M.S. in Inclusive Special Education (Professional Certification)

18 Months On Campus Masters Program

Syracuse University

Program Overview

The M.S. in Inclusive Special Education (Professional Certification) at Syracuse University prepares experienced and certified teachers to support students with disabilities across diverse educational settings. The program focuses on advanced inclusive teaching practices, disability studies, adaptive instruction, assistive technologies, and educational collaboration, helping educators strengthen their expertise and advance their professional careers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students develop advanced knowledge through coursework in inclusive professional practices, disability studies, adaptive instruction, and assistive technologies. They explore strategies for supporting diverse learners, positive behavioural interventions, collaborative teaching, and accessible classroom environments.

Advanced Professional Practice: Students strengthen their instructional and leadership capabilities through specialised coursework, professional applications, and advanced study of inclusive education theories and practices. They apply research-based approaches to improve student participation, learning outcomes, and collaboration among educators and families.

Focus Areas

Inclusive special education, disability studies, adaptive instruction, assistive technology, differentiated learning, behavioural support, collaborative teaching, educational assessment, accessible education, professional development.

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced inclusive teaching strategies, assess diverse learning needs, adapt instructional materials, integrate assistive technologies, implement behavioural support strategies, promote classroom accessibility, collaborate with families and educators, evaluate student progress, support diverse learners, improve inclusive educational practices.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

New York State Education Department (NYSED): The program meets the academic requirements for Professional Certification in Students with Disabilities (All Grades). Applicants must already hold the relevant Initial New York State teaching certification and satisfy additional state certification requirements.

AAQEP: Syracuse University's School of Education is accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Professional Opportunities: Graduates can advance into special education leadership, instructional coordination, inclusive education consulting, and teacher mentoring roles. Syracuse's School of Education provides career guidance, certification support, employer networking, and professional development opportunities. A specific program-level employability ranking or graduate employment rate is not published.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Syracuse University, the M.S. in Inclusive Special Education (Professional Certification) combines flexible online coursework with practical school-based experiences, allowing working educators to strengthen their teaching abilities while continuing their professional careers. Students gain direct experience supporting students with disabilities in different educational environments, developing skills in individualized instruction, literacy intervention, assistive technology and positive behaviour support. The program's practical component is particularly valuable because students complete supervised placements in both elementary and secondary special education settings.

Here are some of the key experiential learning components you can expect in the Inclusive Special Education program:

Field Experiences: Complete two supervised, in-person placements of 50 hours each in schools local to you. One placement takes place in a K–6 special education setting and the other in a grades 7–12 setting, providing experience across different developmental and educational stages.
Classroom-Based Practice: Apply inclusive instructional strategies and educational interventions while working with students with disabilities in real school environments.
Assistive Technology: Explore assistive technologies that support accessible learning, communication and participation for students with disabilities.
Literacy Intervention: Develop practical approaches to supporting reading, writing and literacy development among students with diverse learning needs.
Positive Behaviour Support: Learn strategies for addressing challenging behaviours and creating supportive, structured and inclusive classroom environments.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication: Study communication approaches and tools that help students with complex communication needs participate more effectively in educational settings.
Psychoeducational Evaluation: Develop an understanding of student assessment and evaluation to identify individual learning requirements and inform instructional planning.
Professional Teaching Portfolio: Complete a peer-reviewed teaching and learning portfolio demonstrating professional development, instructional competence and readiness for inclusive special education practice.
Research and Academic Resources: Explore Syracuse's Center on Disability and Inclusion, which supports research, collaboration and initiatives related to disability and inclusive education.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The M.S. in Inclusive Special Education prepares experienced educators to advance their careers in special education, inclusive teaching and educational leadership. Graduates can pursue roles such as Special Education Teacher, Inclusion Specialist, Special Education Department Chair and Transition Coordinator, with opportunities to work across inclusive classrooms, resource rooms, self-contained settings and educational support services.

Career development and professional opportunities include:

Career Services: Syracuse's School of Education provides job-search workshops, résumé and cover-letter reviews, interview preparation, employer information sessions and recruitment support for students and alumni.
Professional Certification: Successful completion meets the academic requirements for New York State professional certification in Students with Disabilities (All Grades, K–12), subject to state requirements.
Career Advancement: The additional special education credential can support experienced teachers seeking career advancement, professional development, tenure and expanded responsibilities within their schools or districts.
Employment Opportunities: Graduates can pursue positions as special education teachers, consultant teachers, inclusion specialists, special education team leaders, Committee on Special Education coordinators and transition coordinators.
Educational Leadership: The program's advanced preparation can support progression into district-level instructional support, curriculum development and professional development roles.
Employment Statistics and Salaries: The university does not publish specific graduate employment rates or salary figures for this program.
Professional Recognition: AAQEP accreditation provides institutional recognition of Syracuse's educator preparation quality.
Professional Networking: School-based placements and connections with educators and school professionals help graduates develop relationships within the special education sector.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue advanced studies through Syracuse University's Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, particularly for those interested in school administration, educational policy and leadership development. Other possible academic pathways include doctoral studies in Special Education, Disability Studies, Curriculum and Instruction or related educational research fields, supporting progression into university teaching, research, advocacy and senior educational leadership.