A caregiver working with a young child.

Master of Science 

Special Education (Internship Certificate)

Program of Study

programofstudy

You could complete the program over 12 months, starting in June. After taking introductory courses over the summer, you take advanced evening classes and participate in integrated fieldwork throughout the fall and spring semesters. These applied learning experiences take place in local classrooms with students with special needs.

As a student at UAlbany, you get to work with children and specialists in educational settings such as schools, community organizations, and other learning sites. Your work will require both professional responsibilities and professional interactions.


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

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

Core Courses

  • Classroom Literacy Instruction
  • Instructional Environments and Practices for Students with Disabilities
  • Developing Reading Comprehension and Content Knowledge for Students with Disabilities
  • Math and Inquiry Instruction for Students with Disabilities
  • Managing School and Classroom-wide Student Behavior to Promote Efficient and Effective Instruction
  • Teaching Students with Severe and Multiple Disabilities
  • Assessment of Students with Disabilities
  • Teaching Written Expression to Students with Disabilities
  • Educating Students with Emotional Disorders and Challenging Behaviors: Advanced Tiers of Support


Clinical Internship

  • Clinical Internship Seminar: Teaching Students with Disabilities
  • One of the following: Teaching Students with Disabilities; Clinical Internship: Teaching Students with Disabilities; or Clinical Internship: Teaching Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders


Additional Requirements

  • Needs of Students with Autism Training
  • Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) Training

This program is approved for licensure or certification in New York State and the institution has not made a determination regarding the educational requirements for any other state.

Admissions Requirements

admissions
Deadlines

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

There is no departmental assistantship consideration for this program.

Required Application Materials
  • Transcripts from all schools attended
  • Three letters of recommendation


Supplemental Documents

Valid NY Childhood Education Certificate

 

Available information for applicants.

 

Special Notes

This program is not available to international applicants.  Full consideration will be given to applicants who apply by the Priority Review Deadline. 

Applicants to this program should include copies of teaching certifications held. In addition, as of December 31, 2013, all applicants for certification are required to complete six clock hours in DASA (Dignity for All Students Act) training. 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

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

Note: Students admitted to this program must complete the degree requirements and be awarded their degree by Summer 2026 (no later than August 31, 2026) in order to comply with the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Additional details regarding this NYSED requirement. The department is currently in the process of creating a new program that meets the new NYSED certification requirements. Please check the Graduate Bulletin and the School of Education webpage for updates.

Student Learning Objectives


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

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.
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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