Special Education

Why Earn an MS in Special Education at Adelphi University in New York?

With our early childhood special education master’s program, you’ll prepare for a career helping children with a diverse range of abilities reach their fullest potential. You’ll train to work in inclusive settings and regular classrooms that encourage children to become as independent as possible and successfully promote their inclusion into a broad spectrum of activities. As a special education advocate, your career will be dedicated to upholding the dignity of every child and creating a climate in which all children and families are valued and respected.

Why Earn Your MS in Special Education at Adelphi University in New York?

• Benefit from a flexible, personalized experience with low student-teacher ratios made up of a mix of face-to-face and online learning, with weekend courses across the Garden City and New York City locations.
• Gain hands-on experience through field placements in public and private schools in a range of diverse communities specializing in the unique needs of children with disabilities.
• Learn from experienced professors who are committed to improving education for all students in inclusive, diverse and special needs settings

What Can You Do With a Special Education Master’s Degree?

A special education master’s degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities. Many of our graduates are working in classrooms from preschool to high school, developing and implementing individualized education plans and helping their students succeed in those plans. Some also pursue other career paths. Some further occupations that can be pursued with a special education degree include:

• Academic intervention specialist: conducting assessments, developing interventions, working with students, teachers and parents to provide support for students with learning and behavioral problems.
• School psychologist: conducting assessments, developing interventions, providing counseling and working with students, teachers and parents to provide support for students with learning and behavioral problems. 
• Special education advocate, helping students with disabilities get needed services they need and working with parents, schools and other agencies to ensure students’ rights are protected.
• Curriculum specialist, developing and implementing programs for students with disabilities and working with teachers and other professionals to ensure the curriculum is appropriate and effective.
• Researcher, conducting academic, hospital and other institutional studies to improve understanding and treatment of disabilities. 
• Consultant, providing advice and support on assessment, instruction, and behavior management to schools, organizations and families on issues related to special education. 

What is the Difference between a Special Education Advanced Certificate and a Master’s in Special Education?

A master’s is a graduate degree, whereas an advanced certificate is a license extension. A certificate can be a strong foundation for future teaching positions in a related area of study. Advanced Certificate programs are at a lesser expense than a master’s program and take less time to complete, but candidates must have earned a master’s degree for entry with the exception of the autism certificate.