Central Connecticut State University

About

Founded in 1849 as the New Britain Normal School Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) is Connecticut’s oldest publicly-supported institution of higher education. The school became the Teachers College of Connecticut in 1933 when it began offering four-year baccalaureate degrees.

In 2016, CCSU’s undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation programs were ranked as the highest-rated teacher preparation program in the state by ToBecomeATeacher.org. Comprised of four schools—Business; Education & Professional Studies; Engineering, Science & Technology; and the Carol Ammon College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences—CCSU offers undergraduate and graduate programs through the master's degree and sixth-year levels, and an EdD in Educational Leadership.

CCSU is a vibrant, learning-centered community dedicated to the liberal arts and sciences, and to education for the professions. CCSU’s mission focuses on development and application of knowledge and ideas through research and outreach activities. We prepare students to be thoughtful, responsible and successful citizens. Education at the undergraduate and graduate levels balances academic challenge and personal support, leading students to become thoughtful, responsible and successful citizens. The faculty's commitment to scholarly inquiry ensures the intellectual vitality of our classrooms.

College or University
New Britain, CT

Institution Links

Central Connecticut State University’s Education Program not only helped me learn how to teach, they taught me what it takes to become an educator. They value the importance of providing educative, mindful, creative, and authentic content for all students. I am proud to say that I am an undergraduate and now graduate student at CCSU.

Dana Malave

Programs

Master’s & certification

Master of Science in Special Education

From 24 to 36 months
Program Duration
Hybrid
Program Format
Pre-Test Required
No

Relevant Links

Program Info

The Master of Science in Special Education: Specialization for Initial Certification and Teachers Seeking Cross Endorsement serves two audiences:

1. Applicants who, after receiving an undergraduate degree that did not lead to teacher certification, want to pursue coursework leading to teacher certification in special education

2. Teachers who hold a current Connecticut Teaching Certificate in elementary, secondary or K-12 education.

This master's-level specialization provides coursework that leads to initial certification or a cross endorsement in Special Education. Nationally accredited by The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and recognized by Master's Degree Online as one of the best special education master's programs in the nation, our program emphasize carefully sequenced classes and field experiences that enable our students to gradually increase their knowledge and skills in the field of special education.

Department of Special Education and Interventions faculty also work collaboratively with public schools to improve the educational experiences of K-12 students with disabilities and promote appropriate research, scholarly activity and community engagement.

Upcoming Deadlines

Deadlines
Program Start

Nov. 15, 2024
Spring
Jun. 01, 2025
Fall

Get Deadline Reminders

Application Fee & Annual Tuition

Learn how to get$100 Back
and apply for a$1000 Scholarship

$12,848
In State Tuition
$26,072
Out of State Tuition
$50
Application Fee

Ways to Lower Your Costs

Students at Central Connecticut State University have reduced the cost of their program using these methods. Check with Central Connecticut State University to see if you can, too!

Amount

Description

Loan Forgiveness

Shortage area teachers are eligible.

Federal Loan Forgiveness for Public Service Employees Program provides for the cancellation of the remaining balance due on eligible federal student loans after the borrower has made 120 monthly payments on those loans under certain repayment plans while employed in certain public service fields such as public safety and health, teaching, library and military service.

See Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to learn more, or check with a financial aid office or organization like Sallie Mae.

Work Study

Over 80 percent of our students work in the field of special education during their enrollment in this program, and flexible enrollment options allow students to gain valuable work experience in the field.

$1,000-1,500 renewable

Peter T. Steinwedell Scholarship

See Scholarship Program by Hartford Foundation to learn more.

$5,000 or more

Alma Exley Scholarship

This scholarship is for minority students in accredited educator preparation programs in Connecticut. See Alma Exley Scholarship Program to learn more.

CCSU School of Graduate Studies Scholarship

Students can receive this scholarship based on merit and admission. See CCSU School of Graduate Studies Scholarships to learn more.

CCSU Holmes Master's Program Scholarship

Graduate scholars of color are eligible. See Holmes Master's Program Fact Sheet to learn more.

$2,500

Jack Kinnaman Scholarship

Students who are National Education Association members are eligible. See Jack Kinnaman Scholarship (NEA) to learn more.

TEACH Grants

See TEACH Grants from the Office of Federal Student Aid to learn more.

For more information visit:Financial Aid Office

Certifications

Comprehensive Special Education, Grades K-12

Program Semesters/Steps Overview

Students can begin this program in the fall or spring semester. Many of our students choose to attend part-time and work in the field as our classes begin at either 4:30 p.m. or 7:20 p.m.

Summer and hybrid courses are also available.

Most students apply for their special education teacher certification and obtain special education teaching positions while they complete their year-long capstone focused on data-based individualization.

Program Hallmarks

Stats

Gender

Male
Female

32%

68%

Ethnicity

American Indian or Alaskan Native
Asian
Black
Hispanic/Latino
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander
White
Two or more races

84%

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