Early Childhood Special Education (M.S.E.)

30 credits

NYSED 25486/25489

The 30-credit master's degree program in early childhood special education prepares teachers who already have early childhood (birth–grade 2) or elementary (pre-K–6) certification, offering the knowledge and skills needed for teaching special education in programs for children from birth through grade 2.

This program places special emphasis on children with disabilities in preschool and the primary grades. The coursework and field experiences develop competencies in understanding, assessing, and instructing children with disabilities and lead to New York state certification as a teacher of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Education.


CIP Code

13.1015 - Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special Education Programs.


You can use the CIP code to learn more about career paths associated with this field of study and, for international students, possible post-graduation visa extensions. Learn more about CIP codes and other information resources.

In addition to the general admission and completion requirements for master's-level graduate study, candidates must provide evidence of their initial/provisional or permanent/professional certification as an early childhood or elementary teacher.

 Program of Study

Course Title Credits
CTGE 6192Research in the Teaching Process3
CTGE 6261Media Literacy Technology3
CTGE 5157Assessment Strategies for Young Children with Disabilities3
CTGE 6002Beginning Literacy Development in Inclusive Classrooms3
or CTGE 6781 Instructing Bilingual Special Education Students
CTGE 6320Col/Consult w/Fam & Prof3
or CTGE 5234 Family, Community, and All Young Children
CTGE 6340Interventions Read / Write3
CTGE 5421Planning Instruction for Young Children with Disabilities3
CTGE 6305Dev Delays / Early Interv3
or PSGE 5301 Psychological Factors in Young Children with Disabilities
CTGE 6350Positive Behavior Support3
CTGE 5222Practicum for In-Service Teachers (Requires one semester of student teaching) 13
CTGE 0707Early Childhood Education Portfolio 20
Total Credits30
1

Fieldwork required. 

2

There is a fee associated with this course. 

Required Workshops

The following workshop is required for students in this program:

Course Title Credits
EDGE 0270Autism Training Module0