Overview

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION

  • Learn to give children from birth through grade 2 the healthy start they need in school and in life. Nazareth defines inclusive education, also called special education, as nurturing students in their pursuit of a meaningful life.
  • Gain knowledge, understanding, and skills to develop early intervention environments and learning experiences that support young children's physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development.
  • Benefit from Nazareth's accomplished faculty, clinically rich program, and innovative approaches to learning, which have given the College's inclusive education programs a long, proud history of transforming dedicated learners into well-prepared, effective educators.

 

Classes are mostly evenings

 

Traditional (on-campus) and hybrid (half online) classes offered

 

Complete in as fast as 14-20 months full-time

 

Fieldwork in urban, suburban, and rural schools

Program Options

Initial and Professional Certification (48 credits) in both Early Childhood and Students with Disabilities
Additional Certification at the Same Developmental Level (36 credits)
Additional Certification to Changing Developmental Level (39 credits)

Curriculum Examples

  • Teacher Learner Research and Inquiry
  • Diverse Learners Learning and Learning Environments
  • Differentiated Curriculum/Instruction and Collaborative Practice
  • Foundations of Language and Literacy
  • Curriculum in Early Childhood Education
  • Integrated Arts in Early Childhood Education
  • Literacy Assessment Program Planning and Assistive Technology for
  • Diverse Learners
  • Capstone Seminar

Value of Your Degree

  • Many of our graduates work in school settings as Pre-K, kindergarten, first-, or second-grade teachers, consultant teachers, or special educators.
  • This degree also provides a good background to work in nursery schools, child care settings, private agencies, and as early intervention service providers.

Making Grad School Affordable

Grants, scholarships, veterans benefits, loans, and undergraduate loan forgiveness are options for paying for this grad degree.

Affordability

Student's Perspective

"While I consider myself lucky to have been hired straight out of graduate school, it was my education through Nazareth College, not luck, which provided me with the up-to-date knowledge of current best practices and the tools I needed to be successful in the application and interview processes. Though every day still brings new challenges, the foundation and hands-on experience I received from my coursework has allowed me to face these challenges with confidence. The only part of teaching I wasn't prepared for was just how much I would love what I get to do every day.

Rebecca Hamilton ‘15, first-grade teacher, Newark Central School District

What to Expect

  • A blend of classroom instruction and on-site experience
  • Site-based classes at local partner schools and educational settings
  • Individual advisement is available for program planning and support in applying for N.Y. state certification.
  • Program graduates are recommended for two N.Y. state teacher certifications: Birth through grade 2 and Students with Disabilities at the initial and professional levels.
  • You have the option to get specialized preparation in teaching students with autism and students with severe or multiple disabilities, and a federal grant may cover your cost for those courses. See details about the Interdisciplinary Specialty Program in Autism (I-SPAN) specialization and the I-SPAN Scholars grant opportunity, which also can cover the Teaching Students with Severe or Multiple Disabilities annotation.

Program Director

Ellen Contopidis

Ellen Contopidis

Professor / Graduate Inclusive Childhood Education Program Director
585-389-2916
econtop4@naz.edu
Golisano Academic Center 251
Bio

Education: B.A., Herbert H. Lehman of CUNY; M.S. Ed., SUNY College of Brockport; Ph.D., SUNY, University Center at Albany

Teaching and Research Interests: Special Education, Transition Services, Disproportionality in Special Education, Universal Design for Learning, Interprofessional Education, Assessment in Teacher Education

Program Faculty »