A caregiver working with a young child.

Master of Science  in
Special Education

Program of Study

programofstudy

You can complete the program either full-time over 12 months, starting in the summer, or part-time. The program includes coursework and a full-time internship in local schools, working with students both with and without disabilities. Your work will require professional responsibilities and professional interactions.
 

Core Courses

  • Classroom Literacy Instruction
  • Literature for Children and Young Adults or Academic Literacy Across Instructional Contexts
  • Culturally Responsive Literacy Intervention in the Content Areas
  • Anti-Racist Math and Science Inquiry Instruction
  • Fostering Safe and Supportive Educational Environments
  • Teaching Students with High Support Needs
  • Inclusive Assessment Practices
  • Curriculum and Instruction: Collaboration, Strategies, and Differentiation
  • Educating Students with Emotional Disorders and Challenging Behaviors: Advanced Tiers of Support

Clinical Internship

The Special Education MS program requires a full-time clinical internship working with students with disabilities. This internship is accompanied by a seminar led by a faculty member.


Additional Program/NYSED Requirements

  • Needs of Students with Autism Training
  • Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) Training
  • Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Training (You must complete the new Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment/Neglect Training as of January 2025)
  • School Violence Prevention and Intervention (SAVE) Training

 

Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for program requirement details.

For more information, contact the Pathways Into Education (PIE) Center at [email protected]​​​​​​​.

This program is approved for licensure or certification in New York State.
For more information on Professional Licensure Disclosure, please see the Graduate Bulletin.

Admissions Requirements

admissions
Deadlines
Deadlines

Fall: April 15
Spring: Not Available
Summer: April 15

There is no departmental assistantship consideration for this program.

Required Application Materials
Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three letters of recommendation (one must be from a faculty member attesting to academic ability)

Supplemental Documents

  • Valid New York Initial or Professional Classroom Teacher Certificate

Available information for applicants.

Special Notes
Special Notes

This program is not available to international applicants. 

Applicants are required to have successfully completed 6 credits in each of the following areas: ELA, Math, Social Studies and Sciences. Those lacking one or more course may still be considered for admission with the requirement that the missing courses are completed during the program. Applicants to this program should include copies of teaching certifications held. Admission is contingent on proof of valid New York State Teaching Certification. 

Please note: This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

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.


 

Logo for the AAQEP - Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Accreditation Details
Accreditation Details

The programs listed below have been awarded full accreditation by AAQEP through June 30, 2028. Full accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to maintain quality.


AAQEP-Accredited Programs and Annual Reports at the University at Albany


Advanced Graduate Certificate Programs


Master of Science Programs

Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Science
Master of Science
  • Students will demonstrate a broad knowledge of the theoretical basis of educational psychology.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of the research basis of educational psychology and will have methodological competence to carry out primary statistical analyses and to evaluate the credibility of research findings.
  • Students will be able to design and carry out a small-scale research study that addresses a relevant issue in the field of educational psychology.
slo

Careers and Advisement

The Pathways Into Education (PIE) Center is the central office on campus serving undergraduate, graduate, and prospective students interested in pursuing careers in education and programs leading to teacher certification.

Please call or email to schedule an appointment.

Graduate Advisement:
Email Graduate Advisement
518-442-3529