Academic Programs

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program

Undergraduate majors in exceptional education study within a cross-categorical program focusing on the education of students who have a variety of regular and special instructional needs. Included are students in disability groups traditionally associated with mental retardation, physical/neurological disabilities, and learning and behavioral problems.

Graduate Programs

The special education and teaching bilingual exceptional individuals programs lead to a master of science in education degree and eligibility for New York State certification in special education. These graduate programs are designed for students with undergraduate majors in education or special education.

The Exceptional Education Department offers three specialty programs in special education: early childhood, childhood, and adolescence. 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.

Advisement: Because of the variety of options available in the department, it is imperative that majors and premajors seek advisement as early as possible. Students should contact their assigned academic advisers. Programs of study are designed by the student with his or her adviser according to the student’s goals and background.

Practicum: Practicum assignments link theoretical coursework with the applied demands of a wide variety of internship settings. Practicum sites are available to meet the needs and interests of nearly all students and are selected by the program coordinator.

Certification: Students in the department who are certified in early childhood education, childhood education, or adolescent education must fulfill course and degree requirements for New York State certification in special education and/or teaching bilingual exceptional education.

Joint Doctoral Program

Through a joint program with the University at Buffalo, students may work toward a doctor of philosophy degree in special education. Students interested in the program should contact Dr. Sharon Raimondi who holds a joint appointment in both programs. Her phone number is (716) 645-2455 ext. 1143. [more...]