Empire State College's M.Ed. in Adolescent Special Education program is a 33-42 credit program available fully online, but requiring access to New York state schools. The program's philosophy and subsequent courses are based on an inclusive model that prepares teacher candidates for collaboration and co-teaching in the inclusion classroom. Completion of this degree program and passing scores on the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations lead to NYS Students with Disabilities 7-12

Generalist Initial and Professional certification. It is designed for those already teaching and certified in New York state, but looking for additional certification in Students with Disabilities.

In addition to their coursework, students will complete 50 hours of pre-residency classroom field observations, one residency term under the supervision of a Special Education critic teacher, and a capstone action research project to meet program requirements leading to Initial certification.