Are you searching for Master’s in Special Education degree programs in New Jersey to advance your career working with students with unique learning needs? Well, you have come to the right place because the “Garden State” is packed full of some of the best universities in the North and several exemplary graduate education programs that have been given the stamp of approval by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the northeastern United States as the 11th most populous and most densely populated state, New Jersey lies entirely within the sprawling metropolitan areas of New York City and Philadelphia. With opportunities for aspiring special educators to put their skills to practice in the countless schools in the region, the following are the accredited Master’s programs focused on the various specialty areas of special education.
Note: Those interested in distance learning programs should consult our recommendations for Online Master’s in Special Education.
Monmouth University
School of Education
Situated on a 156-acre suburban campus in West Long Branch within an ideal location between New York City and Philadelphia, Monmouth University is a dynamic comprehensive private institution that is home to a close-knit community of nearly 5,000 students. Featured in the “Best 378 Colleges in 2014” from the prestigious Princeton Review, MU is currently ranked as the 30th best college and 9th top school for veterans in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. Also nationally acclaimed for having the 126th best online graduate education programs, the School of Education aims to prepare highly competent educators who have the knowledge, 21st century skills, and attitudes needed to improve teaching in the region.
Master of Science in Education (MS.Ed.) in Special Education: Teacher of Students with Disabilities Track
Designed to prepare teachers who wish to advance their practical skills in working effectively with students, families, colleagues, and community members within diverse populations, the Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TSD) track is offered to graduate students who already hold a Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (CEAS) or a Standard New Jersey instructional certificate. Throughout the 30-credit program, individuals are provided with comprehensive theoretical and practical application experiences to ensure that all teachers are well-prepared for addressing the learning and language needs of exceptional students from preschool to high school.
Master of Science in Education (MS.Ed.) in Special Education: Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant Track
With the mission of preparing teachers to specialize in evaluating and instructing students with special needs to serve effectively as learning consultants on child study teams of diverse populations, the Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant (LDTC) track is highly focused on the collaboration between educators, support personnel, administrators, and family members. Along with requiring graduate students to complete a minimum of 30 semester credits, all are expected to complete field practicum and an internship in a special education setting. To be eligible for the endorsement, individuals must provide documentation demonstrating three years of successful teaching experience.
Master of Science in Education (MS.Ed.) in Special Education: Teaching in Inclusive Settings Track
Focused on preparing educators with an emphasis on instructional strategies, differentiated instruction, and accommodations for co-teaching between general and special education, the Teaching in Inclusive Settings track is designed to provide the necessary skills needed for teachers to be successful in inclusive education. Offered exclusively to graduate students who have already gained certification as a teacher in New Jersey, the 30-credit program covers topics in advanced literacy instruction, diagnosis of learning disabilities, curricula interventions, instructional methods, assessment strategies, classroom management, learning theories, physiological aspects of learning, and professional collaboration.
Master of Science in Education (MS.Ed.) in Special Education: Autism Track
As an innovative online endorsement program offered to certified teachers, the Autism track is centered on preparing teachers to focus on the design of educational services for students who are on the autism spectrum. In preparation for special educators wishing to effectively instruct children with autism, the 30-credit program includes identifying students with autism, developing individual education plans (IEPs), teaching or supervising students with autism, and understanding the laws and policies surrounding special education. At the completion of the degree track, graduates have a full arsenal of effective research-based teaching strategies as well as social, behavioral, and communicative interventions to support students with autism.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Middle State Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
McAllan Hall Room 216
400 Cedar Avenue
West Long Branch, NJ 07764
(732) 263-5689
smoore@monmouth.edu
http://www.monmouth.edu/school-of-education/special-education.aspx
Montclair State University
College of Education and Human Services
Building on a illustrious 105-year history as a leading public institution of higher education in New Jersey, Montclair State University is located on a beautiful 250-acre suburban campus just 14 miles from downtown Manhattan. Described by the U.S. Education Trust as a “Top Gap Closer” for increasing graduation rates for minority students, MSU is currently ranked as the 54th best college, 11th top public school, and 17th best university for veterans in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. Furthermore, the College of Education and Human Services is recognized as the 149th best education school in the nation for producing quality educators.
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education: Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certification
As an advanced teacher certification program for those who already possess certification as a general education teacher and wish to obtain special education certification, the Master of Education in Special Education program enables educators to receive Teacher of Students with Disabilities certification in New Jersey. Along with the required 36 semester credits for certification in special education, future educators must complete a culminating action research project that extends learning by providing experience in designing and implementing an instructional plan related to inclusive education.
