Special Education All Grades Online
Initial - 43 Credit Hours | Advanced - 37 Credit Hours
Special Education Online program emphasizes knowledge of the foundations of special education, characteristics of learners, assessment, as well as instructional methods, accommodations and modifications for students within various special education programs.
The overall goal of the program is to provide teachers with the knowledge of instructional principles and practices for teaching students with disabilities and to offer the opportunity to pursue a master of science in education degree. Special educators in today’s world are dedicated professionals who want to make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities. They are committed to the field of special education. They appreciate and embrace the diverse range of students’ needs. They remain lifelong learners as they seek out and implement validated practices supported by research in the field. They are able to work effectively within a variety of settings, situations and personalities.
Special education teachers are able to assess and evaluate student progress, make appropriate accommodations and deliver individualized instruction that is based upon each student’s individual educational program. Finally, special educators are constant agents of positive change in a demanding yet exciting field.
Additionally, Niagara’s special education programs are housed in a College of Education that was one of the first in New York state to obtain national accreditation through CAEP, and has maintained this national accreditation continuously since 1984.
Our special education master’s program is now offered in a 100% online format for busy teachers who find it difficult to commute to campus, but who would like to have the opportunity to engage in professional development in a graduate program.
Core courses are offered that range from special education foundations, policies and practices to student assessment, classroom strategies and modifications necessary to enhance student learning.
Our program is offered completely online, allowing flexibility for the working professional. Course offerings are scheduled to help you complete the program in a convenient time-frame, and practicum hours may be fulfilled within the work place.
Our highly credentialed faculty have extensive field experience. With our small class size, you will receive the individual attention you deserve.
NU develops special education teachers to make a difference in the lives of young children, and to be constant agents of positive change in an exciting field.
Students can complete the special education certificate in two years.
Students will be assigned a faculty advisor upon completion of the application for admission. Students should meet with the assigned advisor prior to beginning their program of study and periodically thereafter. The advisor will assist the student in planning his/her program.
Decisions for admittance into the graduate program are based upon a comprehensive system, which includes multiple measures to assess the personal characteristics, communications and basic skills proficiency of candidates.
This system includes (a) application (b) official transcripts or in-progress letter (c) references (d) statement of intent (e) resume and/or experience profile
Students may attend an interview which will examine the student’s career goals, personal readiness for their program, multicultural sensitivity and awareness, and personal judgment and decision-making skills.
Yes!
If you are matriculated (accepted) student you may qualify for a Stafford Student Loan, a Federal Perkins Loan, a TAP award (New York state residents).
Students must maintain a B average in course work and successfully complete a comprehensive examination and all practicum and internship placements.
There are several courses where candidates are expected to work with students with exceptionalities. These experiences are intended to develop their abilities to apply the research and theory learned within coursework, as well as meet New York State certification requirements. Candidates in the online programs may complete field experiences in a school of their choice as long as the students they are working with meet the grade level expectations and have Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs). Candidates who need assistance arranging a school placement may wish to communicate with the course instructor or advisor for support. Candidates will need to document their field work following the guidelines of the instructor. At the conclusion of the program, all candidates will complete the practicum of 100 hours (for Advanced programs) or 70 days of student teaching (for Initial programs) under the mentorship of a certified special education teacher and a Niagara University faculty member. Candidates may complete their field experiences in schools where they are employed as long as the documented hours are in the appropriate grade level and with direct support to students with exceptional learning needs.
Specific requirements for certification are continuously changing and students may consult Certification Requirements for the latest information. Candidates completing this Advanced Certificate program qualify for Students with Disabilities initial certification 1-6 or 7-12 if they first hold initial certification in childhood 1-6 or adolescence 7-12 and pass the appropriate Students with Disabilities Content Specialty Test and Multi-Subject Content Specialty Test. Most students will have already completed the Educating All Students (EAS) exam and Dignity for All Students (DASA) workshop. These are also requirements for certification in Students with Disabilities and must be completed prior to recommendation for certification. The Teacher Certification Officer in the College of Education can assist students with the application process.
Special Education Teacher
Directors of Early Childhood Program
Development Specialist
Childcare Services
Family Services
Council for the Accreditation for Teacher Education (CAEP)
