Binghamton University offers the Master of Special Education as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Binghamton, United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 2 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for special education and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 22, 2027.

About Master of Special Education

NOTE: These programs are exclusively online.

The Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership (TLEL) offers several advanced certification programs that culminate in a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) degree in Special Education. Four program options are available, corresponding with the age/grade level of the applicant's initial certificate:

Early Childhood Special Education - Birth to Grade 2 (requires initial certification in early childhood education)
Early Childhood and Childhood Special Education - Birth to Grade 6 (requires initial certification in early childhood and childhood education)
Childhood Special Education - Grades 1 to 6 (requires initial certification in childhood education)
Adolescence Special Education - Grades 7 to 12 (requires initial certification in a subject area)

This program is designed to prepare teachers to operationalize "least restrictive environment" philosophies for children and youth with disabilities. Core themes include collaboration with families and other professionals and pedagogy that respects and responds to individual differences. For teachers with initial certification, this program provides knowledge and skills to fulfill various special education teacher roles in today's schools. Sufficient flexibility exists for individuals from undergraduate programs in special education to either deepen their skills in the field or link their special education foundation with the larger context of general education. Similarly, graduates of early childhood, childhood or adolescence education programs may extend their knowledge and skills with students needing special education.

We also offer an adolescence special education advanced certificate program designed for students who possess an initial New York state teacher certification and seek initial and professional certification in Students with Disabilities (SWD) 7-12 Generalist with eligibility for the SWD content area extension.

Request more information on this program.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Special Education at Binghamton University

Entry Requirements

Provide a complete set of your undergraduate (and, if applicable, graduate) transcripts showing one of the following:
- You have earned a bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
- You are within one academic year of earning a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from a nationally or regionally accredited college or university
- You are eligible to apply as part of a memorandum of understanding between your current institution and Binghamton University
Have earned, at minimum, one of the following:
- A 3.0 GPA over your entire undergraduate career
- A 3.0 GPA during the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits of your undergraduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
- A 3.0 GPA in a graduate degree, with most courses graded regularly (not as "pass/fail")
- In consideration of the different grading scales used around the world, each academic department evaluates international transcripts to determine on a case-by-case basis whether they demonstrate one of the above requirements.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 80

Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Special Education

The completion of this degree and other requirements leads to a New York State certification as a special education teacher. Employment opportunities for teachers have improved significantly over the last few years. Alumni of our programs in education teach at numerous schools regionally and around the country. Due to strict licensure rules, a New York State teaching license is well respected across the nation. Typically, graduates of the programs easily find employment as teachers in other states.

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Special Education at Binghamton University

Application Fee 70

How to Apply for Master of Special Education at Binghamton University

Submit the online application and all required application materials.

You will need a valid email address to create an online application.
- For best performance, we recommend using Google Chrome to apply.
Upload all required application materials for your program to the online application.

Scan and upload the files with care, making sure they are clear, legible and complete. The graduate admissions committee will receive the files you scan and upload.
Preferred file format is PDF. Other accepted file formats include .doc, .docx, .rtf, .jpg and .tif.
Do not mail hard (paper) copies of any application materials unless specifically requested by the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Pay the $75 (USD) non-refundable graduate degree program application fee.
- You can use a Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit card. Your credit card bill serves as your receipt.
- We are happy to be able to grant application fee waivers to CSTEP, EOP, HEOP, LSAMP Program, Project 1000, SEEK Program or TRIO Program (McNair Scholars Program, Student Support Services, Upward Bound, etc.) students. Please provide a certified letter from your program official attesting to your participation. Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing [email protected].
- We are happy to be able to grant application fee waivers to GEM Fellowship applicants. Please submit a copy of your GEM interface homepage indicating that your overall application status is complete. Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing [email protected].
- United States Armed Forces veterans and active duty service members are also eligible for an application fee waiver. Please submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) or your Status Report Pursuant to Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (as downloaded from https://scra.dmdc.osd.mil). Documents can be uploaded directly on the application or by emailing them to [email protected].
- Please note that a request for an application fee waiver may take 2 to 3 business days to process. Please wait for an email stating that your request has been approved before submitting your application. If you have any questions about this process, please contact us at [email protected].
Submit the online application and all required application materials by your program's application deadline.

Review these reminders before you apply:

We recommend you begin the application process at least one month before your program's application deadline.
You may apply to more than one program at a time. If you receive an admission decision for more than one program, you can only confirm your intent to enroll for one program at a time. Any remaining applications will be automatically withdrawn once you have confirmed your intent to enroll by paying your admission deposit. Exceptions will be made for individuals applying to approved dual- and double-degree programs.
Take care when selecting your program. The Office of Graduate Admissions cannot make any changes to your program once we receive and begin review of your application.

If you are a former Binghamton University student (undergraduate, graduate or non-degree/non-matriculated) and have changed your name, file an official name change form with the Office of Financial Aid and Student Records before submitting an application.
If you are an international student, review the additional admission requirements for international students before submitting an application.
If you are interested in transferring graduate credits from another institution to Binghamton University, review the policies regarding the transfer of graduate credits before submitting an application. The application process is the same for students who are planning to transfer graduate credits as it is for those who are not.