COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master’s in Special Education program at the University at Albany can be completed either full-time in 12 months starting in the summer or on a part-time basis, offering flexibility for different student needs. The program combines rigorous academic coursework with a full-time clinical internship in local school settings, where students gain hands-on experience working with both students with disabilities and those without disabilities. This dual focus ensures that future educators are fully prepared for inclusive classroom environments that require strong professional judgment, collaboration, and instructional expertise. The curriculum includes core courses that address a wide range of instructional and behavioral strategies for diverse learners. Students study Classroom Literacy Instruction, Literature for Children and Young Adults or Academic Literacy Across Instructional Contexts, and Culturally Responsive Literacy Intervention in the Content Areas, which emphasize equitable and effective literacy instruction. Additional coursework includes Anti-Racist Math and Science Inquiry Instruction, Fostering Safe and Supportive Educational Environments, Teaching Students with High Support Needs, and Inclusive Assessment Practices, all of which focus on creating accessible and supportive learning experiences. The program also includes Curriculum and Instruction: Collaboration, Strategies, and Differentiation, as well as Educating Students with Emotional Disorders and Challenging Behaviors: Advanced Tiers of Support, preparing students to address complex behavioral and academic needs in inclusive settings. A central component of the program is the full-time clinical internship, where students work directly in schools under professional supervision, applying their knowledge in real classroom environments while also attending a faculty-led seminar that supports reflection and professional growth. In addition, students must complete New York State Education Department (NYSED) requirements, including training in the Needs of Students with Autism, DASA (Dignity for All Students Act), Child Abuse Identification and Reporting, and School Violence Prevention and Intervention (SAVE). Overall, the program prepares educators to become highly skilled, reflective, and inclusive practitioners capable of supporting all learners in diverse educational environments.