SUNY Potsdam offers three certification pathways to prepare teachers to work with students receiving special education services in public schools. The programs have been designed to meet the regulations of the New York State Education Department, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and The Council for Exceptional Children standard.

Upon completion, candidates in the MSEd Inclusive and Special Education programs, will meet the academic requirements for certification in their current certification area, and be recommended for their Initial/Professional certification in one of the following levels:

• Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-Grade 2)
• Childhood Special Education (Grades 1-6)
• Adolescence Special Education (Grades 7-12, Generalist)

Requirements for Admission

General Graduate Admission Requirements  Additional Admission Requirements  

1. Verification of a current teaching certificate in early childhood, childhood, middle childhood, or adolescence education (or their equivalent).
2. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A=4.0) in the most recent 60 semester hours of undergraduate/graduate study.
3. Submission of three professional letters of recommendation with cover sheets from persons who can provide information about the academic and teaching potential of the applicant (e.g., former or current professors, school administrator, or other professional references).
4. Prerequisites:
   1. literacy/reading methods (6 credit hours)
   2. an introductory course in special education (3 credit hours)
   3. a minimum of 50 hours of field experience
   4. at least 20 days of student teaching
5. In accordance with New York State certification regulations, applicants for certification in special education must have preparation in general education at the level they are seeking in special education. For example, an applicant holding an Elementary Education certificate valid for Grades PK-6 is eligible to complete Special Education programs at the Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2) or Childhood (Grades 1-6) levels. For applicants intending to complete the new Students with Disabilities Generalist certification, additional prerequisites include meeting the general requirements for the content core (major or concentration in liberal arts and sciences) AND six semester hours each in math, science, English language arts and social studies. These may be at the undergraduate or graduate level.
6. Candidates with other certifications (e.g. music, art, physical education, speech) should consult with the Chair of the Inclusive and Special Education Department. Prerequisite courses will be determined on an individual basis.

A student who does not satisfy one or more of the above may, in some cases, be conditionally admitted.

Additional Degree Information

This program provides the academic preparation required for Initial/Professional certification in special education. However, applicants for certification will need to meet additional state testing and other requirements to be eligible for certification. Questions about certification should be addressed to the Office of Teacher Certification and Field Experiences, 111 Satterlee Hall.

Student progress is carefully monitored throughout the MSEd Special Education programs based on demonstration of appropriate knowledge, skills and dispositions. Students are provided with information on program expectations in their first semester. Students not making satisfactory progress will be counseled by their adviser and may be dropped from the program.

Special Education Course Requirements

A minimum of 36 credit hours with an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher is required for the granting of any of the MSEd Special Education degrees.