Teaching Students with Disabilities Masters | Birth-Grade 6
Dobbs Ferry (Main Campus 66 acres), Manhattan, Bronx, United States
Master of Science in Teaching Students with Disabilities | Birth-Grade 6
Mercy University
Special Education
Program Overview: M.S. in Teaching Students with Disabilities (Birth-Grade 6)
The Master of Science in Teaching Students with Disabilities at Mercy University is a 42-credit program that prepares graduates to become certified special education teachers in settings serving children from birth through grade six. The program leads to either initial or professional certification in two areas of special education: birth through grade 2 and grades 1 through 6.
This program offers triple certification, leading to credentials in Teaching Students with Disabilities Birth-Grade 2, Teaching Students with Disabilities Grades 1-6, and Early Childhood Education. Courses focus intensely on the needs of students with special needs, combining rigorous academic coursework with hands-on fieldwork observation experiences of 10 to 15 hours per course.
The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Professionals (CAEP), enhancing graduates' credentials when seeking employment. With flexible online course completion options and strong relationships with elementary schools across New York City and Westchester, students graduate well-prepared with both experience and professional contacts.
- Triple certification in Teaching Students with Disabilities (Birth-Grade 2), Teaching Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6), and Early Childhood Education
- CAEP-accredited program with nationally recognized educator preparation standards
- Flexible online course completion allows students to complete coursework on their own schedule
- Semester-long student teaching capstone in collaboration with local schools across New York City and Westchester
Curriculum and Course Modules
The 42-credit curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive preparation in special education pedagogy, assessment, and inclusive practice. Courses blend theoretical foundations with practical applications, ensuring graduates are ready to serve diverse learners from birth through grade six in a variety of educational settings.
Methods and Materials in Teaching Students with Disabilities, Birth-Grade 6
3 CreditsExplores evidence-based instructional strategies, adaptive materials, and differentiated teaching methods for students with disabilities in early childhood and childhood settings.
Educational Assessment for Students with Disabilities
3 CreditsCovers formal and informal assessment strategies used to evaluate the academic, behavioral, and developmental needs of students with disabilities and to guide instructional planning.
Literacy Instruction for Students with Disabilities
3 CreditsFocuses on specialized approaches to teaching reading, writing, and language arts to students with diverse learning needs, including emergent literacy and remedial strategies.
Educational Foundations for Students with Disabilities
3 CreditsExamines major theories and philosophies for the education of students with physical, affective, and cognitive disabilities, including legal frameworks and ethical considerations.
Teaching Writing and the Writing Process
3 CreditsPrepares candidates to teach writing skills to diverse learners using process-based approaches, with emphasis on accommodations and modifications for students with disabilities.
Clinical Practice and Student Teaching
6 CreditsA semester-long capstone course providing supervised student teaching experience in collaboration with local schools, allowing candidates to apply skills in real classroom settings.
Elective and Specialization Options
Admission Requirements
Mercy University accepts applications for this program on a rolling basis for Fall, Spring, and Summer admission. All applications and inquiries should be submitted through Uni4Edu, which will guide you through every step of the admissions process.
Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate DegreeA completed bachelor's degree (B.S. or B.A.) from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPAA cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher in undergraduate studies is recommended
- Effective Educator StatementA written statement demonstrating your commitment to effective teaching practice is required
- Content Area BackgroundCandidates should have a solid foundation in liberal arts and sciences content areas
- Professional Certification (for Professional Track)Professional certification requires an initial certificate and three years of classroom teaching experience
Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
- IELTSContact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
- Duolingo English TestContact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Mercy University offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities for graduate students pursuing education degrees. Uni4Edu can help you identify and apply for funding that matches your profile and financial needs.
Suzanne McGraw Scholars Program
Full tuition support plus paid in-classroom experienceA selective scholarship for students in the Teaching Students with Disabilities program that covers full tuition and provides paid classroom experience while earning your degree. Contact Uni4Edu for eligibility details.
Mercy/CNR Alumni Assistance Scholarship
USD 1,000 one-time awardAvailable to Mercy University and College of New Rochelle undergraduate alumni and their dependents enrolling for the first time in a graduate program. Cannot be combined with other Mercy scholarships.
Graduate Endowed Scholarships
Varies by awardMercy University offers donor-funded endowed scholarships for graduate students based on academic merit, financial need, and community involvement. Students must have a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and submit a personal essay.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects and Outcomes
Graduates of the M.S. in Teaching Students with Disabilities program are prepared for rewarding careers in special education across inclusive, integrated, and self-contained classroom settings. With triple certification and strong demand for qualified special education teachers in New York and beyond, program graduates are well-positioned in the job market.
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings and Recognition
Mercy University is a private institution founded in 1950, nationally recognized for its commitment to social mobility and accessible education. The university's School of Education holds CAEP accreditation, one of the most respected educator preparation accreditations in the United States.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Education (Graduate Online) | U.S. News & World Report | Nationally Ranked |
| Regional Universities North | U.S. News & World Report | #116 |
| Social Mobility | U.S. News & World Report | Top 17% |
| Nursing (Undergraduate) | U.S. News & World Report | #392 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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