Special Education
Women
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Education and Special Education Track
Program Overview
The 11-month Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Education and Special Education Track is the ideal undergraduate pathway for pursuing a graduate degree and career in Education and Special Education. By incorporating 39 seminary credits, this degree can be completed in just one year and the student will be well prepared to apply for a graduate program in education and special education.
Through the disciplines of psychology and education, the student gains a deep understanding of individuals and society, as well as proficiency in employing research methods and applying evidence. This degree also incorporates two graduate-level Education courses which can be applied toward Sara Schenirer’s Master’s in Education and Special Education. By beginning their education and special education journey at the undergraduate level, students enjoy access to outstanding professors in the field as well as significant savings of time and expense.
This degree is offered through The University of Mount St. Vincent (UMSV).
Please note: NJ residents are encouraged to join the BA in Education and Special Education offered through St. Peter’s University (SPU) as the financial aid, scholarship, and teaching certification options are significantly expanded for NJ residents in the SPU program.
Videos
Admission Requirements
High School Transcript
Personal Statement
Two References
Personal Photograph
Non-refundable Application Fee
Course Listing
The program information listed here reflects the approved curriculum for the current academic year.
Faculty & Instructors

Akiva Gornish
PsyD
Akiva Gornish, Psy.D., is a doctoral-level clinician and educator trained in clinical psychology. Gornish earned his Psy.D. from the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. His scholarly work includes book chapters, peer-reviewed journal articles, and conference presentations on psychotherapy process, interpersonal functioning, and clinical training. He also provides psychotherapy in private practice, with a focus on couples work and mood-related concerns.
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Amy Siegel
MA
Amy Siegel earned her B.A. and M.A. from New York University and has worked across the education, government, and nonprofit sectors, including roles connected with the U.S. Department of State and the Government of Japan. Siegel is also an accomplished food writer and recipe developer. She won the 2009 Simply Manischewitz Cook-Off, has contributed recipes to Jamie Geller, and continued to receive recognition for original kosher recipes, including a 2025 Matzah Madness competition win. She teaches Writing in Context at Sara Schenirer.
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Brenda J. Siev
MA
Brenda J. Siev is an experienced educator and school leader currently serving as Assistant Principal of General Studies and Director of College Guidance at Kosloff Torah Academy High School for Girls in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, where she also teaches senior English. She began her career teaching English across multiple levels, advising student publications, and leading marketing efforts before moving into academic leadership roles, including Director of General Studies at Bais Yaakov of Boston and mentoring new teachers at NSU University High School in Florida.
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Chana M. Blau
MSEd
Chana M. Blau, M.S.Ed., is an educator and behavioral consultant with more than 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. She has supported clients in the United States, England, South Africa, and Israel through behavioral interventions, life-skills development, self-awareness, relationship building, and dating guidance. Blau also consults with divorced parents on strengthening parent-child relationships and addressing behavioral concerns. Her experience spans early childhood through middle school, as well as university-level teaching. She earned her M.S.Ed. from Arizona State University.
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Tuition & Financial Aid
he full cost of the degree is $19,500, but can vary slightly in either direction depending on the student. This covers the cost of college courses ($18,000) and expected required exams (approximately $1,500). Students who are eligible for financial aid (FAFSA) may receive scholarships to cover the full cost of the college courses. Your exact tuition amount will depend on your transfer credits and financial aid eligibility.
**Save approximately $3,400 on your Master’s in Education and Special Education degree by incorporating the master’s-level education courses into your undergraduate degree!
Eligible students may receive financial aid for the portion of their degree completed through UMSV. All students are strongly encouraged to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), even if they believe they may not qualify for aid.
The FAFSA can be completed online at this link (UMSV’s FAFSA school code is 002703). Be sure to complete the correct year’s application.
For New York State residents only:
The TAP application is available approximately one week after the FAFSA is submitted at this link. UMSV’s TAP code is 0130.
Please note: The listed tuition costs are accurate as of the time of writing, but are not guaranteed. Please ask our advisor for updated pricing.
