Early Childhood and Special Education (Birth-Gr2) (M.S.)

MASTER OF SCIENCE

EARLY CHILDHOOD AND SPECIAL EDUCATION (BIRTH-2)

A Powerful Educational Experience

Niagara University’s College of Education offers a master of science in education, early childhood education, and special education that leads to initial and professional New York state teacher certifications in both early childhood education (birth-grade 2), and students with disabilities (birth-grade 2). The program prepares graduates to serve as teachers, leaders, and directors of early childhood programs, development specialists, teacher educators, etc., in a variety of early childhood and educational settings.

Curriculum

This online program leads to initial certification (43 credit hours) or professional certification (40 credit hours) in teaching early childhood education and students with disabilities from birth-grade 2. The course of study will focus on early childhood and early childhood special education as a strong, interdisciplinary, collaborative, and systems-oriented profession. Graduates of the program will be ready to serve as teachers, leaders, and directors of early childhood programs, development specialists, and a variety of early childhood and school settings.

FLEXIBILITY

Our program is offered completely online, allowing flexibility for the working professional. Course offerings are scheduled to help you complete the program in a convenient time-frame, and practicum hours may be fullfilled within the work place.

AFFORDABILITY

Our highly credentialed faculty have extensive field experience. With our small class size, you will receive the individual attention you deserve.

QUALITY

NU develops special education teachers to make a difference in the lives of young children, and to be constant agents of positive change in an exciting field.

MASTER OF SCIENCE

EARLY CHILDHOOD AND SPECIAL EDUCATION (BIRTH-2)

Graduates of this program will understand the interdisciplinary nature of child development and the education of young children. Additionally, all candidates and graduates develop skills and dispositions of outstanding practitioners as defined by our values, and those of accreditation and review boards.

“During my [time] at Niagara University, I learned so much from my professors and enjoyed small classes that allowed me to connect with my peers and deeply engage in the content and concepts. I am incredibly grateful to Niagara University for helping me to obtain my current position by preparing me to succeed in the interview and job search process, and to work meaningfully and effectively in my subsequent career.”

Hannah Benson Special Education Teacher Buffalo Hearing and Speech

$65,910

Median Pay for Special Education Teachers, Preschool in 2023*

*Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

About Niagara University

Founded by the Vincentian community in 1856, Niagara University educates students in the highest academic tradition so that they graduate with the confidence, clarity of direction, and heightened sense of purpose to excel in their careers and be change leaders in their field.

The university has received accolades from U.S. News & World Report, Colleges of Distinction and Money magazine for its ability to offer students a high return on their educational investment.

This program is aligned to the NAEYC and CEC standards for advanced programs.