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Inclusive Early Childhood Education: Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certification
Designed for educators who are already certified in Early Childhood or Elementary Education and want to become certified for practice in inclusive settings, the M.Ed. in Inclusive Early Child Education with Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TSD) is focused on educating young children from P-3 grade levels. In collaboration with the Center on Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health, teachers can also select an Autism concentration. Upon completion of the 36-credit hour program, graduates are well-prepared to work with students with disabilities and their families as early childhood teachers, inclusion facilitators, educational consultants, or home-based early intervention specialists.
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant
As an endorsement on a teaching certificate that requires a minimum of three years of successful teaching experience for admissions, this Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree program prepares educators to step into the role of Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant (LDT-C) with certification in New Jersey. The program is strongly focused on providing the skills needed to be effective members of child study teams for the assessment, placement, IEP development, and program monitoring of students eligible for receiving special education services for exceptional learning needs.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Middle State Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
1 Normal Avenue
Montclair, NJ 07043
(973) 655-5167
cehs@mail.montclair.edu
http://www.montclair.edu/cehs/academics/centers-and-institutes/cop/teacher/special-ed/
Rider University
School of Education
As a learner-centered private institution founded in a strong liberal arts tradition, Rider University is situated on a 280-acre suburban campus in the town of Lawrenceville. According to the U.S. News and World Report, Rider is currently ranked as the 18th best college and 2nd top university for veterans in the North. Within the first private New Jersey institution to hold the highest accreditation possible in teacher preparation from the NCATE, the School of Education is committed to preparing undergraduate and graduate students for professional careers in education, organizations, and agencies in today’s diverse American society.
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Special Education: Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certification
With the goal of preparing certified teachers with a regular New Jersey instructional certificate to teach students with special learning needs in a variety of K-12 educational settings, the Master of Arts in Special Education program provides the academic and practical experience opportunities needed to become eligible for the Teacher of Students with Disabilities certification endorsement. Throughout the 36-credit program, educators are trained to better understand the nature of disabilities, become familiar with resources for individuals with disabilities, and learn the best practices to become leaders in meeting the challenges of diverse classrooms.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Middle State Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
Memorial Hall Room 102D
2083 Lawrenceville Rd.
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
(609) 895-5483
tjacobson@rider.edu
https://www.rider.edu/academics/colleges-schools/college-education-human-services/graduate/ma-special-education
Rowan University
College of Education
Considered one of the most highly regarded comprehensive public institutions in the mid-Atlantic region, Rowan University is located 20 minutes from Philadelphia on an 800-acre suburban campus in Glassboro with a community of over 11,000 students. Rowan is currently ranked in a tie as the 18th best college, 3rd top public school, and 2nd best university for veterans in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. Also acclaimed for having the 131st best online graduate education programs, the College of Education has been awarded the first Program of Distinction in Teacher Education by the New Jersey State Department of Higher Education for excellence in preparing competent qualified educators.
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Special Education
Offered to teachers who possess an instructional certificate and want to pursue a master’s degree with certification for special education, the M.A. in Special Education program provides advanced studies focused on the psychological, educational, and sociological needs of children with disabilities. As preparation for receiving the Teacher of Students with Disabilities certification in New Jersey, the program’s coursework and field practicum are structured to develop a deep understanding of special education students combined with the pedagogical teaching strategies to accommodate their learning needs with curriculum modifications.
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Learning Disabilities
As an innovative program designed to offer certified teachers with the knowledge needs to meet the unique needs of students with learning disabilities found in both regular and special education classrooms, the M.A. in Learning Disabilities program is offered in two distinct tracks with collaborative field experiences. While teachers seeking to work in collaboration with other members of child study teams can following the Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant track, graduate students who wish to facilitate learning for young children with developmental disabilities can participate in the Preschool Track.
Graduate Endorsement: Teacher of Students with Disabilities
In compliance with New Jersey State Regulations for teacher licensure, the Graduate Endorsement program is designed for individuals who possess a standard instructional certificate and wish to obtain the Teacher of Students with Disabilities certification without earning a master’s degree. With each course in the program building upon prior knowledge and practical teaching skills gained in initial certification programs, teachers participate in related field experiences to foster a thorough understanding of students with special learning needs.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Middle State Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
201 Mullica Hill Rd.
Glassboro, NJ 08028
(856) 256-5659
kuder@rowan.edu
http://www.rowan.edu/colleges/education/programs/llse/programs.html
The College of New Jersey
School of Education
Situated on a beautiful 289-acre tree-lined suburban campus in Ewing Township with approximately 6,500 students, the College of New Jersey is a highly selective comprehensive public liberal arts institution that has become an exemplar of the best in public higher education. Recognized as one of the 75 most competitive schools in the nation by Barron’s Profiles of American Colleges, TCNJ is ranked as the 5th best college and 1st top public school in the North by the U.S. News and World Report. Due to a shining reputation for excellence, the School of Education continues to be the most in-demand source of qualified educators in the region and across the entire state.
