Inclusive Special Education (Grades 1-6), M.S.

The master’s degree in Inclusive Special Education (Grades 1-6, Preparation) prepares graduates to work with children and adolescents with disabilities, to ensure their right to a meaningful education in a general education setting.

Significant scholarships for diverse applicants:
— Baldanza Fellows Program full scholarships and stipends for future educators committed to working in Syracuse-area schools.
— Project IMPRESS: full scholarships for future educators interested in working with students with disabilities who have high-intensity needs.

This program provides students with a background in childhood or elementary education the tools to understand and assess student needs, develop instruction that incorporates multiple learning styles, to understand culturally responsive and sustaining perspectives and pedagogies, and help all children succeed. 

Graduates meet the academic requirements for initial and professional New York State teacher certification in Students with Disabilities (grades 1-6); existing initial certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) is required.

Suggested Application Deadline: January 15 | More admissions information

Why Inclusive Special Education at Syracuse University?

• Complete your degree in 15 months of full-time study, or complete your degree part time – many classes are in the afternoon, evening, or summer to accommodate working teachers.
• Learn from faculty who define inclusion broadly and develop knowledge and skills to work with the full range of learners in schools, including students with disabilities, students who are not native English speakers, LGBTQ youth, and students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. 
• Be prepared to teach in K-6 and K-8 school settings, providing both general education and specific content knowledge instruction for all students.
• Participate in EDU Sims, which are standardized simulations of common interactions in classroom and school environments to help you identify your strengths and develop your professional skills.
• Have at least three field placements in a diverse range of settings including urban and suburban schools in kindergarten and elementary school classrooms and other settings. 
• Join a small student cohort and a highly engaged alumni network who will become your lifelong colleagues. 
• Take part in School of Education short-term study abroad trips or semester-long programs around the world. School of Education students are also eligible for exclusive funding to support study abroad experiences.

Our graduates are in K-12 schools and other youth contexts including:

• Special or general education classroom teachers
• Teaching assistants or aides
• Consultant Teachers
• Teacher leaders, department chairs, and school administrators
• Research and advocacy organizations
• Community centers, agencies, and non-profit organizations
• Further studies including Educational Leadership, Special Education, or another area of interest.

Program Contacts

Breana Nieves Vergara, Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions

bknieves@syr.edu|315.443.2505

Lauren Gill, Career and Certification Counselor

lcschmid@syr.edu|315.443.2956

Julia M. White, Associate Professor

jmwhit02@syr.edu|315.443.9321