Degree Requirements

The M.S. in Childhood Education and Special Education (Dual Certification, Grades 1-6) requires the completion of 45 credits.

Total Credits for Graduation – 45

Grades
All courses in the education program are evaluated with letter grades. The pass/fail distinction is used only with the final comprehensive exam

Students enrolled in the graduate program must attain a B or higher in each class and maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the course of study.

Exit Requirements
All students are required to pass a comprehensive examination. Students take this examination at the completion of the program and must register at least three months before the published test administration date.

Exit Criteria and Certification 
A student who successfully completes all academic and professional requirements will be recommended by the Teacher Education Department for initial/professional New York State certification in childhood education grades 1-6 and special education grades 1-6. Academic requirements include completion of all courses with the prescribed grades and grade point average. Professional requirements include demonstration of effective behaviors appropriate to the profession.

Certification Requirements

In order to receive college endorsement for certification, students must complete the following state mandated workshops:

• Multi-Subject Content Specialty Test
• Students With Disabilities Content Specialty Test
• EAS Certification Exam
• Child Abuse Identification Workshop
• Violence Prevention Workshop
• DASA Workshop
• Autism Workshop **This workshop is integrated into coursework as approved by New York State Department of Education.**