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In this program, candidates learn to plan developmentally appropriate curriculum, instruction, adaptations, and intervention strategies based on knowledge of individual students with exceptional learning needs. They learn preventative and reductive strategies to address challenging behaviors. Candidates also learn competencies required to work on research, lines of inquiry, and analysis of research to expand their professional identity to include the role of “teacher as researcher.” Our graduates leave with an appreciation for the differences that all students bring with them to the classroom.
Our mission is to prepare both practicing teachers and career-changers for effective classroom practice of diverse students in urban settings. This master’s degree program prepares candidates to teach in many settings working with students with diverse learning needs. The program will not only support you to gain New York State Certification, but will also provide you with both the analytical and practical skills to offer students. Our graduates are hired by school districts both locally and nationwide.
The program information listed here reflects the approved curriculum for the 2023–24 academic year per the Brooklyn College Bulletin. Bulletins from past academic years can be found here.
The graduate program in special education prepares candidates to work in schools and other educational settings that serve individuals with disabilities and their families. Candidates are provided experiences in varied educational settings that prepare them to work in culturally and linguistically diverse urban school settings. A range of 30 to 45 credits is required. The number of credits and their sequence are determined by the candidate’s previous teacher preparation.
Applicants must complete the online Graduate Admission Application with listed supporting documents (see above). All applicants attend group interviews. Applicants are interviewed and required to demonstrate written proficiency in English during the interview process.
Applicants must present a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.00. A minimum grade point average of 3.00 in graduate education courses is required to maintain matriculation. International applicants for whom English is a second language are required to pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 650 on the paper-based test or 280 on the computer-based test or 114 on the internet-based test before being considered for admission.
Applicants who do not meet these standards may be considered for admission based on other evidence of high capacity for graduate studies.
Applicants must have successfully completed a New York State Initial Certificate in one of the following New York State approved teacher certification areas:
Applicants are required to demonstrate written proficiency in English.
Students should note additional requirements found at the beginning of this section as well as in the sections “Admission” and “Academic Regulations and Procedures.”
Thirty to 45 credits are required for the traditional and bilingual options; there are also two alternative options of 39 and 44 credits for the degree. The courses of study and credit options are determined by previous course work, teaching experience, and the certificates that the applicants have.
During the first term students in all options (30, 33, or 33–45 credits) must file a program of study approved by the head of the Program in Teaching Students with Disabilities in Early Childhood and Childhood Education.
This option is for candidates who have an Initial Certificate in one of the New York State approved teacher certification areas and an Initial Certificate in Teaching Students with Disabilities.
Candidates complete 15 credits in the following courses: CBSE 7676T, 7677T, 7679T, 7680T, and 7657T; and six credits in elective courses in teaching students with disabilities. The remaining 9 credits consist of CBSE 7405T, or 7440T or 7693T, 7203T or 7205 and 7300T or 7305T with approval from program heads of the Programs in Childhood Education: Liberal Arts, Childhood Education: Science and Environmental Education, and Childhood Education: Mathematics.
Candidates are required to complete a research project under advisement of a faculty member in CBSE 7657T).
2205 James Hall E: yjlee@brooklyn.cuny.edu P: 718.951.5000, ext. 3879
3302 James Hall E: gdembek@brooklyn.cuny.edu P: 718.951.5000, ext. 3877
2205 James Hall E: stella.kyprianou@brooklyn.cuny.edu P: 718.951.5000, ext. 3879
This option is for candidates who have an Initial Certificate in one of the New York State approved teacher certification areas, but who do not have certification in teaching students with disabilities in grades 1–6.
Candidates must complete 33 credits in the following sequenced courses, which should be taken in this order: CBSE 7674T and 7672T; 7676T and 7678T; 7679T and 7664T; 7677T and 7680T; 7675T and 7657T; and CBSE 7681T, Seminar and Student Teaching: Students with Special Needs.
Candidates must complete at least 50 hours of supervised field experience and at least 20 days of student teaching (teaching students with disabilities in childhood). In addition, candidates must complete a research project under advisement of a faculty member in CBSE 7657T.
This option is for candidates who have a baccalaureate degree in a liberal arts and sciences major, or 36 credits in a liberal arts and sciences concentration and demonstrated undergraduate preparation in English, science, mathematics, the social sciences, and foreign language, and do not possess Initial Certification in any teacher certification area.
Candidates must complete 45 credits in the following courses: CBSE 7205T, 7679T, 7440T, 7213T, 7674T, 7672T, 7676T, 7678T, 7664T, 7677T, 7680T, 7675T, 7657T, and CBSE 7688T Seminar and Practicum in Special Education: Students with Special Needs.
