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

The Master of Education in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis in Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8, 5-12) is a program that allows students to sit for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) examination. 

Initial Licensure

Prerequisite for Initial Licensure: Passing score on the Communcation 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./ABA program with Initial License in Moderate 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 Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8) must pass the MTEL General Curriculum test and Foundations of Reading Test in addition to passing the Communication and Literacy test.

Students seeking Moderate Disabilities licensure (5-12) may choose to substitute a subject matter test (5-8 or 8-12) for the general curriculum test in addition to the required Communications and Literacy and Foundations of Reading tests. A Competency Review is also required of all Moderate Disabilities licenses. 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 moderate disabilities (PreK-8, 5-12) 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 Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8, 5-12)

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 Moderate Disabilities and eligibility to take the BACB 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.