A teacher helping a young child learn to read.

Master of Science  in
Special Education and Literacy (I)

Get Certified to Teach Young Learners with Special Needs

Become qualified to teach students in grades K-12 who need thoughtfully designed and differentiated instruction to succeed in school.

The master's in special education and literacy is designed for already-certified childhood educators looking to gain skills and credentials in teaching students with diverse learning needs. Your course of study will emphasize how evidence-based practices and social-justice ideologies operate interdependently to disrupt inequity and promote school success for all students.

You will experience a richly integrated blend of coursework to support new professional competencies and extensive applied field work to build proficiency in those competencies.

Earning this degree leads to initial/professional certification for teaching students with disabilities in all grades, and for teaching all levels of literacy from birth through grade six. Program completion also fulfills your graduate degree requirement for receiving professional certification in elementary education. The resulting combined certifications in general education, special education and literacy will make you highly desirable to educational organizations seeking talented, well-rounded professionals.

Program of Study

programofstudy

To fully prepare you to work with exceptional children in elementary classrooms, this curriculum includes intensive practicum and internship experiences.

Your coursework will include topics such as:

  • Teaching literacy to diverse students
  • Practica in literacy instruction
  • Teaching children with special needs
     

Clinical Internship with Integrated Seminar in Teaching Students with Disabilities

In this full-time internship, you gain supervised clinical experience working with students with disabilities in education settings. The accompanying seminar covers special topics to help you succeed in your fieldwork.

Master's Project


NYSED Training Requirements

  • Needs of Students with Autism Training
  • Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)
  • Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Training
  • School Violence Prevention and Intervention (SAVE) Training
     

To pursue professional certification once you complete the program, you must request the University recommend you to the New York State Department of Education.


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.

NYS Teacher Certification

Earning this master's degree qualifies you to achieve initial/professional certification in teaching literacy to children in all grades and initial/professional certification in teaching students with disabilities in all grades.

In addition, this graduate program leads to professional teacher certification in childhood education (grades 1-6) in New York State.

Graduates are commonly employed as elementary school, special education, and literacy teachers in public and private elementary schools, and as specialists in disability services and community agencies.

Story time in class
certification
Practical Training

As a graduate student at UAlbany, you move through an integrated sequence of courses and field experiences in which you acquire the knowledge needed to successfully teach in special education and literacy settings.

Courses are held online or in the evening on campus. During the school day, you develop skills teaching special education classes and interacting with students, colleagues, and administrators in elementary schools and human service organizations.

Student getting help reading
training

Admissions Requirements

admissions
Deadlines
Deadlines

Fall: March 15
Spring: Not Available
Summer: Not Available

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

Prior teaching certificate in Elementary/Childhood Education

Available information for applicants.

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. Prior teaching certificate in Elementary/Childhood Education required for entrance to program. 

Applicants to this program should include copies of teaching certifications held. Admission is contingent on proof of valid New York State Teaching Certification and passing grades on these examinations for all applicants.

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

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

Request Information

×

Loading...

Take the next step!