Master of Education in Special Needs

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Overview

The programs in special needs prepare professionals to work with children with moderate disabilities (Prek-8 or 5-12) or severe disabilities (All).  Children with moderate disabilities participate in integrated or self-contained classroom settings while children with severe disabilities are primarily served within specialized self-contained classroom settings.  These programs lead to Massachusetts DESE teacher licensure at the initial or professional level.

Both the Moderate Disabilities program (PK-8, 5-12) and the Severe Disabilities program (All) are designed and offered in two different tracks:  1) a 21-credit post baccalaureate program that leads to Initial Licensure and an optional 15-credit additional program to obtain a Master’s Degree and (2) a 36-credit Appropriate Master’s Degree program for the Professional License.

The distinction between the different grade level licensures (i.e. PreK-8, 5-12, and All) lies in:
•    The entrance requirements (e.g., prior coursework);
•    The number of clock hours and the grade level for the practicum experience; and
•    Assignments within courses that address the grade level at which the student is pursuing licensure.

Return to: Master of Education in Special Needs