Special Education - Initial License

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Purpose

This program is designed for individuals seeking an initial license in teacher of students with moderate disabilities PK-8 or 5-12 and/or training in special education. It also serves those with bachelor’s or advanced degrees who want to gain a more comprehensive knowledge of special education in the school systems. Parents, administrators and community service workers have benefited from this program. This program qualifies students to apply for initial licensure from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Prerequisites

A bachelor’s degree with grades of merit from an accredited college or university, with an arts and sciences major, or a major appropriate to the teaching license sought (e.g., physical education, computer sciences, or technology)

Submission of official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), taken within the last five years. The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is not an option for this program. Those who already hold a master’s degree or a higher degree are exempt from this requirement.

A passing score on the Communication and Literacy skills portion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure

Child or Adolescent development course

Program Requirements

Foundation Courses

Special Education Courses

Practicum Courses

Total Credits: 18-30

Depending on prior graduate coursework in special education and in consultation with the program coordinator, students may take 18-30 credits in the Special Education-Initial License only program. The program coordinator will document content standards through a careful review of official transcripts and course syllabi.

Additional Information and Notes

*Candidates for initial licensure must take and pass all required sections of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure prior to entering the practicum.