Exceptional Education

At Buffalo State, graduate students have a choice among three specialty programs within the Exceptional Education Department:

• Early Childhood
• Childhood
• Adolescence

All three programs lead to a master of science in education and provide eligibility for New York State certification in special education.

• The Early Childhood and Childhood special education graduate programs are designed for students with undergraduate majors in early childhood, childhood, or special education.
   
• The one in adolescence focuses on subject instruction for Students with Disabilities in Grades 7-12.

Students who are not provisionally/initially certified in special education must complete 15–18 credit hours of preliminary coursework in addition to the program area requirements.

All of the master’s programs in special education culminate with a master’s thesis or master’s project worth three to six credit hours. 

If you recently completed your bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or Special Education and now need your master’s degree, Buffalo State will prepare you for a rewarding career teaching children with special needs. 

Our graduate program in Special Education: Early Childhood prepares early interventionists and teachers to work with infants and young children with disabilities—or young children at risk for being identified with a disability—and their families. The program is cross-categorical; prospective teachers receive coursework related to working with students with physical, intellectual, sensory, communication, and behavioral disorders.

What Is an Interventionist?

The role of the early interventionist or preschool teacher is to facilitate the child’s development of social, motor, communication, self-help, cognitive, and behavioral skills. 

Interventionists are expected to design activities and environments to enhance the child’s concept of self, sense of competence and control, and independence.

Because a number of educational programs serving this population subscribe to an interdisciplinary approach, much of the assessment, planning, and implementation of programs is done in collaboration with other members of the professional team.

Certification

• Applicants with certification or who are eligible for certification in Early Childhood Education must meet additional special education certification requirements once enrolled.
   
• Students who pursue initial certification in both childhood special education and childhood education are particularly well-qualified to work with students with special needs in integrated education settings. 

This program is intended to develop highly qualified teachers to work with students with disabilities at the elementary level.

The goal of this program is to prepare special educators, working closely with general educators, to provide the best teaching strategies to promote student learning, as well as to design positive environments that foster learning for students both with and without disabilities.

Required Courses

• Teaching of Individuals with Severe/Multiple Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders 
• Collaboration and Consultative Practices in Inclusive Settings 
• Adapting Language Arts and Reading Instruction for Students with Mild Disabilities 
• Promoting Effective Social Interactions in the Schools 

Elective Courses

• Parent and Family Involvement in Special Education Programs
• Models of Classroom Discipline for Students with Disabilities
• Transition from School to Adult Community Life

Students in the Generalist (7-12) Secondary Program are training to work with adolescents with disabilities in middle and high school classrooms.

Secondary special education teacher candidates are prepared to work collaboratively with general education subject matter specialists, as well as with career education personnel. Graduates of this program become knowledgeable in subject matter content, as well as best practices for transition planning. They also acquire a solid base in the technology of teaching, with knowledge related to direct and interactive instruction (cooperative learning, peer tutoring, differentiated instruction, and responsive instructional strategies).

The programs recognize the unique needs of adolescents with learning difficulties. A major goal of this program is to prepare teachers to address secondary students’ skill deficits, social adaptation problems, and vocational competence.

The program leads to a master of science in education degree and eligibility for New York State certification in Generalist 7-12. The additional SWD Generalist 7-12 and subject extension programs lead to a master of science in education degree and eligibility for New York State certification in SWD Generalist 7-12 as well as 7-12 subject area extensions.

7-12 Subject Area Extensions

The candidate designs programs of study with his or her adviser according to the candidate's goals and background.  
All three programs require the completion of a research component, which must be taken in sequential order at the end of the program. 

Students who specialize in special education develop a number of skills that will help them throughout their careers—regardless of the jobs they choose.

They’ve been trained to think critically, problem-solve in collaborative groups, analyze situations, use data to help develop goals and appropriate plans, and implement evidence-based practices and procedures.

Special education teachers are in demand, and jobs nationwide are expected to increase by 6 percent through 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median annual salary for special education teachers in the United States is just over $55,000.
 
Graduates of our master’s programs in special education typically teach in inclusive classrooms, resource rooms, self-contained classrooms, special schools, or even residential facilities. Some choose to work as consultant teachers in general education settings. Special education is and has been considered a high-need area across the nation. Many of our graduates have progressed in their careers as school principals, superintendents, college professors, and researchers. 

In addition to teaching, our special education graduates may serve individuals with disabilities in different capacities such as behavior specialists, job coaches, or direct support specialists. 

Some of the specialty areas that Exceptional Education graduates pursue:

Buffalo State is committed to providing all education students with plenty of hands-on experiences outside the classroom. Below are some opportunities open to exceptional education majors: 

Council for Exceptional Children: The local chapter of the international organization provides members with professional development, community volunteer activities, and fun events.

Best Buddies: This organization provides an opportunity for college students to be matched in a one-to-one friendship with individuals who have intellectual disabilities.

Polar Plunge: The Exceptional Education Department, Buffalo State Best Buddies, and the Student Council for Exceptional Children help raise money for the New York Special Olympics during this “freezing for a reason” event every December at Woodlawn Beach State Park

Tutoring in Area Schools: Multiple opportunities are available for students, staff, and faculty to engage PK-12 students through one-on-one tutoring in schools throughout Western New York.

TeachLivE™: This computer-simulated, immersive, virtual reality classroom provides teacher candidates the opportunity to develop their skills in a safe, digital environment.