For Master’s in Special Education Degree Programs in New York (A-L), click here.
For Master’s in Special Education Degree Programs in New York (M-R), click here.
Situated in the northeastern Mid-Atlantic region of the United States as the third most populous and seventh most densely populated state with more than 19.6 million residents, it is no surprise that there are numerous Master’s in Special Education degree programs in New York to fulfill the rigorous academic requirements for certification in the state. If you are interested in gaining certification to teach students with disabilities in the “Empire State,” the following is our final segment (S-Z) of the top-notch special education graduate programs in New York.
Note: Those interested in distance learning programs should consult our recommendations for Online Master’s in Special Education.
Saint Bonaventure University
School of Education
As a private institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church for a values-based education, Saint Bonaventure University is situated on a residential 500-acre rural campus in the southwestern region of the state within 90 minutes of Buffalo. St. Bonaventure is currently ranked as the 33rd best college and 5th top value school in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. The School of Education is committed to preparing teachers with a combination of professional classroom instruction and authentic off-campus field experience.
Master of Science in Education (MS.Ed.) in Differentiated Instruction for Students with Disabilities
Uniquely offered for general or special education teachers in all developmental areas who wish to meet the needs of students in increasingly diverse classrooms, the Master of Science in Education (MS.Ed.) in Differentiated Instruction for Students with Disabilities program provides extended research-based knowledge in assessment, differentiated instructional strategies, behavioral management techniques, collaborative inclusive teamwork, and assistive technology.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
Plassmann Hall Room B06
3261 West State Rd.
St. Bonaventure, NY 14778
(716) 375-4078
rgarriso@sbu.edu
http://www.sbu.edu/academics/schools/education/graduate-degrees-certificates/msed-differentiated-instruction-%28special-education%29
Saint Thomas Aquinas College
School of Education
Located on a 48-acre suburban campus in Sparkill with a close-knit community of just over 2,000 students, Saint Thomas Aquinas College is a private institution with a long heritage based in the Dominican traditions that has been recognized as the 135th best college in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. The School of Education is committed to preparing teachers to foster the development of learners to contribute successfully to our democratic society and diverse global community.
Master of Science in Education (MS.Ed.) in Adolescent Special Education
As an extensive field-based program designed to prepare educators to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities in a variety of 7-12 settings, including special self-contained classes, resources rooms, and co-taught inclusive classrooms, the MS.Ed in Adolescent Special Education degree consists of 36 credits of core coursework, supervised practicum, and middle level electives. In addition to meeting the requirements for initial Student with Disabilities certification at the 7-12 level, graduate students can specialize in Autism Spectrum Disorders as an annotation.
Master of Science in Education (MS.Ed.) in Childhood Special Education
Offered for certified teachers who hold an initial teaching certificate in New York State for general childhood education, the MS.Ed in Childhood Special Education program is designed for provide the knowledge, skills, and instructional strategies related to teaching children with disabilities in various grades 1-6 school environments. Throughout the 36-credit degree program leading to initial certification at the elementary level, teachers are engaged in assessment, low-incidence disabilities, cognition, differentiated instruction, literacy, collaboration skills, and field practicum.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
125 Route 340
Sparkill, NY 10976
(845) 398-4150
cmarkham@stac.edu
St. John Fisher College
Wilson School of Education
Ranked as the 142nd best college and 29th top university for veterans in the entire nation by the U.S. News and World Report, St. John Fisher College is a private institution guided by its Catholic heritage on a 154-acre suburban campus in Rochester in the western region of the state. Accredited by the NCATE, the Wilson School of Education prepares educators with a strong sense of social justice to ensure every child reaches their fullest potential.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Special Education
Designed for educators who hold initial or provisional classroom certification and wish to pursue certification for teaching students with disabilities in grades 1-6 or 7-12, the Master of Science (M.S.) in Special Education program consists of 30 credits that can be completed in just five semesters and structured around working professionals’ schedules. For those who have not yet achieved initial certification in New York State, there is also a program track for dual certification in Childhood and Special Education with the completion of at least 42 credits.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
3690 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618
(585) 385-7297
shildenbrand@sjfc.edu
https://www.sjfc.edu/graduate-programs/ms-in-childhood-special-education/
State University of New York (SUNY) at Potsdam
School of Education and Professional Studies
As the first campus of the public state school system to open its doors in 1816, the State University of New York (SUNY) at Potsdam is situated on a 240-acre rural campus at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. Known for its liberal arts and teacher education programs, SUNY Potsdam is ranked as the 98th best college and 30th top public school in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. The School of Education and Professional Studies is home to a nationally recognized faculty known for exceeding national performance-based standards.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Special Education
With the goal of preparing teachers who hold provisional, initial, or professional certification in general education to work with students with mild to moderate disabilities, the M.S. in Special Education program fulfills the academic requirements to receive initial certification in New York State for Early Childhood Special Education (birth-2), Childhood Special Education (1-6), or Adolescent Special Education (7-12). For completion of the master’s degree, graduates must complete 36 credit hours, supervised field practicum, and a culminating student teaching experience.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
44 Pierrepont Avenue
Potsdam, NY 13676
(315) 267-2916
conradda@potsdam.edu
http://www.potsdam.edu/academics/SOEPS/education/departments/special/msedspecialed/index.cfm
State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego
School of Education
Standing proudly on a spacious 700-acre rural campus overlooking Lake Ontario as a comprehensive public institution in the state school system, the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego is ranked as the 69th best college and 18th top public school in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. With an emphasis on authentic learning and field experiences, the School of Education promotes a hands-on learning approach built on a strong pedagogical foundation for successful teacher preparation.
