Graduate Admission
Develop the skills and competencies you need to educate exceptional children and adolescents through graduate studies in Special Education at Hofstra University. Prepare to teach in one of three development levels of special education: early childhood (birth - grade 2), elementary (grades 1-6), and secondary special education (grades 7-12) or seek out specialties in behavior analysis and more through our many certificate level programs. Gain hands-on experience through fieldwork and student teaching in a variety of school settings, including high-needs school districts. Deepen your education through professional and student organizations, such as the International Association of Special Education and Special Education Graduate Association. Our programs are accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).
Select from any of the programs below to learn more. If you have questions please contact our graduate admission team at 516-463-4723 or graduateadmission@hofstra.edu
Learn from mentoring faculty who have years of experience working in the special education field. Small class sizes create a collaborative community for learning.
Gain insight and implement your graduate studies through a minimum of 100 hours of fieldwork prior to student teaching. Your field experience includes observation and field-related projects across a variety of school settings, including high-need school districts.
The Hofstra School of Education graduate education and online graduate education programs are ranked among the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Visit the Hofstra campus or connect with the graduate admission team. We will answer your questions and put you in touch with program faculty or degree candidates to learn more. Contact us at graduateadmission@hofstra.edu, or call 516-463-4723.
To be considered for the Special Education programs, you must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Advanced programs may require a master’s degree/additional experience. Click the links below to learn more.
Start your application online where you can upload the following documents:
An interview with a faculty member is required.
If you are a current Hofstra student interested in pursuing undergraduate/graduate dual-degree enrollment, please contact your academic advisor. Direct any additional questions to graduateadmission@hofstra.edu.
International students: Please review additional admission requirements.
The Special Education programs are between 13 - 49 credits.
Visit the program pages to learn more (see accordions on this page).
Dr. Elfreda Blue, Associate Professor and Program Director for International Special Education, holds a Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She taught at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where she served as Associate Dean for Urban Education and Program Development. Dr. Blue taught for 10 years in inclusive and special education urban classrooms throughout New York State.
Dr. Stephen Hernandez, Assistant Professor and the Director of Early Childhood Special Education, holds an EdD from Hofstra. He has been a faculty member at Hofstra since 2004 and served as an adjunct professor at other area colleges, teaching courses in special education, disabilities, child development, psychology, and non-profit management. In addition to Dr. Hernandez's work in academia, he has worked for over thirty years serving individuals with special needs.
Dr. Darra Pace, Professor and Director of Elementary Special Education and M.S.Ed./M.A. in Special Education, earned an EdD at Hofstra in 2000. She also completed a Certificate of Advanced Study at Hofstra. She earned her master's degree from Adelphi University and her bachelor's degree at Boston University.