Special Education (Grades 1-6) MSEd

Special educators have one of the most complex, challenging and rewarding roles in today’s schools. In this program, you’ll receive ongoing support while working closely with full-time special education faculty who bring extensive experience working with students with a wide range of learning characteristics.

Quick Facts

Application Deadline April 1

You Can Start Summer or Fall

Delivery Option Main Campus

Cost Per Credit Hour $471

Credit Hours 30-33

Estimated Completion Time 12 Months

Overview

This program focuses on developing your abilities to maximize learning for students with mild, moderate and severe disabilities through specialized planning and instruction matched to individual learner characteristics. You will develop valuable collaboration and co-teaching competencies to support students with disabilities in general education classrooms grades 1-6.

You will extend your specialized professional development through courses and field experiences for serving students who have autism and other complex developmental disabilities, and for assessment, data-based decision making, positive behavior interventions and assistive technology for a wide range of learners. 

Curriculum

The childhood special education grades 1-6 program is 33 credit hours and features 21 credit hours of teacher preparation core and 12 credit hours of professional core.

Master of Science in Education (initial) Master of Science in Education (professional)

Special Education (Grades 1-6)

Rich and Authentic Learning

Our candidates are immersed in learning how to ensure all students are meaningfully included, have true access to education and receive quality instruction. For our most complex kids, we need our most highly skilled teachers. We produce those candidates. 

Outcomes

As a graduate of this program, you will deepen your professional knowledge and expertise in the field, and further develop leadership skills needed to help schools deliver quality inclusive education for all children. Graduates of this program are are sought-after because of their depth of preparation in key areas for all learners. Successful completion of this program provides current teachers with the necessary degree requirements to obtain 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!

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CAEP 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.

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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.

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$500,000

in total awards given every year to our graduate students

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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.

female student teacher working one on one with a student

Available at the Syracuse Campus

Oswego's Special Education (Grades 1-6) program is also available at the Syracuse Campus, offering you the opportunity to study in your backyard.

Syracuse Campus

Admission Requirements

Official transcript
Submit official transcripts confirming your bachelor’s or master’s degree/advanced certificate. This includes graduate-level coursework or post-baccalaureate degree/certificate. U.S. transcripts must be sent directly from the granting institution (electronic or mail). All international transcripts require verification via a World Education Services (WES) credit evaluation. If you are a SUNY Oswego alum, your official transcript will be automatically requested after entering your student ID and identifying SUNY Oswego as your school on the application upon submitting your application.
GPA

A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better is recommended for applicants to be competitive in the application process. 

GRE

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional for admission. For those students who have a GPA below a 3.0,  it is highly recommended.

Program advisement meeting

Prospective students will meet with faculty and other department chairs to outline and select effective courses to best assist you in your chosen field. 

Education essay

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.)

Initial teaching certification

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.
Resume

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.

Two letters of recommendation

Indicate two names with valid email addresses. We will send an email request directly to the references on your behalf. These references should be able to speak to your character, work ethic and abilities and should come from a college professor as well as from your student teaching experience or a professional supervisor.

Application fee

Prospective students are charged a non-refundable $65 fee for processing the application.

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Next Steps to Apply

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