Literacy and Special Education, MSEd
Online
Master degree
DURATION
30 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 44,070
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
This Master of Science in Education program in Literacy and Special Education is designed to help students develop the skills needed to support learners with diverse needs. It provides foundational knowledge in literacy development, instruction, and assessment while also focusing on strategies for working with students who have disabilities or learning differences. The curriculum balances theory and practice, allowing students to apply what they learn in real classroom settings. This program prepares future educators and specialists to improve literacy outcomes through evidence-based methods and tailored interventions.
Students can choose from different pathways based on their career goals, such as becoming a literacy specialist or a special education teacher. The program emphasizes collaboration, ethical practices, and ongoing professional growth. It combines coursework with fieldwork, giving students the chance to gain hands-on experience alongside experienced mentors. Overall, the program aims to equip graduates with the tools they need to make a positive impact on the lives of learners who face literacy or learning challenges.
Coursework is offered in Research, Differentiated Teaching Methods, Diagnosis and Assessment, Technological Integration, Writing and Media Production, and Literature. Classes are conveniently offered in the evening and include face-to-face, hybrid, and online coursework in lecture, fieldwork, and practica experiences.
The practica will take place in the final semester, in which you will complete 50 hours in literacy and 40 hours in special education in two grade ranges: early and intermediate level placements, and young adolescent and high school level placements. There is also an opportunity to present papers and research at local professional conferences. And finally, school-based tutoring experiences are assignments in many of our classes. Once you pass the New York State Certification Exams, you will become a certified Literacy Specialist (all grades) and Special Education Specialist (all grades).
Once you pass the New York State Certification Exams, you will become a certified Literacy Specialist (all grades) and Special Education Specialist in your chosen track (Childhood grades 1-6 or Adolescent 7-12).
Take Courses Like…
- EDG 607 Supporting Positive Behavior and Autonomy
- ED 650 Research/Theory in Developing Literacy
- ED 677 Literacy for Children with Special Needs
Program Highlights
- Integrate key knowledge and dispositions necessary to teach in today’s modern classrooms. Our coursework includes applications of technology to address the specific needs of all learners, including students with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse students.
- Become media smart. Our instruction and teaching use of apps and media, for literacy learning and content area activities, is engaging and informative.
- We are a proud member of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), an accreditation organization for educator preparation programs that promotes the preparation of effective educators through innovative, outcomes-focused programs that engage education’s toughest challenges, directly and in context.
Our strong partnerships with local school districts mean that our students are getting hired before they even graduate. Explore career paths such as literary specialists, coaches, and special education teachers in special education or inclusive classrooms.
As a Pace student, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with our robust career services team to develop a career plan that best fits your goals.
Where Pace Graduates are Employed
- NYC Department of Education
- Dutchess County School Districts
- Putnam County School Districts
- Rockland County School Districts
- Westchester County School Districts
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