Students with Disabilities Programs
Students with Disabilities Programs
Molloy University’s Students with Disabilities graduate programs provide you with the essential skills you need to meet the rigorous demands and responsibilities of a special education teacher.
The New York State Department of Education (NYSED) is phasing out its special education certificates in the developmental levels of 1-6 and 7-12 in favor of the new Students with Disabilities - All Grades certification. If you pursue this licensure, you can work with students with disabilities in any grade level.
Our Students with Disabilities Master of Science degree program prepares you for this new licensure, empowering you to provide inclusive education for students with disabilities. If you are already a special education teacher, our Teaching Students with Disabilities All Grades-PreK-12 - M.S. will lead to professional certification. We offer hybrid master’s programs for those seeking initial certification in childhood or adolescent education.
About the Students With Disabilities Programs
We offer many innovative opportunities for you to develop your knowledge, skills, and disposition to address the academic and social-emotional functioning of students with and without disabilities. Our special education graduate programs include experiential components such as:
- Three phases of supervised fieldwork
- Authentic experiences in and out of the classroom
- Project-based group work
- Community outreach opportunities
Career Changers
Our hybrid master’s programs prepare you to engage in a dynamic career, teaching diverse populations. You will earn dual degrees in the subject matter of your choice and the Students with Disabilities master’s. You will be prepared for NYS initial certification through coursework, practicums, workshops, and research projects that provide authentic learning experiences. Dual teacher certification programs include:
- Childhood Education (1-6)
- Adolescent Education Biology (7-12)
- Adolescent Education Chemistry (7-12)
- Adolescent Education Earth Science (7-12)
- Adolescent Education English (7-12)
- Adolescent Education Mathematics (7-12)
- Adolescent Education Physics (7-12)
- Adolescent Education Social Studies (7-12)
- Adolescent Education Spanish (7-12)
Current Teachers
If you already hold initial certification in another subject matter, our Students with Disabilities master’s degree will prepare you to earn initial certification. Already have initial certification to teach Students with Disabilities - All Grades? This program also prepares you for professional certification.
Benefits of Molloy’s Graduate Special Education Programs
Online and Hybrid Learning
Because most of our students are working full-time—either as teachers or in another field—we have created flexible graduate special education programs. If you already hold initial certification, you can complete the Students with Disabilities program entirely online. We offer courses in a hybrid format for those seeking initial certification in this field. Summer sessions help students complete coursework in a timely manner because a three-credit course can be completed in five weeks instead of 14.
Evidence-Based Curriculum
Our Students with Disabilities coursework focuses on evidence-based contemporary pedagogy and current research that informs authentic classroom practices. You will be prepared to teach and lead diverse learners, including students with special needs, through a multimodal curriculum infused with technology.
Meaningful Experiences
The Students with Disabilities programs are involved in the Mother Cabrini Health foundation regional grant, which provides free social emotional learning/English language arts enrichment programs to partnership schools. You can apply for scholarships to participate in this exciting program to address barriers and socioeconomic disparities.
Experienced Faculty
Our faculty members are highly skilled special education teachers, internationally known researchers, and best-selling authors. Small classes mean you can get to know your professors, who will provide individualized advisement and mentorship—even after graduation. You may collaborate with your professors on their groundbreaking research and innovative projects, enhancing your academic and professional credentials.
Partnerships With Local School Districts
As a part of initial licensure, NYSED requires special education teachers to have experience in a “high-needs” school. Our district partners meet this designation and often hire our Students with Disabilities program graduates.
Careers for Students With Disabilities Graduates
Our Students with Disabilities teacher certification programs train you to work with students from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12. There are always openings for special education teachers, and Molloy students enjoy strong career placement.
If you are a career changer, our hybrid master’s programs allow you to pursue initial licensure for SWD and another focus area. You can begin a rewarding teaching career where you can positively impact the lives of students.
Current teachers can add initial licensure for SWD to their existing license with our Students with Disabilities program, expanding their career options and enabling them to provide inclusive education for students with disabilities.
If you already hold initial licensure to teach students with disabilities, our special education graduate program gives you the background you need to apply for NYSED professional licensure. Professional licensure is permanent, so provided you meet your continuing education requirements, you will have long-term career stability. A professional license could also provide opportunities for advancement.
Graduate Education Programs
- Adolescent Education Graduate Programs
- Childhood/Early Childhood Education Graduate Programs
- Educational Technology Graduate Programs
- TESOL Graduate Programs
Take the Next Step
Become a teacher leader and start making a difference in your community today.
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