FAQs
What is the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Education Track?
The 11-month Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Education Track is the ideal undergraduate pathway for pursuing a graduate degree and career in education and special education. By incorporating 39 seminary credits, this degree can be completed in just one year and the student will be well prepared to apply for a graduate program in education and special education.
Through the disciplines of psychology and education, the student gains a deep understanding of individuals and society, as well as proficiency in employing research methods and applying evidence. This degree also incorporates two graduate-level education courses which can be applied toward Sara Schenirer’s Master’s in Education and Special Education. By beginning their education and special education journey at the undergraduate level, students enjoy access to outstanding professors in the field as well as significant savings of time and expense.
Which university have you partnered with to offer this degree?
We are proud to have partnered with The University of Mount Saint Vincent (UMSV), a highly ranked university in NYS featuring an outstanding undergraduate Psychology department. Among the five oldest universities in New York City, UMSV offers more than 70 nationally recognized programs, including a full array of majors and minors in the sciences and mathematics, the humanities, arts, and social sciences, and professional preparation in accounting, business, communication, education, and nursing.
Will this degree be accepted by other universities?
UMSV is regionally accredited, which means that its degrees are accepted by graduate programs nationwide. Students have used the bachelor’s degree earned at UMSV for admittance into master’s programs in a wide variety of colleges. For specific information about UMSV’s accreditation, please see here.
How long will it take to earn my degree?
This degree can be completed in as few as three semesters (11 months).
What advantages does this specialized Education track offer over the standard BA in Psychology?
• Two graduate-level education courses are incorporated into the BA in Psychology, reducing the course requirement at the graduate level
• The cost of tuition for the Master’s in Education and Special Education is reduced by transferring the two graduate courses into the graduate program
Additionally, during the course of the program, students in the Education track will enjoy specialized workshops led by professionals in the education field who will introduce them to the field and offer helpful guidance and tips for aspiring educators.
Does this degree program limit me at the graduate level to Education & Special Education, or can it be used to apply for graduate programs in other fields?
The degree, a BA in Psychology, is extremely versatile and can be used to apply for a wide range of graduate degrees. By incorporating the two graduate-level courses into the undergraduate program, students are better prepared to apply for the Master’s in Education and Special Education program upon graduation, but are not limited to that program. Students have successfully used this degree to gain entry into graduate programs in Applied Behavior Analysis, Social Work, Law, Business Administration, Play Therapy, Mental Health Counseling, and more.
If I’m unsure whether I’m interested in Education & Special Education, is this the program for me?
Assuming you don’t have a clear preference for another field, this is an ideal program to help a student determine her ideal graduate pathway and whether education & special education is right for her. Throughout the course of the program, students are exposed to professionals in the field of education & special education and have the opportunity to observe and speak with them and learn more about the profession. This enables students to make a clear-headed decision when the time comes for application to graduate school.
Which credits can be applied towards the B.A. degree?
The Office of the Registrar at UMSV grants transfer credits to students who have completed courses at accredited institutions and have provided their official transcripts for evaluation. The Registrar evaluates and accepts only credits that apply to the student’s program of study and reflect a final grade of ‘C’ or above. Accepted credits are applied to the student’s record, reflected on their academic planner, but not calculated into their college GPA. A transfer credit planner will also be shared with the student’s advisor to assist with schedule creation and developing a graduation plan.
When and where are classes offered?
Classes may be taken in either of these formats:
• Entirely online
• In-person (Boro Park, Monsey, Crown Heights, or Five Towns)
Whether online or in-person, students typically take two classes on Sunday and one or two additional classes during the week. Exact schedules vary by location.
Can I maintain employment at the undergraduate level while earning this degree?
Although the program is rigorous, the schedule is tailored to allow for students to obtain employment during the course of their undergraduate studies. Students seeking to pursue a career in the field of education are strongly encouraged to seek employment in an educational setting so they can gain firsthand experience and learn about the field in an authentic manner. This will greatly enhance their resume as they apply to graduate programs in the educational field as well.









