Published:
Both here and abroad, Stephen M. Shore, EdD, clinical assistant professor, stresses the importance of a strength-based model to help empower individuals on the autism spectrum.
Special Education
Become an advocate for children with unique needs, enhancing the quality of life for your students and their families.
Why Earn an MS in Special Education?
Prepare for a career helping children with a diverse range of abilities reach their fullest potential. You’ll train to work in inclusive settings and regular classrooms that encourage children to become as independent as possible and successfully promote their inclusion into a broad spectrum of activities. As a special education advocate, your career will be dedicated to upholding the dignity of every child and creating a climate in which all children and families are valued and respected.
Why Earn Your MS in Special Education at Adelphi University in New York?
- Benefit from a flexible, personalized experience with low student-teacher ratios made up of a mix of face-to-face and online learning, with weekend courses across the Garden City and Manhattan locations.
- Gain hands-on experience through field placements in public and private schools in a range of diverse communities specializing in the unique needs of children with disabilities.
- Learn from experienced professors who are committed to improving education for all students in inclusive, diverse and special needs settings.
95%*
* based on Adelphi University Career Outcomes Survey: Class of 2021
of our master’s graduates say that Adelphi University increased their understanding of the roles and responsibilities of professionals in their field
based on Adelphi University Career Outcomes Survey: Class of 2021
Let the staff and professors at Adelphi help prepare and guide you to the place you’ve always wanted to be. Be open to new possibilities and you will find yourself setting goals far greater than you initially set out to achieve. Join us. The world needs more of Adelphi’s teachers.
Program Offerings
Choose from our variety of programs based on the age group you are looking to serve.
Early Childhood Special Education Programs (Birth-Grade 2)
- MS in Early Childhood Special Education, Dual Certification (Pre-Service Track) – For students who do not hold New York State teacher certification in any area
- MS in Early Childhood Special Education, Single Certification (In-Service Track) – For students who already hold NYS certification in early childhood education
- MS in Early Childhood Special Education, Dual Certification (In-Service Track) – For students who already hold NYS certification, but not in early childhood or special education
Childhood (Elementary) Special Education Programs
- MS in Childhood Special Education in Inclusive Settings, Dual Certification (Pre-Service Track) – For students who do not hold NYS teacher certification in any area
- MS in Childhood Special Education (In-Service track) – For students who already hold NYS certification in childhood education
- MS in Childhood Special Education in Inclusive Settings, Dual Certification (In-Service Track) – For students who already hold NYS teacher certification, but not in early childhood or special education
- MS in Childhood Special Education Studies (Non-Certification track)
Adolescent (High School) Special Education Programs
- MS in Adolescent Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Settings (Pre-Service Dual Generalist with Extension) – For students who do not hold NYS teacher certification in secondary content or special education
- MS in Adolescent Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Settings (In-Service Generalist with Extension) – For students who already hold NYS certification in adolescent education
- MS in Adolescent Students with Disabilities in Inclusive Settings (In-Service Generalist with Optional Extension) – For students who have NYS teacher certification in an area other than adolescent education
Bilingual Childhood (Elementary) Special Education Programs
- MS in Bilingual Childhood Special Education in Inclusive Settings, Tri-Certification (Pre-Service Track) – For students who do not hold NYS teacher certification in any area
- MS in Bilingual Childhood Special Education in Inclusive Settings, Tri-Certification (In-Service Track) – For students who already hold NYS certification in childhood education
- MS in Bilingual Childhood Special Education in Inclusive Settings, Alternative Certificate (Transitional B Program) – This program grants the Transitional B license category to career changers or noncertified teachers to teach in shortage areas
Advanced Certificates
- Adolescent Students with Disabilities 7-12 Generalist -Alternative Certificate: Transitional B Program – For students with a valid NYS teacher certification. Now offered online and at Manhattan Center. The next cohort will start in the Fall. The cohort for the NYC Teaching Fellows will start Fall 2023.
- Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education – A master’s degree and a valid NYS certification in early childhood education are required for entrance into this program
- Advanced Certificate in Childhood Special Education, Grades 1-6 – A master’s degree and a valid NYS certification in childhood education are required for entrance into this program (offered online)
- Advanced Certificate in Autism and Severe or Multiple Disabilities – A master’s degree is required for entrance into this program
- Advanced Certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorder (Non-Teacher Certification) – students with an undergraduate degree in any subject can apply for admittance.
Daryl Gordon, PhD works with Adelphi students alongside a service dog.
Exceptional Hands-On Learning
Our program is grounded in courses using field-based methods, which provide our students with critical hands-on teaching experience. These courses in the New York area offer you the opportunity to practice in the classroom before entering the more formal student teaching practicum. In addition to the experience they receive on campus at the Alice Brown Early Learning Center, our students will have the opportunity to intern at one of a variety of places, including:
Program Info
Application Requirements
Applicants for these programs must have completed a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and should submit the following:
- Graduate application and $60 fee
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal essay (500 words)
- Official transcripts from all prior institutions and proof of bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution
- Master’s degree proof, with a minimum 3.0 GPA, for advanced certificates
Admissions
Awards & Recognition
Abound
Adelphi has been recognized among the nation’s top professional graduate degree programs by Abound: Grad School for providing affordable and flexible options, accessibility to professors and campus support services, opportunities to accelerate graduation, and prep for sustained career growth.
A Top Grad School
Colleges of Distinction
Adelphi has been recognized among Best Colleges in Education by the Colleges of Distinction organization for our excellence in teaching.
Top Ranked in Education
NC-SARA Approved
Adelphi University has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Approved Distance Education
Abound
Adelphi is recognized among Abound’s 2023 Best Online Colleges North for our high-quality faculty and our supportive student experience, including providing the guidance, resources and services that our online students need to succeed both academically and professionally.
Top Ranked for Online Study
Colleges of Distinction
Adelphi has been honored for initiatives to become an increasingly welcoming, inclusive community for students and faculty.
Top Ranked in Equity & Inclusion
U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report ranked Adelphi University as a Best College nationwide in the National Universities category, for the fifth consecutive year.
Best College
Contact
Phone Number
Fax
More Info
Location
Nexus Building First Floor
Hours
- Mon-Thu: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm Fri: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
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