Apr 19, 2024  
2017-2018 Van Loan Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Van Loan Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis, Severe Disabilities (Master of Education)


The Master of Education in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis in Severe Disabilities (All) is a program that allows students to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) examination. 

Initial Licensure

Prerequisite for Initial LicensurePassing score on the Communication and Literacy MTEL. To meet the licensure program requirements, students must successfully complete all of the required MTELs, coursework, fieldwork, and Comprehensive Examination. Students are required to pass all required MTELs prior to enrolling in the practicum. Students who are unable to meet these requirements can complete the non-licensure masters degree which replaces the Practicum and Reflective Seminar with two education electives. 

Initial Licensure Completion Requirements: To successfully exit from the M.Ed./BCBA program with Initial License in Severe Disabilities and qualification to sit for the BACB certification examination, students must successfully complete all of the required courses and fieldwork. In addition, teachers seeking Massachusetts licensure as a Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (all levels) must pass the MTEL General Curriculum test in addition to passing the Communication and Literacy test. Students may be advised to take additional subject matter courses for meeting the above DESE requirements. Students seeking a BCBA credential must fulfill both the educational and experiential requirements identified by the BACB and must take and pass the qualifying examination administered by the BACB.

Professional Licensure

Eligibility for Professional Licensure - In addition to completing the Professional Licensure Program of Study, in order to be eligible for a Massachusetts Professional level teacher license, a person must hold an Initial license as a teacher of students with severe disabilities (all levels) and has been employed under the Initial license for at least three (3) years. Candidates must be able to document that they have completed a one-year induction program with a mentor and completed 50 hours of mentored experience beyond their induction year. 

Prerequisite for Professional Licensure : Initial License in Severe Disabilities. 

Professional Licensure Completion Requirements: To successfully exit from the Appropriate Master’s Degree program in partial fulfillment of eligibility requirements for Professional Licensure as a Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities and eligibility to take the BCBA examination, students must successfully complete all of the required courses and, where relevant, the required fieldwork and comprehensive examination. Students seeking a BCBA credential must fulfill both the educational and experiential requirements identified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and must take and pass the qualifying examination administered by the BACB.

Program of Study


Learning Outcomes


Upon completion of the program, students will:

  • Demonstrate skill in planning curriculum and instruction, delivering effective instruction, managing classroom climate, promoting equity and meeting professional standards
  • Demonstrate ability to collect, analyze, synthesize, and apply measurement data
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and approach to subject matter
  • Demonstrate knowledge of typical child development and exceptionalities
  • Demonstrate acquisition of the knowledge, principles and skills of Applied Behavior Analysis

Total Degree Requirements - 48 credits


Total Degree Requirements - 48 credits