Special Education - Initial License, Master of Education

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Purpose

The Masters degree program in Special Education is designed to help teachers who wish to upgrade their knowledge and skills in the field of 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 teacher licensure as a teacher of students with moderate disabilities PK-8 or 5-12 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)

Students who have not previously taken any education courses may need to complete introductory course work that does not count towards the degree requirements

A sample of academic writing. Please review our academic writing sample guidelines. Attach your academic writing sample to the end of your personal statement in the online application.

An interview with a member of the admissions committee. You will be contacted to schedule your interview after your application is complete.

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

Program Requirements

Requirements for Licensure:

THE FOLLOWING COURSES AND MTELs MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO PRACTICUM

EDU 725 - Introduction to Literacy Development *
EDG 790 - Introduction to Special Education
EDU 990E - Effective UDL Classroom Practices
EDS 860 - Sheltering Content for English Language Learners *
*Students who are coming into the program having already fulfilled the competencies of a seminar in language art and mathematics are not required to take EDU725. Likewise, those who are already endorsed for Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) are not required to take EDS 860. For these candidates, they may complete the degree program with 36 credits.
EDS 739 - Literacy and Disabilities
EDU 801 - Classroom Management and Positive Behavior Supports
EDS 810 - Adaptive and Assistive Technology
EDS 891 - Methods and Materials in Special Education
EDS 990Y - Psycho-Educational Assessment of Exceptional Students
EDU 829 - Accessing and Designing School Services for Students with Exceptional Learning Needs
EDS 959P - Practicum/Internship Moderate Special Needs
EDS 959S - Initial License Seminar in Special Education

Additional Requirements for Completing the Degree:

Choose one of the research courses listed below.

Total Credits: 36-39**

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.

**Many candidates come into the program having already fulfilled the competencies of a seminar in language arts and mathematics. For these candidates, they may complete the degree program with 36 credits. Please consult with the program coordinator to determine if you have met the competency to qualify for the 36 credit option.