Special Needs: Professional Licensure in Moderate Disabilites (Pre-K-8, 5-12)

The 36 credit program satisfies the requirements for the Appropriate Master’s Degree in Moderate Disabilities and prepares special needs teachers who already possess an Initial License in the field with a program of study that prepares them to be eligible for Professional Licensure in the state of Massachusetts at both the Pre-K–8 and 5–12 levels. The Appropriate Master’s Degree focuses on:

• The study of advanced level subject matter and teaching methods focused on the assessment and support of the students with moderate disabilities; and
• An in-depth examination of research methods, policy analysis, leadership, the social history of American education, and the foundations of student aspirations. Preparing practicing teachers to build a deeper understanding of the field in which they teach, the Appropriate Master’s Degree also provides educators with an opportunity to understand the trends in 21st century American education that have an impact on their students, schools, and lives as teachers.

Pre-requisite: Possession of an Initial Licensure in Moderate Disabilities for the appropriate grade level (Pre-K–8 or 5–12)

Distinction between Pre-K-8 and 5-12 levels

The content covered in HST 531, MTH 579, and SCN 571 in the curriculum outlined below have been designed to delineate Pre-K–8 and 5–12 grade levels.

Specific Admission Requirements

• Application form and fee;
• Statement of professional goals;
• Official transcripts of all academic work (at a minimum a Bachelor degree);
• Two letters of recommendation;
• A copy of a Massachusetts Initial License in Moderate Disabilities for the appropriate grade level; and
• Official score on either the Miller Analogies Test or GRE.