Adding special education to your professional portfolio opens doors to working with new groups of students in meaningful ways, the Master of Education in Special Education degree program will prepare you to anticipate and meet the needs of a broad range of students with specialized learning needs. 

Your fellow students in this graduate program are professional and aspiring teachers who share a passion to deepen their knowledge of educational theory and practice, while learning the latest ways to improve special education. 

This degree meets the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education standards and competencies for initial licensure as a teacher of students with moderate disabilities, pre-K-8, and 5-12. This degree can also be taken completely online in a way that does not lead to licensure.  

Special Education: Practicum 150 hours, 75 of which must be teaching special needs students in an inclusive environment Available only during the Winter or Spring quarters.  To be eligible for the practicum students must: Complete 2 core classes and 1 special ed course.  Pass the MTEL tests  Communication and Literacy Foundations of reading If grades 8-12 a core subject test is required as well in the subject matter they teach For elementary school teachers the General Curriculum is required as well.   For the practicum (not for enrollment), students must be teaching in an inclusive environment where special needs students and traditional students are taught in the same environment. 

Program objectives 

• Hone the skills and disposition to educate and inspire children with specialized learning needs 

• Develop a conceptual framework to effectively advocate for the educational rights of all children 

• Examine the impact of local, national, and global changes on policy and practice for special education 

• Learn to develop Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for the broad and varied range of student learning and behavioral style 

Unique Features 

• Curriculum emphasizes experiential learning and real-world application of theory 
• All MEd students create ePortfolios to showcase their mastery of topics and fields. Students leverage this body of work throughout the program and after, as a key piece of their personal brand. 
• Network of Educational Professionals: Students of the MEd program share a passion for education in common but come from very diverse backgrounds and disciplines.  
• Enrollment at either our flagship Boston location or online, allows maximum flexibility for working professionals