Bachelor of Science in Education Program
Program Code: BSED-ED
Major Code: SCE
Dual Certification Program: Teachers of Childhood Special Education and Childhood Education

Exceptional Education Department
Ketchum Hall 204
(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

Undergraduate majors in special education and childhood education study within a cross-categorical program focusing on the education of students who have a variety of regular and special instructional needs. Included are students in disability groups traditionally associated with intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical/neurological disabilities, and learning and behavioral difficulties.

Graduates of the program typically obtain positions as teachers in inclusive classrooms, resource rooms, self-contained classrooms, special schools, residential facilities, or as consultant teachers in general education settings. Students who pursue initial certification in both childhood special education and childhood education are particularly well qualified to work with students with special needs in integrated education settings. Students  complete coursework in elementary education and special education to be recommended for initial certifications as a teacher of childhood education (grades 1–6) and all grades special education (preschool - grade 12) in New York State.

To obtain New York State teacher certification, all candidates who successfully complete the program will be required to pass all New York State Teacher Certification Examinations for special education and childhood education.

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

Admission Requirements

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 admission criteria should consult with the department. Entering freshmen who express an interest in special education and childhood education on their applications to Buffalo State who meet the required admissions criteria for teacher education programs will be accepted into special education and childhood education. Candidates who do not yet meet the minimum criteria may be accepted into the premajor. They may apply for the full major after

1. successfully completing 12 credit hours at Buffalo State, and
2. earning a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Transfer students from other colleges or Buffalo State students who wish to transfer from another major, will be directly accepted into the special education and childhood education program if they meet all minimum criteria for teacher education programs. Candidates who do not meet all of the minimum criteria may be accepted as premajors if they have not completed 60 or more credit hours. They may apply for the full major after

1. successfully completing 12 credit hours at Buffalo State; and
2. earning a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Buffalo State students who are undeclared or wishing to change to an special education and childhood education major from another major will be accepted directly into the program if they meet all of the minimum criteriafor teacher education programs. Candidates who do not meet all of the minimum criteria may be accepted as premajors if they have not completed 60 or more credit hours. They may apply for the full major after

1. successfully completing 12 credit hours at Buffalo State; and
2. earning a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

Program Requirements

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Some General Education 23 courses may overlap with required courses in the major, distribution, and concentration which could significantly reduce the total number of credit hours required. Advisement is strongly encouraged.