Hofstra University's special education offerings include an array of master's degree and advanced certificate programs, which provide a comprehensive, integrated experience aimed at developing skills and competencies in educating the exceptional child and adolescent in inclusive and special education settings. The special education programs prepare students with broad-based experiences in all areas of special education with a strong developmental focus at all levels.
Our Childhood Special Education programs offer training and certification in Students with Disabilities in Grades 1-6. The program goal is to develop ethical scholar-practitioners who will be committed to social justice and dedicated to reflective, participatory, and collaborative teaching processes. The purpose of the inclusive childhood special education program is to enable teachers to serve in a variety of professional roles at the elementary school level, which will foster inclusive and collaborative practice.
Hofstra University’s School of Education offers its Inclusive Elementary Special Education, MSEd to candidates who are seeking their first teacher prep program, which will help them earn both their NYS Initial Childhood Grades 1-6 and Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6 certifications. Candidates with no prior background in education who are seeking to work with both Childhood and Special Education populations are encouraged to apply.
Learn More about the Inclusive Elementary Special Education, MSEd
Hofstra University’s School of Education offers its Elementary Special Education, MSEd to candidates who hold their NYS Initial certification in Childhood Grades 1-6 and are seeking their NYS Initial certification in Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6. Students must meet the additional requirements in order to receive the New York State Annotation to Teach Students with Severe or Multiple Disabilities. Candidates should have a degree in education along with a current NYS teaching certification in Childhood Grades 1-6 to apply.
Learn More About the Elementary Special Education, MSEd
Hofstra University’s School of Education offers its Special Education, MSEd to candidates who hold their NYS Initial certification in Childhood Grades 1-6 and are seeking their NYS Initial certification in Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6. Candidates should have a degree in education along with a current NYS teaching certification in Childhood Grades 1-6 to apply.
Learn More About the Special Education, MSEd
Hofstra University’s School of Education offers its Childhood Special Education, Advanced Certificate to candidates who hold their NYS Initial/Professional certification in Childhood Grades 1-6 and are seeking their NYS certification in Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6. Candidates should have both an undergraduate and graduate degree in education along with a current NYS teaching certification in Early Childhood to apply.
Learn More About the Childhood Special Education, AC
Explore Dual Certification Options
Hofstra University’s School of Education offers its Dual Certification Literacy Studies (Birth-Grade 6) and Special Education (Grades 1-6), MSEd to those who hold their NYS Initial certification in Childhood Grades 1-6, and are seeking both their NYS Initial certification in Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6 and Literacy Grades B-6. Candidates should have a degree in education along with a current NYS teaching certification in Childhood 1-6 to apply.
Learn More about the Literacy Studies & Special Education, MSEd
Hofstra University’s School of Education offers a dual certification master’s program in both Special Education Grades 1-6 and Teaching English as a Second Language K-12. Candidates will be prepared to serve students with disabilities by earning the NYS Students with Disabilities certification, as well as provide TESOL services to K-12 learners, having earned the NYS TESOL K-12 certification. Applicants must hold base certification in Childhood Grades 1-6 to be considered.
Learn More About the Special Education & TESOL, MSEd
Getting Started
Applications for admission to this Master of Science in Education program in the Department of Specialized Programs in Education are made to the Office of Graduate Admission. Admissions decisions are based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria. The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the criteria listed below but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate. All individual cases will be reviewed by an Admissions Counselor before being referred to the graduate program for further review.
- A completed application form to the master’s program.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, or it’s equivalent (e.g., a 3.0 in a completed graduate program). We encourage you to submit all transcripts from your undergraduate work and any graduate work for consideration.
- Three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching of students with disabilities.
- A written personal statement of professional intent.
- Interview with a faculty member in Special Education.
Applicants to the Childhood Special Education, AC should have a master’s degree along with their NYS teacher certification. For candidates to the Inclusive Childhood Special Education, MSEd, students will not be required to have a background in education or a NYS certification to apply. All other programs are designed as an extension program offering Students with Disabilities and would require candidates to have their Initial certification
Student Resources
Special Education Research, Policy & Practice
SPECIAL EDUCATION RESEARCH, POLICY & PRACTICE is an online peer-reviewed journal committed to advancing the professional development of special education professionals through research, policy, and practice. This electronic journal seeks new contributions based on original work of practitioners and researchers with specific focus on, or implications for, the field of special education. Manuscripts submitted will be articles on research, policy, and practice relative to special education. Articles would:
Be research-based submissions that address current practice issues in the field of special education.
Seek to make a new contribution to the field of special education.
Be solicited in a variety of categories.
Review our Special Education Peer Reviewed Journal
