in:

• Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Act (SAVE)
• Child Abuse Identification and Reporting
• Needs of Students with Autism
• Substance Abuse Prevention
• Dignity for All Students Act

Accreditation

The University at Albany is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Careers and Advisement

Graduates are commonly employed as elementary school, special education, and literacy teachers for grades 1-6 within public and private schools, and as specialists in disability services and community agencies.

Admissions Requirements

• Deadlines: Fall (March 15), Spring (Not Available), Summer (March 15)
• Required Application Materials:
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three letters of recommendation (one must be from a faculty member attesting to academic ability)
• Special Notes:
  • NY State Certification program
  • This program is not available to international applicants
  • Full consideration will be given to applicants who apply by the Priority Review Deadline
  • No prior certification required
  • Must have a major, minor, or concentration in one of the liberal arts and sciences
  • A minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA is required

Supplemental Degree Programs

Graduate students can typically request a supplemental degree in one or more subordinate degrees without needing to go through the full admissions process again.

• Supplemental Program: Africana Studies CGS
• Supplemental Program: Community College Leadership CGS
• Supplemental Program: Demography CGS
• Supplemental Program: International Education Management CGS