Master of Science in Education
Special Education Grades 1-6 or Grades 7-12

New Special Education Brochure pdf

Niagara University’s College of Education offers a 40 credit-hour program leads to initial/professional certification in teaching students with disabilities in grades 1-6 or 7-12.  A core of courses are offered that range from special education foundations, policies and practices to student assessment, classroom strategies and modifications necessary to enhance student learning.

Candidates gain an understanding and appreciation of the diverse nature of students in schools today so that they can, with intensive coursework and fieldwork, create a learning environment where the needs of all students are met.

Certification

This 40-credit program leads to initial/professional certification in teaching students with disabilities, grades 1-6, or teaching students with disabilities, grades 7-12. Candidates must hold a teaching certificate in either elementary or secondary education to be admitted and therefore may also use this degree to satisfy requirements for professional (permanent) certification.

Goal

The overall goal of the program is to provide teachers with the knowledge of instructional principles and practices for teaching students with disabilities and to offer the opportunity to pursue a master of science in education degree.

Objectives

• To prepare teachers for the policies and practices of teaching students with disabilities.
• To provide teachers with a professional core of courses emphasizing special education services and enhancing performance of students with disabilities.
• To familiarize teachers with various cultural, ethnic, racial and social backgrounds so that they may create a classroom environment which provides an atmosphere in which students can learn according to their abilities.
• To provide teachers with classroom methods, effective instructional strategies, and curriculum/ assessment modifications necessary for instructing students with disabilities within the general education framework of inclusive practices.
• To prepare teachers with identification instruments and strategies through testing and observation of students with physical, emotional, social and learning disabilities.
• To assist teachers in creating a classroom environment for the inclusion of all children, regardless of ability, in which they can enhance performance in all areas of the curricular standards.

Requirements of the Program

The required core courses are designed to meet the New York state requirements for approved programs.

Required Foundations Courses (15 credits)

Required Advanced Courses (12 credits)

Required Field Courses (6 credits) 

Supplemental Electives (6 credits)

Required Culminating Experience

Advisor:  Dr. Kozen - akozen@niagara.edu  - 716-286-7386

Special Educators in today’s world are dedicated professionals who want to make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities.  They are committed to the field of special education.  They appreciate and embrace the diverse range of students’ needs.  They remain lifelong learners as they seek out and implement validated practices supported by research in the field.  They are able to work effectively within a variety of settings, situations and personalities.  Special education teachers are able to assess and evaluate student progress; make appropriate accommodations and deliver individualized instruction that is based upon each student’s individual educational program.  Finally, special educators are constant agents of positive change in a demanding yet exciting field.