Professional Certification in Special Education (Advanced Preparation) - MSEd

Program Coordinator

Kate Garnett (Track 1: Learning Disabilities)
(212) 772-4749
920 West
kgarnett@hunter.cuny.edu

Tom McIntyre (Track 2: Behavior Disorders)
914 West Building
(212) 772-4706
thomas.mcintyre@hunter.cuny.edu

Bonnie Keilty (Track 3: Early Childhood Special Education)
(212) 772-4709
929 West Building
bkeilty@hunter.cuny.edu

This master’s degree program (Academic Plan: SEAPR-MSED) is designed to provide advanced training to certified special education teachers who need graduate work leading to a master’s degree for professional certification in special education. It is also designed for those with special education certification who are seeking to further their knowledge/skills and gain an additional age-level certificate (birth to grade 2 or grades 1-6).

This program offers three tracks:

Learning Disabilities (SEAPRLD): Those seeking professional certification in Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6 with a concentration in Learning Disabilities.
Behavior Disorders (SEAPRBD): Those seeking professional certification in Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6 with a concentration in Behavior Disorders.
Early Childhood Special Education (SEAPRECSE): Those seeking professional certification in Students with Disabilities Birth to Grade 2.

Admission Requirements

NYS initial or professional certification in students with disabilities grades 1-6 or birth to grade 2 or NYS permanent certification in special education, K-12.
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0 or a master’s degree in special education (any age-level) with a GPA of at least 3.5.
Two professional references.
A personal statement.
Submission of official score report on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), except applicants who are certified teacher or school administrators and hold a graduate degree.

Progress Standards

Minimum GPA for Retention - Graduate students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to remain at Hunter College. Students whose grades fall below this standard are required to raise their GPAs to at least 3.0 within one semester.
No F in the first two semesters—students who receive a grade of F or WU in any course in the first two semesters will not be allowed to continue in the program.
Progress holds due to Incomplete Grades - Students with two or more INCs will not be allowed to register for any courses.
Key Course Performance Standards
- Students must receive a grade of at least a B in key program courses.
- Students who receive a grade of F or WU in key program courses may not continue in the program.
- Key Program Courses are identified by the label (KC) in the course title.

Course of Study

Academic Plan

SEAPR-MSED

Subplans

LD Track: SEAPRLD
BD Track: SEAPRBD
ECSE Track: SEAPRECSE

Total Credits

Track 1 - Learning Disabilities

Plus

14 credits of electives from coursework related to—other special education topics, behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorders, early childhood special education (could qualify for additional age level), blind/VI, deaf/HH, gifted and talented (could apply for a NYS extension), and severe/multiple disabilities (could apply for a NYS annotation)—to be determined jointly in mandatory consultation with a program adviser. (Note: written approval of a student’s plan is required.)

Track 2 - Behavior Disorders

Plus

12 credits of electives from coursework related to—other special education topics, behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorders, early childhood special education (could qualify for additional age level), blind/VI, deaf/HH, gifted and talented (could apply for a NYS extension), and severe/multiple disabilities (could apply for a NYS annotation)—to be determined jointly with mandatory consultation with a program adviser. (Note: written approval of a student’s plan is required.)

Track 3 - Early Childhood Special Education

Plus

11-12 credits of electives from coursework related to—other special education topics, behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorders, early childhood special education (could qualify for additional age level), blind/VI, deaf/HH, gifted and talented (could apply for a NYS extension), and severe/multiple disabilities (could apply for a NYS annotation)—to be determined jointly with mandatory consultation with a program adviser. (Note: written approval of a student’s plan is required.)

Exit Requirements

An overall GPA of 3.0.
Maintain a valid and appropriate NYS certification.
Perform satisfactorily on a two-part culminating activity:
A comprehensive research-based oral presentation on a current special education issue
and either an original written research proposal
or a written proposal for competitive grant funding.
Complete the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) workshop.