Graduate Certificate in Special Education — Boston

Massachusetts is facing a shortage of teachers licensed in moderate disabilities. Northeastern's Graduate Certificate in Special Education gives you the tools to fill this need and make a difference.

Boston, MA

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We’re committed to creating an education as unique as your career path. So, whether your goal is a new career or moving up in your field, our innovative programs will get you going your way.

Enrollment
Full-Time, Part-Time
Entry Terms
Fall, Spring, Summer
Completion Time
6-12 Months
F1 Visa Eligible
No
Program Type
Primarily Online

Overview

Northeastern’s Graduate Certificate in Special Education allows teachers with an initial Massachusetts teaching license to get endorsed for a license in moderate disabilities in grades pre-K through eight or five through 12. After graduation, you’ll be qualified to support students with moderate disabilities. By broadening the range of students with whom you’re able to work, you’ll also open the door to new job opportunities across the state.

Courses for this program take place primarily online, giving you the flexibility to complete most of your coursework when and where it’s most convenient for you.

Career Outlook

Earning your certificate in special education can help you discover new career pathways in Massachusetts.

  • Massachusetts ranks as the best state in which to teach, with some of the top-ranked schools and salaries in the country (U.S. News & World Report, 2025).
  • The staffing retention rate for teachers in Massachusetts was nearly 90% from 2024 to 2025, demonstrating the higher-than-average number of teachers who stay in the same role year to year (Massachusetts Department of Education, 2025).
  • Teaching jobs are expected to grow about 5% by 2031, with those who have specializations expected to be in greatest demand (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025).

Program Curriculum

For details on required courses, concentrations, and electives, please consult the current academic catalog.

Cost and Tuition

$18.2K*

Tuition

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

Application Deadlines

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:

Domestic Application Guidelines

International Application Guidelines*

*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.

Admissions

Ready to explore your future?

Our enrollment representatives can walk you through the application process and help you explore your program options.

Call Toll Free: 877.668.7727

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