Master of Education (M.Ed.) in
Special Education
Program Highlights & Benefits
Online or Hyflex format
Eight-week courses
Earn your initial license in Moderate Disabilities (Grades PreK-8)
Cohort-Based Learning
For:
The M.Ed. in Special Education concentration prepares candidates to teach students with moderate disabilities and leads to an initial DESE teaching license in Moderate Disabilities, grades Pre-K-8. This is an ideal degree for:
- Recent graduates interested in pursuing a teaching career with a supportive pathway to licensure. Past students in our program have come from a variety of academic backgrounds including elementary education, psychology, sociology, English, history, early childhood education, communication, and more!
- Current classroom teachers in PreK-8 settings who are looking to obtain a meaningful master’s degree and gain licensure in moderate disabilities
- Paraprofessionals, classroom aides, and support staff who already work closely with students and want to become lead teachers.
- Career changers who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and are seeking a purposeful profession.
- Advocates with a passion for education looking for a hands-on program to gain the skills and credentials needed to support students with disabilities.
What You’ll Learn:
The Master’s in Special Education consists of 34 credits. The curriculum is approved by DESE and results in initial licensure in Moderate Disabilities (grades PreK-8). Through this program, students also meet the SEI endorsement required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Coursework is not approved by DESE to move individuals with initial licenses to professional licenses. Courses are taken in a structured sequence and thoughtfully designed to build knowledge and confidence.
In addition to hands-on, experiential teaching in actual classrooms, you’ll explore key components of effective educational practice, including literacy, curriculum development and lesson planning, classroom management strategies, psychoeducational assessment, the creation of individualized education programs (IEPs), and techniques for adapting and differentiating lessons for diverse learners.
How You’ll Learn:
As you complete your course work, you and your peers will benefit from our cohort-based learning community that models the team-oriented educational workplace. Students join the cohort when it starts and proceed through the program together. Cohorts allow students to get to know each other well, to support each other in the program, and to begin to develop a professional network that will last well beyond the end of the program.
Flexible Schedule – Hyflex Learning
Introducing Hyflex – A schedule that provides you remote learning by choice, allowing you to balance life’s responsibilities while pursuing your graduate degree. You choose how to attend lectures: in-person or remotely through ZOOM. Hyflex learning offers flexibility while keeping you connected with your professors and peers.
Career Outcomes:
The M.Ed. in Special Education concentration prepares candidates to teach students with moderate disabilities and leads to an initial DESE teaching license in Moderate Disabilities, grades Pre-K-8. Primary program goals:
- Excellent educational professionals – To prepare skilled, knowledgeable educators with the creativity to instigate change, the caring to advocate for children and adult learners, and the skill and knowledge to advance learning and growth for all students.
- Thoughtful, analytical, and effective leaders – To develop education leaders with the skepticism, critical analysis, and synthesis ability, contextual knowledge and communication skills to identify problems, craft solutions, and lead efforts towards positive change.
- Meet and/or exceed all applicable Department of Education standards – To align all course objectives with applicable DESE standards to ensure that the College’s programs meet or exceed all state expectations in its licensure programs.
Degree Requirements:
| Course | Title | Hours |
| MED 6110 | Children, Society and Education | 3 |
| MED 6710 | Learning, Diversity and the Fundamentals of Teaching | 3 |
| MED 6040 | Foundations of Literacy for Diverse Learners | 3 |
| MED 6720 | Inquiry-Based Instruction | 3 |
| MED 6440 | Teaching Exceptional Children | 3 |
| MED 6555 | Math Applications | 3 |
| MED 6420 | Models of Programs for Special Needs Children | 3 |
| MED 6450 | Strategies for Classroom Management and Pre-Practicum | 3 |
| MED 6430 | Psycho-Educational Assessment | 3 |
| MED 6015 | Sheltered English Immersion | 3 |
| MED 6410 | Field Experience Practicum | 1 |
| MED 6910 | Collaborative Teaching and Learning Seminar | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 34 |
Please Note:
This is not an official course schedule. Program and course requirements are subject to change to comply with College and DESE requirements and policies.
