Childhood Education and Childhood Special Education, MST

Ready to make a difference in the life of a child? At Pace University, you can earn your MST in Childhood Education and Childhood Special Education, equipping you to meet the needs of students of all abilities. Whether in inclusive classrooms or elementary special education programs, you’ll gain the skills to create meaningful learning experiences for every child.

Students working at a study nook on Pace University's NYC campus.

Location

Online

Duration

47 Credits
30 Months, full-time and part-time

Modality

Online

Start Dates

Fall, Spring, Summer

F1 Visa

No

STEM Designated Program

No

Be an Essential Advocate

Pace University’s Master of Science for Teachers (MST) in Childhood Education and Childhood Special Education prepares you to support the diverse needs of every learner in today’s classrooms. You’ll build the research-based knowledge and practical skills essential for addressing the needs of all students, including those with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse learners.

With a curriculum designed to develop your expertise in inclusive and special education settings, this master’s degree in childhood and special education equips you for success in New York City’s diverse schools. Our strong partnerships with local schools in Westchester and NYC provide hands-on experience and direct pathways to employment—many of our students secure teaching positions before graduation.

This program is an excellent option for professionals and college graduates from non-education backgrounds who want to transition into teaching and make a meaningful impact in the classroom.

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98%

of our graduates are employed (Source: Pace University Career Services)

Top 9%

best special education school (Source: College Factual)

#3

special education job placement (Source: Intelligent.com)

Curriculum

This 47-credit program provides a focused exploration into the organization of schools, the different ways that students learn, and the adaptation of teaching methods to meet the needs of individual students with and without disabilities in inclusive and self-contained settings.

View Curriculum

Take Courses Like…

Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)

We are a proud member of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), an accreditation organization for educator preparation programs that promotes the preparation of effective educators by way of innovative, outcomes-focused programs that engage education’s toughest challenges, directly and in context.

Careers

After completing the program and passing the New York State Teacher Certification Exams, you are eligible for initial teaching certifications in Childhood Education (grades 1–6) and Students with Disabilities (grades 1–6) in New York State.

Our strong partnerships with local school districts mean that our students are getting hired before they even graduate.

Where Pace Graduates are Employed

  • NYC Department of Education
  • Dutchess County School District
  • Putnam County School District
  • Rockland County School District
  • Westchester County School District
  • NJDOE

Featured Faculty

Admission and Financial Aid

You're ready for a new level of success—whether it's advancing in your current field or launching a new career. Pace is with you every step of the way, providing a world-class education and the skills your industry will be looking for far into the future.

    • A personal statement explaining to the Graduate Admission Committee why you would like to pursue the program of graduate study you have chosen. Additional information regarding your academic performance, as well as professional experience, may also be included in the supplement.
    • A resume or outline describing at least the past five years of your employment history and any significant community, professional, or college extracurricular activities. Applicants need 2 letters of recommendation. Letters should be from academic or professional references that can knowledgeably comment on your ability to successfully complete graduate study. Include recognitions and achievements (e.g. licenses, publications, and awards).
    • All Official Transcripts: Transcripts from every accredited college or university attended (not just the degree granting institution) must be sent either to Pace University, directly from the academic institution electronically or by mail, or forwarded by the applicant in sealed envelopes from the academic institution.
    • Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with a Liberal Arts major/concentration or the equivalent. In addition, the candidate’s transcript will be evaluated for 6 credits in each of the following areas: ELA, History, Natural Science, and Math. Candidates who have 12 credits or fewer of “deficiencies” in these areas are eligible for admission. Deficiencies will be required to be addressed prior to student teaching.
    • International Applicants: Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and they must have their international transcript evaluated by a NACES accredited service such as World Education Services (WES). The purpose of the evaluation is for the agency to determine the American equivalent of courses completed, and credits and grades earned for each course. The evaluation is required by New York State Education Department (NYSED) to determine eligibility for teacher certification.
  • Per credit: $1,095 | Total cost of program: $51,465
    *Tuition based on current year and subject to change.

  • Fall Term

    • Domestic Students: August 1
    • International Students: June 1

    Spring Term

    • Domestic Students: December 1
    • International Students: October 1

    Summer Term

    • Domestic Students: May 1
    • International Students: March 1
  • Make an appointment to meet with you admission counselor.

  • Every admitted student is automatically considered for all available financial aid options, assessed based on both availability and individual need. Financial resources include:

    • Merit-based Scholarships: Awards of up to $4,800, automatically considered during the application process.
    • Graduate Assistantships: Opportunities for hands-on experience while earning financial support.
    • Endowed Scholarships: Awards funded by generous donors to support student success.
    • Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan: A federal loan program with favorable terms.
    • Graduate/Professional Direct PLUS Loan: For students who need additional funding.
    • Work-Study Programs: Part-time work opportunities to help fund your education.
    • Military Benefits: Includes the GI Bill®, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and Pace’s Veteran Tuition Scholarship.

    For more information about affordability and the full range of financial aid options, visit Pace University Financial Aid.

    GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Contact Us

Admission Contact

Office of Graduate Admission 
Phone: (800) 874-7223 
Email: graduateadmission@pace.edu

Departmental Contact

Shobana Musti, PhD
Email: smusti@pace.edu