Contact:

Gail Ensher, 150 Huntington Hall, 315-443-9650, glensher@syr.edu

Program Features:

• This 31-credit program is designed for master’s degree candidates who already have a NYS Initial Certificate for teaching students with disabilities, and seek to enhance their professional credentials by satisfying requirements for a NYS Annotation in Severe Disabilities as they earn their graduate degrees;
• Special emphases on working in inclusive classrooms, serving diverse student populations, using technology (including assistive technology), and achieving full professional practice as a teacher, researcher, and builder of practical theory;
• Flexible time options that allow full-time students to earn their degrees in 12-14 months and part-time students to proceed at a pace that satisfies their individual needs;
• Study at a research university with a long-standing reputation as a leader in the field of special education.

Admission Prerequisites:

Applicants to the program are expected to have completed the following by the time they begin the program:

• A bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent, as determined by the faculty) from an accredited institution;
• NYS initial certification in Students with Disabilities (Birth-2, 1-6, 5-9, or 7-12).

Admission to this program is competitive. Decisions are based on grade point average (GPA), recommendations, field experience, and the stated goals of candidates. An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 is required, with exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the faculty. An interview is required of each candidate (a telephone interview option is available for applicants from outside the Central New York area). Standard tests, such as the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE’s) are not required.

New York State Teacher Certification Information

Students who successfully complete this program qualify for an Annotation in Severe and Multiple Disabilities and may also use this master’s degree as a credential to meet academic requirements for next level (professional) certificates in other areas in which they hold initial certification. Students apply for the Annotation in Severe and Multiple Disabilities through the NYS Approved Program pathway to certification, i.e., with Syracuse University’s verification of completion of this approved program. Applications for other New York State professional certificates are made by the student directly to the NYS Education Department through the Certificate Progression Pathway. Some teaching experience is required before the professional certificate is awarded. No additional NYS teacher examinations are required for the Annotation in Severe and Multiple Disabilities.

Capstone Project Requirement:

The Capstone Project requires a review of research and analysis relating to research on a mutually agreed upon topic (by student and advisor). To complete the Capstone Project, students must register for SPE 690 - Independent Study  (3 credits). Subject matter must concern individuals with severe disabilities, and focus on one of three age groups: early childhood, childhood, or adolescence. The study must address at least one of three major proficiency areas in working with students with severe-to-profound disabilities: content knowledge, inclusive and culturally responsive pedagogy; or assessment of student learning. The research paper and supporting data collected during the course of a semester are presented as an in fulfillment of final program requirements.