Master of Science in Education (MS.Ed.) in Childhood Special Education
With the mission of extending specialized professional development through coursework and field experiences for serving students who have autism and other complex developmental disabilities in grade 1-6 settings, the MS.Ed. in Childhood Special Education program is offered exclusively to graduate students who possess a bachelor’s degree in education and hold an initial teaching certificate in New York State. At the completion of the 36-credit program, graduates possess the skills for assessment, data-based decision making, and positive behavior interventions to educate all diverse learners.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
Culkin Hall Room 606
7060 State Route 104
Oswego, NY 13126
(315) 312-2102
educate@oswego.edu
http://www.oswego.edu/academics/graduate/programs/specialeducation.html
State University of New York (SUNY) at Oneonta
School of Education and Human Ecology
As a public liberal arts institution with a pre-professional focus in the historic Susquehanna Valley of central New York with a small-town atmosphere, the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oneonta is currently ranked as the 66th best college and 16th top public school in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. Also acclaimed for the 136th best online graduate education programs in the nation, the School of Education and Human Ecology aims to prepare elementary and secondary school teachers who advocate for all students to achieve their goals even in the face of adversity.
Master of Science in Education (MS.Ed.) in Special Education
Intended to provide quality education in teaching pedagogy to meet the New York State requirements for initial certification as a generalist special education teacher for the early childhood (birth-2), childhood (1-6), or adolescent (7-12) level, the MS.Ed in Special Education program is offered to graduate students who already hold an initial teaching certificate in one content area for general education. Within the 36-semester credit program, teachers are prepared to use evidence-based practices (EBP) to foster an environment in which students with disabilities can learn effectively.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
Denison Hall Room 24
108 Ravine Parkway
Oneonta, NY 13820
(607) 436-2541
Janice.Smith@oneonta.edu
http://www.oneonta.edu/academics/ed/edpsych/
SUNY Buffalo State
Exceptional Education Department
Standing out from the other public institutions in the state school system with its large variety of more than 160 academic programs, SUNY Buffalo State is currently recognized as the 101st best college and 31st top public school in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. Within the School of Education, the Exceptional Education Department is dedicated to preparing qualified educators with the skills, knowledge, and competencies identified in professional state certification standards.
Master of Science in Education (MS.Ed.) in Special Education
Leading to eligibility for New York State certification for teaching students with disabilities in the three specialty areas of early childhood (birth-2), childhood (1-6), or adolescent (7-12) special education, the MS.Ed in Special Education program is focused on linking theoretical coursework with the applied demands of a wide variety of practicum assignments. While the program is specifically designed for certified teachers who hold an initial teaching certificate in their chosen level, those who are not initially certified can complete 15 to 18 credits of preliminary coursework.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
Ketchum Hall Room 204
1300 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222
(716) 878-5317
baumrb@buffalostate.edu
http://exceptionaleducation.buffalostate.edu/programs
Syracuse University
School of Education
Sitting on University Hill above the sprawling city in central New York with more than 100 inches of snowfall each year for plentiful winter sport opportunities, Syracuse University is a major private institution with an international reputation that is ranked as the 62nd best college, 43rd top value school, and 4th top university for veterans in the nation. Also acclaimed as the 40th best education school, the SU School of Education is a national leader of urban education and a pioneer in the inclusion movement for fully mainstream classrooms.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Inclusive Childhood Special Education
Founded on the belief that all students deserve access to high quality classroom and social opportunities, the M.S. in Inclusive Childhood Special Education program is designed for individuals with an undergraduate degree in childhood education who want to be prepared to work with students with disabilities in inclusive elementary (1-6) classrooms. Offered for completion in just 15 months full-time, the program involves 32 credits of coursework supplemented with field experiences to practice acquired skills.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Inclusive Adolescent Special Education
Ideal for graduates who hold an undergraduate teaching degree and want to work with students with disabilities in middle or high schools, the M.S. in Inclusive Adolescent Special Education program can be completed in just 15 months full-time. In addition to fulfilling the requirements for the Students with Disabilities (7-12) Generalist teaching certificate in New York State, graduates who have at least 18 previous credits in one of the approved academic content areas may apply to extend their certification for teaching that subject within an inclusive education classroom.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
230 Huntington Hall
Syracuse, NY 13244
(315) 443-9659
mddube@syr.edu
http://soe.syr.edu/academic/teaching_and_leadership/graduate/masters/default.aspx
The College of Saint Rose
Lally School of Education
