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Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-Grade 2), M.S.

The M.S. program in Inclusive Special Education (Severe/Multiple Disabilities) is not currently accepting applications. View other master’s degree programs in Inclusive Special Education (Grades 1-6, Preparation) and Inclusive Special Education (Grades 7-12 Generalist). If you have any questions or would like to discuss other graduate degree options, please contact:

Breana Nieves Vergara, Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions
bknieves@syr.edu|315.443.2505
Breana Nieves Vergara

Program Requirements

The Early Childhood Special Education master’s program requires a 60 credits and can be completed in 16 months of full-time study, starting in May through August of the following year.

Students take courses in early childhood development, principles and practices of special education, curriculum, assessment, and teaching methods. Coursework areas may include:

  • Methods and Curriculum in Early Childhood Education
  • Teaching Math, Science, and Social Studies in Early Childhood Education
  • Positive Approaches to Challenging Behavior
  • Inclusive Professional Practices
  • Collaboration in Schools
  • Adapting Instruction for Diverse Student Needs

Students with no previous teacher certification may be required to complete a series of liberal arts distribution courses to fulfill prerequisite requirements for certification. Many of these are usually fulfilled by previous undergraduate and graduate study, or they can be completed after you start your master’s program (but before graduation). These requirements are determined by reviewing your transcripts during the admissions process; contact the department for more information.

Students complete a portfolio demonstrating professional competence as a culminating experience, including evidence of planning, support for students’ learning, assessment, and teaching philosophy, as well as beliefs in inclusive special education, working with families, and culturally responsive education.

More information on academic requirements available in the Syracuse University Course Catalog.