The Division of Special Education offers three programs leading to a Master of Science in Special Education and two programs leading to a Master of Science in Special Education and Literacy. Those wishing to pursue doctoral study in special education should inquire about the special education concentration within the Ph.D. program in Education Psychology. Information is available on the Web at https://www.albany.edu/special-education
Admissions
In addition to the general University requirements for admission to graduate study, applicants to most of the programs in special education must hold a provisional or initial teaching certification. Applicants must have teaching certification in Childhood Education (Elementary). Students without teacher certification or with certifications in other areas would need to enter the two year Master of Science in Special Education and Literacy program. Typical requisites for admissions include one of the following:
- a 3.0 cumulative average in the applicant's last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework, or
- a 3.5 cumulative average in 9 hours of graduate study taken before admission
Diversity among student backgrounds and views is desired. To this end, the admissions committee also considers applicants' accomplishments and personal qualities as reflected in their application statement and recommendations.
Applicants to the Special Education programs also must participate in one of two full day interviews typically offered in the spring and submit references regarding their academic abilities and child interaction skills. In addition, certified teachers applying to the program must submit their New York State Teacher Certification Examination scores. Students are usually admitted to begin the program in the summer session. Please contact the special education office for more specific admission information and the dates of the interviews. Applications should be submitted by April 1st.
