Master's of Science in Education: Special Education
The Medaille Special Education graduate program will consistently emphasize theory to practice. This Degree is specifically designed for individuals who currently hold or are working towards provisional or initial New York State certification in childhood or middle childhood education. The Medaille program also allows licensed, graduate level teachers to cross certify in special education. Graduates of the Medaille program will understand and be prepared to focus on the unique academic, cognitive, social, and emotional needs of students receiving special education services. Simultaneously, our graduates will help diverse learners to succeed in general education settings. Collaboration with colleagues and families will be emphasized and combined with enhancing the overall knowledge and individual skills of the Special Educator. Students in the Special Education graduate program at Medaille College will, at all times, be treated as professionals whose opinion, knowledge, and experiences count.
Special Education (M.S.Ed.)
Degree Conferred: Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.)
The Purpose of the Program
To provide the academic training required for provisionally certified educators (1 - 6; 5 - 9) to qualify for professional certification in childhood or middle childhood special education. Students who enter the program with a baccalaureate degree will earn a Master of Science degree in Education. Students who already have a Masters degree and certification in childhood or middle childhood general education can enter the program towards earning a cross certification in Special Education.
The Goal of the Program
To produce Special Education professionals who can effectively teach students with a wide range of special needs in both inclusive and special education settings. Graduates will be able to effectively modify instruction, curriculum, and materials for those learners while working collaboratively with other educators, professionals, parents, and the community.
Times
This program is scheduled to be completed in 15 months. It is offered on the college’s 7-1-7 schedule with courses scheduled in Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Each semester will include one full semester (15 week) course and one course during each seven week module for a total of nine credits. Degree students will progress through the program as a single cohort taking a pre-identified sequence of courses each semester. Non-degree students seeking cross certification in special education will meet individually with the Program Director to plan their respective programs. Cross certification will include four specifically designated courses taken over a single, regular school year based on the above identified 7-1-7 course schedule.
Special Education Course Offerings
The following sequence represents the order courses will be offered in the Special Education Masters program at Medaille College starting September, 2006. Exceptions and/or changes may be made based on previous courses taken, enrollment status, or other changes in program expectations. Students should contact the Program Director for more information. Individual courses will include field experience components.
CORE COURSES
FALL TERM
ESP 600 Foundations of Special Education 3 credits
ECI 510 Research in Education 3 credits
ESP 601 Learning Disabilities: Theory & Practice 3 credits
SPRING TERM
ESP 604 Educating Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities 3 credits
ESP 606 Assistive Technology in Special Education 3 credits
ESP 602 Educating Students with Emotional & Behavioral Disabilities 3 credits
SUMMER TERM
ESP 608 Assessment of Students with Disabilities at the 3 credits
Childhood & Middle Childhood Levels
ESP 605 Educating Students with Severe & Multiple Disabilities 3 credits
ESP 603 Identification, Assessment, & Treatment Models 3 credits
for At-Risk Readers
FALL TERM
ESP 607 Professional & Family Collaboration in Schools 3 credits
ECI 695 Seminar: Teacher as Researcher
ESP 610 Integrative Practicum Seminars: Childhood 1 credits
ESP 677 Student Teaching in Special Education: Childhood 3 credits
OR
ESP 611 Integrative Practicum Seminar: Middle Childhood 1 credits
ESP 678 Student Teaching in Special Education: Middle Childhood 3 credits
TOTAL 37 credits
CROSS CERTIFICATION CORE COURSES
ESP 600 Foundations of Special Education 3 credits
ESP 602 Educating Students with Emotional & Behavioral Disabilities 3 credits
ESP 604 Educating Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities 3 credits
ESP 608 Assessment of Students with Disabilities at the Childhood & 3 credits
Middle Childhood Levels
TOTAL 12 credits
For more information contact Lou Sandler, Ph.D., Special Education Program Director (lsandler@medaille.edu), (716) 880-2561.
