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Special Education Early Childhood Intervention (Birth-Grade 2), MSEd

The MSEd in Special Education Early Childhood Intervention (Birth-Grade 2) is a 45-semester hour program that integrates the requirements of two already existing degree programs: the MSEd in early childhood special education and the advanced certificate in applied behavior analysis.

This program consists of core courses in early childhood special education, including a student teaching experience as well as research-based courses in applied behavior analysis. This program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to work effectively as early interventionists with children, birth through age 5, and their families, and to serve as early childhood special educators with children through the second grade level across the full range of disabilities (mild, moderate, severe and multiple). This program builds upon general education and all students must have prerequisite preparation in early childhood and/or childhood education.

Students in this program will specialize in applied behavior analysis and its use with young children with disabilities. Areas of focus include: data collection and analysis, behavioral intervention in the classroom, and ways to promote generalization. Ethical concerns with regard to behavior change will be addressed throughout the program.

A universal theme woven into the fabric of the program is a belief in inclusive education for young children with disabilities. Specific principles are addressed throughout the course of study, including the principles of universal design and technology as a means of ensuring access and participation, and progress for all learners. In addition, the development of culturally responsive teaching, the ability to build collaborative partnerships with parents, and related service providers and develop skills necessary to provide assessment and diagnosis are all key components of this program. Finally, the ability to provide positive behavioral support for young children with behavioral disabilities is another essential focus.

This program reflects a field-integrated approach which consists of a minimum of 100 clock hours of fieldwork prior to student teaching with site-based courses as a key component of the program.

This program leads to New York state initial/professional certification in students with disabilities at the early childhood level. This program also fulfills the education requirement for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

Intakes

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description	IELTS (1.0 -9.0)	TOEFL IBT (0-120)	TOEFL CBT (0-300)	PTE (10-90)
Expert	9	120	297-300	86-90
Very Good	8.5	115-119	280-293	83-86
Very Good	8	110-114	270-280	79-83
Good	7.5	102-109	253-267	73-79
Good	7	94-101	240-253	65-73
Competent	6.5	79-93	213-233	58-65
Competent	6	60-78	170-210	50-58
Modest	5.5	46-59	133-210	43-50
Modest	5	35-45	107-133	36-43
Limited	4	32-34	97-103	30-36
Extremely Limited	< 4	< 31	< 93	< 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Hofstra University students enjoy excellent career prospects, largely due to its proximity to New York City, one of the world’s major business and cultural centers. This location gives students easy access to internships and entry-level positions in finance, technology, media, healthcare, and law. The university’s Career Center supports students with resume reviews, interview preparation, networking events, and career fairs. Strong relationships with local and national employers create opportunities for internships that frequently transition into permanent roles. Students in business, communications, and STEM fields benefit from programs aligned with in-demand industries. International students can take advantage of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during their studies and Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation, with STEM students eligible for extended OPT. On-campus jobs and research assistantships provide additional practical experience. The university’s alumni network offers mentorship and guidance, helping graduates navigate job markets effectively. Hofstra alumni have secured positions with major corporations, startups, and leading organizations in New York and beyond. Overall, Hofstra equips students with both the skills and opportunities needed for successful careers.

PSW Opportunity

Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.

Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).

STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.

Contact our PSA counselor for more information

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

International students are invited to apply to Hofstra using the appropriate application system for their program of interest (more details are available on our application page). In addition to required applicant materials (which vary by program), international students must provide proof of English Language proficiency. Permanent residents who have been living in the US for a minimum of 3 years are exempt from this requirement. Acceptable means of proficiency include:

TOEFL Exam, minimum 80*
IELTS Exam, minimum 6.5*
PTEA Exam, minimum 53*
ITEP Exam, minimum 4*
ELS 112 Certificate
Bachelor’s or graduate degree from a regionally accredited US Institution
Bachelor’s or graduate degree from an institution whose language of instruction is English
Bachelor’s or graduate degree from English Speaking Countries (Australia, Canada [except Quebec/Montreal], Irish Republic, New Zealand and United Kingdom)
Bachelor’s or graduate degree from Africa Anglophone countries (Botswana, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Melawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe)
Bachelor’s or graduate degree from Commonwealth Caribbean Anglophone countries (Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and Turks and Caicos).

*Some graduate programs require a higher level of proficiency.

We are also accepting the following exams and proof of English proficiency for applicants who are unable to meet one of the above requirements:

TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition
IELTS Indicator
Duolingo score of 120 or higher

If you do not meet the criteria above, please contact our office at graduateinternational@hofstra.edu or explore opportunities for pathway program admission through INTO Hofstra.

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Long Island, New York, United States