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education (SEDB)
Tailored for teachers who already hold teacher certification in areas other than special education and desire becoming certified as Teacher of Students with Disabilities, the M.Ed. in Special Education (SEDB) program follows a 33-credit curriculum path that culminates in on-job internship training experience. While students are provided with an in-depth broad-based exposure to a variety of strategies to support students with disabilities, the program also enables teachers to choose a specific area of interest for further study, such as positive reinforcement or augmentative communication.
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Teacher of the Blind/Visually Impaired
As the only program in the state created to address the profession’s continual national shortage of qualified educators to instruct students who are blind or visually impaired, the M.Ed. in Teacher of the Blind/Visually Impaired program prepares graduate students to serve as itinerant teachers in New Jersey’s public school systems. Focused on the critical areas of Braille literacy, assistive technologies, professional collaboration, and specialized strategies, the program aims to help students with visual disabilities to function independently in general education classrooms in P-12 settings.
Post-Master’s Teacher of Students with Disabilities Certificate (SEDH)
Offered exclusively to graduate students who have a CEAS or standard instructional certificate in elementary, secondary, or a content area with prior coursework in Child Psychology and Reading, the Post-Master’s SEDH program is designed for certified teachers to extend their expertise with certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities. Throughout the 24-credit hour approved program, educators participate in coursework on remedial instruction, learning disabilities, classroom management, collaboration, consultation, assistive technology, positive behavior supports, and graduate practicum experience for 20 hours per week.
Post-Master’s Learning Disabilities Consultant Certificate (SEDG)
Designed for experienced educators with at least three years of teaching experience who already hold a Master’s degree in a related field, this Post-Master’s SEDG program leads to state certification as a Learning Disabilities Teacher/Consultant. Comprised of a cluster of core courses that develop the key skills of being an educational specialist working on child study teams in P-12 school environments, the program also includes an externship in an approved school setting under the supervision of an assigned certified LDTC mentor for valuable field practice experience.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Middle State Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
Education Building Room 102
2000 Pennington Rd.
Ewing, NJ 08628
(609) 771-2308
speced@tcnj.deu
https://specialeducation.tcnj.edu/graduate/special-education-programs/
William Paterson University
College of Education
Standing proudly on a 370-acre campus in suburban northern New Jersey just 20 miles from New York City and just three miles from the Great Falls National Historical Park, William Paterson University is a comprehensive public residential institution known for offering affordable education to a diverse community of more than 11,500 students. According to the U.S. News and World Report, WPU is ranked as the 101st best college and 31st top public school in the North for 2014. Serving as a major resource for state educational practitioners, the College of Education promotes teaching and learning by contributing to the collaborative participation of students in the diverse society.
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education: Learning Disabilities Track
Provided to teachers who have gained certification and have documented at least three years of successful teaching experience in any P-12 setting, this M.Ed. in Special Education program is designed to fulfill the eligibility requirements needed to gain New Jersey certification as a Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant (LDT-C). Intended to provide all of the latest advanced theories on educational research, instructional delivery, academic trends, community services, technological advancements, societal attitudes, and effective practices for the education of students with disabilities, the program is focused on preparing graduates to act as collaborators with educators, supervisors, and other support personnel to serve those receiving special education services. Upon completion of the 39-credit program, graduates must successfully pass a comprehensive examination to receive the degree and certification.
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education: Teacher of Students with Disabilities Track
With the goal of preparing competent special educators of students with mild and moderate disabilities as collaborators, this Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education program is focused on providing the foundational didactic and field experiences needed to be eligible for certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities in New Jersey. In order to enroll in the program, individuals must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher, two letters of professional reference, and a minimum total score of 850 on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Throughout the 37-credit program with a Master’s research thesis, students are actively engaged in coursework on educational foundations, school-based assessment, assistive technologies, literacy learning strategies, collaboration between home and school, demonstration teaching, and classroom management.
Accreditations
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
Middle State Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact Information
300 Pompton Rd.
Wayne, NJ 07470
(973) 720-2138
educdean@wpunj.edu
https://www.wpunj.edu/coe/departments/sped/
As one of the most rapidly growing areas of opportunity for educators, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of special education teachers is expected to grow faster than average by 17 percent before 2020. With greater diagnostic attention being placed on children with developmental and intellectual disorders creating a rising demand for special education services, it is an advantageous time for aspiring special educators to begin the path towards certification. Therefore, it is recommended that teachers within the “Garden State” check out these top-notch Master’s in Special Education degree programs in New Jersey to get started in a rewarding career instructing students with mild to moderate disabilities.
