Master of Science in Education Program:
Program Code: MSED-ED
Major Code: EXC

Exceptional Education Department
Ketchum Hall 204
(716) 878-3038
General Information (voice mail): (716) 878-3038
exceptionaleducation.buffalostate.edu/

Accredited: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) (formerly NCATE)

Enrollment in all teacher education programs follows the guidelines for "Admission to Teacher Education Programs" found in this catalog.  Applicants who do not yet meet all admissions criteria should consult with the department.

Professional Licensure: This program leads to a recommendation for NYS certification; please check for certification requirements in all other states

The special education programs lead to a master of science in education degree and eligibility for New York State certification in special education. The teaching bilingual exceptional individuals program leads to eligibility for a New York State Bilingual Education Extension. The early childhood and childhood special education graduate programs are designed for students with undergraduate majors in early childhood, childhood, or special education.

The Exceptional Education Department offers three specialty master of science in education degree programs in special education: early childhood (B-2), childhood (1-6), and generalist (7-12) secondary. Students who are not provisionally/initially certified in special education must complete up to 18 credit hours of preliminary coursework in addition to the program area requirements. Students in a generalist (7-12) secondary program may require additional New York State content core and/or specific subject area coursework. Required preliminary courses are listed under each program area below. All three programs require the completion of a research component: EXE 684 and EXE 690, which must be taken in sequential order at the end of the program. The Exceptional Education Department also offers a Special Education Bilingual Certificate Program. Successful completion of this program leads to recommendation for New York State certification extension in bilingual education. Students are able to complete this certificate program concurrently with one of the special education masters of science in education programs offered by the department.

Advisement

Because of the variety of options available in the department, it is imperative that majors and premajors seek advisement as early as possible. Students should contact their assigned academic advisers. Each student designs programs of study with his or her adviser according to the student’s goals and background.

Practicum

Practicum assignments link theoretical coursework with the applied demands of a wide variety of internship settings. Practicum sites are available to meet the needs and interests of nearly all students and are selected by the program coordinator.

Premajor Status

Students may not apply for premajor status. They apply to the graduate program, and the department decides if they are accepted to the program as majors or premajors. Premajors may enroll, by advisement, in two EXE courses at the 500 level (e.g., EXE 500, EXE 501) only.  Premajors must reapply for admission as majors by submitting a change of major form to the Graduate Studies Office during or after the completion of two EXE courses. Premajors are not guaranteed admission to the program.  At the point of admission to the major, candidates must have a 3.0 GPA and a grade of B or higher in each of the courses completed as a premajor.

About the Early Childhood Program

This program prepares early interventionists and teachers to work with infants and young children with disabilities—or young children at risk for being identified with a disability—and their families. The program is cross-categorical; prospective teachers receive coursework related to working with students with physical, intellectual, sensory, communication, and/or behavioral disorders.

The role of the early interventionist or preschool teacher is to facilitate the child’s development of social, motor, communication, self-help, cognitive, and behavioral skills. Interventionists are expected to design activities and environments to enhance the child’s concept of self, sense of competence and control, and independence. Because a number of educational programs serving this population subscribe to an interdisciplinary approach, much of the assessment, planning, and implementation of programs is done in collaboration with other members of the professional team.

Candidates should consult the Teacher Certification website for current seminars and workshops. https://teachercertification.buffalostate.edu/seminars-and-workshops

Admission Requirements

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale). Admission is competitive; not all qualified applicants are admitted.
2. Certification or eligible for certification in early childhood special education, childhood special education, or generalist (7-12) special education. Applicants with certification or eligible for certification in early childhood education, childhood education, or secondary education must meet additional special education certification requirements once enrolled. For generalist (7-12) secondary program only, applicants without any teaching certifications will be considered. Applicants for the generalist (7-12) secondary program must meet additional special education certification requirements as well as New York State content core and subject area requirements once enrolled.
3. A written statement describing the applicant’s philosophy of education and relevant experiences in the field that are applicable to the graduate course of study. This statement must adhere to standard written English.
4. Faculty review.
5. Completion of a special application (included in the online application).
6. The ability to speak English and Spanish, and complete an oral interview (for Special Education: Bilingual Certificate Program applicants only).

In addition, all applicants should review the Admission to a Graduate Program section in this catalog.

Successful completion of the undergraduate program in exceptional education at Buffalo State is not a guarantee of admission to a graduate program. A point system based on the above criteria is used to evaluate applicants. Applicants with the highest point totals are admitted to the program each admission period. Only students admitted to the major (as majors or premajors) may take courses other than EXE 500 .

Program Requirements

¹

Admission to EXE 684 is by special permission. An application is completed the semester prior to admission. See the department office for application deadlines.

²

 Selected under advisement.