Candidates must complete at least 100 hours of supervised field experience and at least 40 days of student teaching. In addition candidates must complete a research project under advisement of a faculty member in CBSE 7657T.
This option is for candidates who have a baccalaureate degree in a liberal arts and sciences major, or 36 credits in a liberal arts and sciences concentration and demonstrated undergraduate preparation in English, science, mathematics, the social sciences, and foreign language who are teaching or have secured a position teaching students with special needs and qualify for New York State Alternative Certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities in Childhood Education or holding such certification.
Students should take the following courses: CBSE 7653T, 7657T, 7659T, 7664T, 7674T, 7676T, 7677T, 7678T, 7679T, and SEED 7503X or CBSE 7503. Candidates will also be required to register for SEED 6002T, the course which provides for onsite supervision, as required for NYS Transitional B Certificate holders.
Option D is consigned to candidates sponsored by entities such as the New York City Teaching Fellows program. In addition, candidates must complete a research project under advisement of a faculty member in CBSE 7657T. Candidates may qualify for additional certification in Childhood 1-6 with additional courses in Childhood teaching methods. See advisor for information.
Candidates take the following courses in the recommended order: CBSE 7653T, 7674T, 7679T, 7440T, 7672T, 7205T, 7213T, 7676T, 7677T, 7678T, 7680T, 7657T, 7664T and 7695T, 7696T, 7697T, and 7698T Inclusive Teaching Practicum.
In addition, candidates must complete a research project under advisement of a faculty member in CBSE 7657T.
This option is for candidates who hold an Initial Certificate in one of the New York State approved teacher certification areas and an Initial Certificate in Teaching Students with Disabilities.
Candidates complete 15 credits in the following courses: CBSE 7676T, 7677T, 7679T, 7681T, and 7657T; and six credits in elective courses in teaching students with disabilities.
The course of study includes a 15-credit bilingual extension consisting of courses in bilingualism, research, methodology, and multicultural education and additional credits of student teaching in the classroom: CBSE 7350T, 7351T, 7353T, 7355T and PRLS 7145X. The nine credits consist of CBSE 7405T, or 7440T or 7693T, 7203T or 7205T and 7300T or 7305T with approval from program heads of the Programs in Childhood Education: Liberal Arts, Childhood Education: Science and Environmental Education, and Childhood Education: Mathematics.
Students must complete at least 50 hours of supervised field experience and at least 20 days of student teaching (teaching students with disabilities-bilingual). In addition, students must complete a research project under advisement of a faculty member in CBSE 7657T.
Students must complete 30 credits in the following sequenced courses: CBSE 7674T, 7672T, 7677T and 7679T, 7675T, 7657T and 7678T, 7664T and 7676T, and 7681T.
The course of study includes a 15-credit bilingual extension consisting of courses in bilingualism, research, methodology, and multicultural education and additional credits of student teaching in the classroom: CBSE 7350T, 7351T, 7353T, 7355T and PRLS 7145X.
After a student completes approximately 12 credits, the faculty members review the students’ progress and potential and recommend continuation or withdrawal. This evaluation is based on criteria described in the “Program Statement of Expectations” made available to students when they enter the program.
Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0(B). A student who earns three credits of a B- or below will be advised based on their performance and receive consultation about next steps required for completing a M.S. in education in this program. After the consultation, students will continue to be evaluated to assess their completion of requirements for the program. A student who earns six credits of a B- or below will not be awarded an M.S. in education in this program.
Submit the following documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
Interview with department.
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in both English and in a language other than English (the language in which they seek the extension). Proficiency in the language other than English is by a writing sample in English and the language other than English and/or through an interview with the applicant. International applicants for whom English is a second language are required to pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 550 on the paper-based test or 213 on the computer-based test or 79 on the internet-based test, before being considered for admission (Options F,G).
All students accepted to the School of Education are required to submit fingerprint verification before signing up for most education classes. Fingerprint verification is required for work in New York City Department of Education schools if you already have fingerprint records or not. Follow these instructions.
Refer to the instructions at Graduate Admissions.
Please see the individual options or contact:
Or contact:
222 West Quad Center 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210 E: grads@brooklyn.cuny.edu P: 718.951.4536
Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
To make an appointment with a graduate admissions counselor, visit:
BC Admissions Appointment Tool
Brooklyn College is an integral part of the cultural and artistic energy of New York City. Our faculty members in Childhood, Bilingual, and Special Education offer incomparable expertise and tremendous talent, and each brings a unique perspective to their teaching and mentoring in and out of the classroom.
Students complete internships in public and private schools throughout the New York City region as well as across the United States. The internship is a supervised experience designed to hone the requisite skills and knowledge to work as a teacher of students with disabilities.
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