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Our initial licensure graduate program in special education prepares teachers to work with students with moderate disabilities in grades PreK-2, PreK-8, or 5-12. Our initial licensure programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MDESE). The initial licensure-only program does not lead to an academic degree.

Our program is geared toward cultivating the skills, methods and strategies needed to support students with mild to moderate special education needs. The initial licensure-only program may be suitable for those with a graduate degree and/or teaching license and who want to earn their initial license in moderate disabilities.

Program Features 

• Tailored for students, career changers, and education professionals: The program serves those new to the field of education and people who have previously worked in school settings.

• Flexible pacing options: An individualized plan of study based on your needs and prior experience.  Courses are offered online in synchronous and asynchronous formats, depending on offerings. Students also have the opportunity to take summer courses.

• Exciting 300-hour practicum: We have strong partnerships with more than 50 area schools throughout Greater Boston and the North Shore, offering excellent experiential learning opportunities for those seeking placement. Educators already working in the classroom can often complete their practicum at their current employer. 

• Faculty: Learn from expert faculty with specializations in early childhood literacy and disability, autism and social behavioral disorders, supporting college students with cognitive disabilities, and experience working as special education teachers and administrators.

• Culturally sustaining practices: Our teacher candidates are trained to create equitable learning environments. They learn how to design and implement culturally responsive lessons, support positive student behaviors, and strategically plan to meet the needs of diverse learners. Our dedicated faculty are committed to promoting social justice and equitable access to learning for all students.

Curriculum

Our robust curriculum will prepare students to facilitate inclusive learning in the classroom, collaborate with peers and parents about best practices, and learn how to balance the needs of all learners in a general education classroom.

Sample Courses

• EDU 801 – Classroom Management and Positive Behavioral Supports 

• EDS 810 – Assistive and Adaptive Technology 

• EDS 891 – Instructional Methods in Special Education 

• EDU 990E – Effective UDL Classroom Practices 

The program is variable credit, based on prior coursework, and ranges from 12-40.5 credits. The licensure program includes a required 300-hour practicum. 

Practicum Information

Licensure programs require a 300-hour practicum designed to provide students with in-depth experience working in the field. We have a strong network of schools throughout the North Shore for those seeking placement. Educators already working in the classroom may usually complete their practicum at their place of employment, if desired.

The programs that lead to initial licensure also require a minimum of 75 hours of fieldwork completed prior to practicum.  

Per state licensure requirements, students seeking initial licensure in moderate disabilities must complete a portion of the practicum in an inclusion setting. An inclusion setting is one that serves both students with and without IEPs.

For students seeking a preschool to 8th-grade license, a minimum of 75 hours must be completed in an inclusion setting during practicum.

For students seeking a 5th to 12th-grade license, a minimum of 150 hours must be completed in an inclusion setting during practicum. It is possible to complete all required practicum hours in an inclusion setting for either grade range. 

Licensure Opportunities* 

This program qualifies students to apply for initial teacher licensure as a teacher of students with moderate disabilities PreK-2, PreK-8, or 5-12 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Our initial licensure programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). 

Our on-site school of education services center is dedicated to helping students navigate state licensure requirements and providing MTEL support. 

_{*Please be aware that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may change licensure requirements. Students are advised to contact the state for specific, current licensure requirements. Students may access that information at}  

Careers 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for special education teachers is $88,380*, making it one of the top five highest-paying states nationwide for this profession. In the Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH metropolitan area, the annual mean wage is $94,080*. 

Almost 100% of our graduates from our master’s and initial licensure programs have secured employment in the field or advanced in their current positions upon completing their degree.

_{*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 3). Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: Special Education Teachers, All Other*. Retrieved from}