Ranked as the 37th best college in the North by the U.S. News and World Report, the College of Saint Rose is a comprehensive private institution founded in a rigorous liberal education curriculum and located in the urban center of Albany. As one of New York’s largest centers for certifying educators with over 2,000 students, the Lally School of Education emphasizes building students’ ability to apply classroom learning through hands-on cooperative problems-based experiences in field settings within the capital region.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Adolescent Special Education
Designed for candidates who hold provisional secondary education or initial adolescence certification at the time of acceptance, the M.S. in Adolescent Special Education leads to initial certification in special education at the grades 7-12 level through the completion of 36 credits, including a full-year paid student teaching internship.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Childhood Special Education
As one of the most popular options for graduate study at Saint Rose, the M.S. in Childhood Special Education program is offered to graduate students who hold a provisional elementary education or initial childhood certification as a pathway to earning 39 credits for obtaining the initial certification for teaching students with disabilities at the grades 1-6 level.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Early Childhood Special Education
Requiring the completion of at least 30 credits with 3 credits of student teaching completed in the fall, spring, or summer, the M.S. in Early Childhood Special Education program is aimed at meeting the academic requirements for gaining initial certification in special education at the birth to grade 2 level for certified teachers who already possess an initial early childhood or elementary education certificate.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
432 Western Avenue
Albany, NY 12203
(800) 637-8556
anticoa@strose.edu
http://www.strose.edu/academics/schoolofeducation/special_education
The Sage Colleges
Esteves School of Education
As an independent comprehensive institution enrolled nearly 3,000 students at the Russell Sage College for women in Troy and the coeducational Sage College of Albany, the Sage Colleges are recognized as the 101st best college in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. The Esteves School of Education aims to prepare highly effective leaders, educators, teachers, and school counselors who support creative learning environments for diverse students.
Master of Science in Education (MS.Ed.) in Childhood Special Education
With the mission of preparing certified teachers of students with disabilities in grades 1-6 through a combination of advanced study and research in the field with supervised practicum, the MS.Ed in Childhood Special Education program builds on undergraduate education coursework to focus on mild as well as significant disabilities to meet academic requirements for professional certification in special education in New York.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
61 First Street
Troy, NY 12180
(518) 244-6873
caba@sage.edu
https://www.sage.edu/academics/programs/special-education/
University of Rochester
Warner School of Education
Remaining one of the smallest among the nation’s top-tier private research universities with a community of just over 6,000 students, the University of Rochester is ranked as the 32nd best college and 28th best value school in the nation by the U.S. News and World Report. The Warner School of Education is passionate about preparing practitioners and scholars who are drive to improve the human condition by becoming professional leaders in education.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Inclusive/Special Education Teaching Students with Disabilities
For students who want to pursue New York State certification in Teaching Students with Disabilities at the early childhood (birth-2), childhood (1-6), and adolescence generalist (7-12) levels, the M.S. in Inclusive/Special Education program is focused on integrating urban education into the whole curriculum to prepare teachers for the most underserved school districts. Furthermore, the program offers additional certificate options for special education teachers to obtain an annotation for Severe and/or Multiple Disabilities.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
500 Wilson Blvd.
Rochester, NY 14627
(585) 275-0880
rborasi@warner.rochester.edu
http://www.warner.rochester.edu/programs/inclusion/
Wagner College
Education Department
As a comprehensive private institution with more than 2,250 students on a 110-acre urban campus in the heart of Staten Island, Wagner College is recognized as the 24th best college and 4th top up-and-coming school in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. With a long history of preparing graduates to become excellent educators, the Education Department provides deep knowledge of pedagogy and intensive field experiences.
Master of Science in Education (MS.Ed.) in Education/Special Education
Designed for the working professional with most program requirements being met through evening and technology-assisted learning environments, the MS.Ed in Education/Special Education program qualifies graduates for initial and professional licensure in both general and special education at the early childhood (birth-2), childhood (1-6), and adolescent (7-12) levels. In addition to the 39 semester credits, the program requires the successful completion of 190 practicum hours and 440 student teaching hours at an appropriate grade level.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
1 Campus Road
Staten Island, NY 10301
(718) 420-4070
karen.demoss@wagner.edu
http://wagner.edu/education/acadlife/grad/
For individuals who possess a drive to help students with mild to severe disabilities reach their highest academic and social potential, be sure you check out these Master’s in Special Education programs in New York that have been fully accredited by the NCATE for excellence.
