In today’s ever-changing educational landscape, special educators play a role that is both intricate and demanding yet immensely rewarding. Oswego’s program, offered at the Syracuse Campus, is designed to provide you with continuous support as you work closely with our dedicated full-time special education faculty, individuals who bring extensive experience in catering to students with diverse learning characteristics.
Quick Facts
Application Deadline April 1
You Can Start Summer or Fall
Delivery Option Syracuse Campus
Cost Per Credit Hour $471
Credit Hours 30-33
Estimated Completion Time 12 Months
Overview
Our program places a strong emphasis on honing your skills to optimize the learning experience for students with mild, moderate and severe disabilities. Through specialized planning and tailored instruction, you will acquire the tools to make a profound impact. Additionally, you will cultivate essential collaboration and co-teaching abilities, essential for supporting students with disabilities in general education classrooms spanning grades 1 through 6.
Furthermore, your professional growth will extend into the realm of specialized development. This will include coursework and immersive field experiences designed to equip you with the expertise necessary to serve students with autism and other complex developmental disabilities. Additionally, you will gain proficiency in assessment, data-driven decision-making, the implementation of positive behavior interventions and harnessing assistive technology to cater to a diverse range of learners.
Curriculum
The childhood special education program, focusing on grades 1-6, consists of 33 credit hours. This includes 21 credit hours dedicated to teacher preparation core courses and an additional 12 credit hours designated for professional core studies.
Master of Science in Education (initial) Master of Science in Education (professional)Study in your backyard.
Studying in person at the Syracuse campus, located close to home, offers students the advantage of a familiar setting while still benefiting from a thriving academic community and modern facilities.
Outcomes
Upon completing this program, you will not only enrich your professional knowledge and expertise within the field but also cultivate vital leadership skills essential for promoting the delivery of high-quality inclusive education in schools, benefiting all children. Graduates of this program are highly sought-after due to the comprehensive depth of their preparation in crucial areas for all types of learners. Furthermore, successfully finishing this program fulfills the degree requirements necessary for current teachers to attain their New York State professional teaching certification.
Career Opportunities
- Special education teacher for grades 1-6
This program has some of the most dedicated and caring faculty that are experts in this field. A variety of authentic placements allowed me to practice what we were learning in the classroom and helped me to gain crucial experience.
Being a part of this program was the greatest decision I made in my career. I learned so much from my field experiences and the professors that helped me become an even better teacher. The work was hard but it was worth it!
Program Resources
Information Sessions
Learn about our graduate programs through our information sessions today!
AAQEP Accredited
This program has earned national accreditation by demonstrating excellence in the areas of content and pedagogy, clinical experiences, selectivity, program impact, and capacity for continuous improvement.
Diversity Graduate Fellowship Program
Prospective students may be eligible for an award which includes an annual stipend, in addition to fully-paid tuition for full-time study.
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology helps level the playing field for students with disabilities. Candidates in the MSED Special Education program have access to cutting edge instructional and assistive technology.
More than 120 Graduate Assistantships Offered
Assistantships provide an opportunity to gain experience through professional work on campus.
$500,000
in total awards given every year to our graduate students
The Power of SUNY Tuition
Achieving your long-term career goals shouldn’t come at the expense of your immediate financial security. Oswego offers low tuition compared to many private colleges. Never sacrificing quality for affordability, our graduate students are receiving a nationally accredited program that will translate into effective knowledge and opportunities.
Available On-Campus
Oswego's special education (grades 1-6) program is also available in person, providing an opportunity for collaboration and hands-on learning experiences.
Application Requirements
A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better is recommended for applicants to be competitive in the application process.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional for admission. For those students who have a GPA below a 3.0, it is highly recommended.
Prospective students will meet with faculty and other department chairs to outline and select effective courses to best assist you in your chosen field.
In 500–1000 words, describe your personal achievements relating to your academic interests, and detail your educational and professional objectives with reasoning for applying to SUNY Oswego. Additionally, please write of your own understanding of education, what you would contribute to the School of Education, and how your past experiences and goals align with the Conceptual Framework and Dispositions? (To compose your answer, first examine the School of Education Conceptual Framework.)
New York State requires this entry-level certificate for classroom teachers with specific areas of interest. Submit a copy of your NYS initial teaching certificate in area of interest during the application process.
- 1-6 Initial: certificate must be in childhood education 1-6.
- 1-6 Professional: certificate must be in childhood special education.
Include a professional resume or curriculum vitae that includes your academic history, professional background and any accomplishments of note. This document should provide details that support your admittance to the program.
Indicate one name with a valid email address. We will send an email request directly to the reference on your behalf. The reference should be able to speak to your character, work ethic and abilities.
*Applicants who believe that additional letters of recommendation would strengthen their credentials for admission have the option to submit additional references as part of their application package.
Prospective students are charged a non-refundable $65 fee for processing the application.
Important: All international transcripts must be verified through a World Education Services (WES) credit evaluation as part of your application.
English Language Proficiency: Submit official TOEFL (79 overall, MBA 83) or IELTS (6.5) scores, unless exempt.
Visa and I-20 Documentation: After acceptance, upload your financial documents and passport copy to receive your Form I-20 for your visa application.
For more details, please visit Application Requirements for International Graduate Students.
All academic programs offered by SUNY Oswego that lead to a state license or certification in a particular profession have been designed to meet state licensing requirements in the state of New York. Our programs are not designed to meet licensure requirements in other states. If you plan to pursue a license in a particular profession in a state other than New York after you graduate, it is your responsibility to determine whether our curriculum will meet the requirements in the state where you plan to live and work. For questions about licensure disclosure, please contact SUNY Oswego's Provost Office.
Phone: 315-312-2290
Email: provost@oswego.edu.