Teaching Students with Disabilities - Childhood (MS)
This program is no longer accepting new students after Summer 2023 and will be discontinued. New York State is transitioning to an All Grades Special Education Certification. Students who matriculate in Fall 2023 or later will be enrolled in the All Grades Special Education Certification. Students who wish to switch to the All Grades certification should contact their advisor.
Department Chair: Marya Grande, PhD
The Special Education Master of Science Degree Program at Canisius is designed for those dedicated to meeting the needs of students with disabilities, placing a strong emphasis on theory, research and practicum experience. The curriculum enables candidates to develop an understanding of etiology, related psychological and social factors and techniques proven effective for teaching students with diverse learning needs.
This program prepares candidates already holding a Childhood Certificate (Grades 1-6) to gain Initial and Professional Certification in Students with Disabilities 1-6.
Licensure Disclosure
Canisius University cannot determine whether completion of this program would be sufficient to meet licensure requirements outside of New York State for the intended occupation. We advise you to contact your state licensing board or appropriate licensing entity to determine whether the program meets requirements for Professional Licensure in the state where you are located or the state in which you intend to pursue licensure. Please contact the associate dean of your school if you have further questions.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SPE 580 | Classroom Management | 3 |
| EDU 556 | Assessment for Diverse Learners | 3 |
| SPE 644 | Collaborative Practices on a Transdisciplinary Team | 3 |
| SPE 640 | Learning and Behavioral Disabilities (LBD); Etiology and Research Based Interventions | 3 |
| SPE 631 | Reading and Writing Process for Students with Learning and Behavioral Disorders | 3 |
| SPE 650 | Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders: Etiology & Educational Needs | 3 |
| SPE 652 | Functional Curriculum for Students with Severe Disabilities and ASD | 3 |
| EDU 615 | Research Methods | 3 |
| Take one of the following (in consultation with program director) | 3 | |
| Pre-Student Teaching | ||
Special Education Elective | ||
| SPE 592 | Student Teaching | 4.5 |
| Total Credits | 31.5 | |
Early Childhood
Candidates wishing to extend their certification to teach birth to grade 2 should consult their adviser.
Middle Childhood
Candidates wishing to obtain an extension to teach grades 7-9 in their content area must add a middle childhood extension.
