COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master’s in Special Education and Literacy program at the University at Albany is structured to provide comprehensive preparation for teaching students with diverse learning needs through a combination of coursework, practicum experiences, and a full-time clinical internship. The curriculum emphasizes both literacy instruction and special education, ensuring that graduates can effectively support students with disabilities while also strengthening reading and writing skills across different developmental stages. Students engage in coursework focused on teaching literacy to diverse learners, including strategies for adapting instruction to meet varying abilities, along with practica in literacy instruction that provide hands-on experience in real educational settings. Additional coursework addresses teaching children with special needs, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to design individualized learning plans and implement evidence-based instructional methods. A key component of the program is the full-time clinical internship, which includes an integrated seminar and provides supervised experience working directly with students with disabilities in classroom environments. This internship allows students to apply their learning in practice while receiving guidance from experienced educators and faculty, helping them build professional competence and confidence. The program also requires completion of a master’s project, which enables students to demonstrate their ability to apply research and theory to practical educational challenges. In addition to academic and field requirements, students must complete New York State Education Department (NYSED) training requirements, including training in the Needs of Students with Autism, the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), Child Abuse Identification and Reporting, and School Violence Prevention and Intervention (SAVE). After completing the program, students must request that the University recommend them to the New York State Department of Education to obtain professional certification. Overall, the program prepares educators to become highly skilled, reflective practitioners capable of delivering inclusive, effective instruction and supporting the success of students with disabilities and diverse literacy needs.