SUNY Potsdam Opens New Fully Online Pathway to Careers in Special Education, with Virtual MST Program
Ashley Penny ’12 & ’15, an alumna of the MSED program in special education, works as a special education teacher for BOCES, in addition to serving as the mentor program coordinator at the Sheard Literacy Center.
SUNY Potsdam is expanding access to careers in special education with the launch of a new fully online Master of Science in Teaching degree in inclusive and special education, designed for individuals from a wide range of academic backgrounds.
Designed for both career changers and recent college graduates, the program allows aspiring educators from any undergraduate background to work toward their initial New York State teaching certification in Students with Disabilities (All Grades). No GRE scores are needed to apply, and applications are now open.
Learn more: Inclusive & special education graduate studies at SUNY Potsdam
Adding to SUNY Potsdam’s top-ranked and growing selection of virtual programs, the MST can be completed fully online, and students can begin in either the fall or spring. Summer classes are also offered as part of the degree.
“Our program provides the unique blend of an evidence-based system for preparing each of our students for personal growth and professional success, while creating opportunities for individualized and personalized instruction from our instructors, who each bring a depth and breadth of real-world classroom experiences. With a focus on the individual, we pride ourselves on creating a flexible and adaptable learning environment for every learner,” said Assistant Professor Dr. Donald Wheeler, who coordinates the program.
The nationally accredited graduate program can be completed in four, five or six semesters, allowing flexibility for teacher candidates to study full- or part-time, while balancing career aspirations with other responsibilities. Upon completion, graduates are prepared to seek initial New York State teacher certification in Students with Disabilities (All Grades).
"As a former superintendent, I experienced firsthand the growing challenge school districts face in finding certified special education teachers. The need has never been greater for compassionate, highly skilled educators who can support diverse learners and help every child reach their potential,” said Interim Dean of the School of Education and Professional Studies Jaime Cruikshank '92 & '97. “This new program creates an important pathway to special education certification for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and are ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students. SUNY Potsdam is proud to respond to this urgent need by preparing the next generation of special education professionals."
The program meets New York State’s Students with Disabilities (All Grades) initial certification requirements and aligns with national Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accreditation standards. Coursework covers key areas, including autism foundations, cultural linguistic responsiveness, and interdisciplinary content methods.
The new MST degree complements SUNY Potsdam’s existing Master of Science in Education (MSED) degree in special education, leading to initial or professional certification in either early childhood (birth-Grade 2), childhood (Grades 1 to 6) or adolescence (Grades 7 to 12, generalist).
“One of the things I appreciated most was that the program was fully asynchronous, which allowed me to balance graduate school while working full-time in the classroom. I never felt overwhelmed or rushed, and the workload always felt manageable and meaningful,” said MSED program graduate Faith Griffin ’26. “What really made the program special, though, was the support from the professors and staff. Every professor I had was knowledgeable, understanding, and genuinely invested in student success… The program not only helped me grow professionally as an educator, but it also made me feel confident and prepared entering the field.”
SUNY Potsdam offers highly regarded programs at the undergraduate and graduate level across education disciplines, from baccalaureate programs to new flexible online graduate programs and advanced certificates leading to initial or professional certification. The College is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Student teaching field work and the culminating student teaching internship requirements are coordinated by the SUNY Potsdam Center for School Partnerships and Teacher Certification, which works with candidates to find appropriate placements with schools wherever they are located.
The School of Education and Professional Studies at SUNY Potsdam has been preparing educators for more than 200 years. Today, that legacy of educational excellence also stretches to undergraduate and graduate programs in business administration, public health and human performance, to help students prepare for professions in the global economy. For more information, visit https://www.potsdam.edu/academics/SOEPS.
About SUNY Potsdam:
Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America’s first 50 colleges—and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.