
In Short
Meets teacher, candidate, and PreK-12 district needs.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the field of special education, including legislation and litigation that has affected the rights of individuals with disabilities
- Demonstrate competence in teaching that leads to success for all students in the least restrictive environment
- Evaluate students to determine their educational needs and to design appropriate programs
What we're working on

Hear what students and faculty are saying about our hybrid program!
Degree Overview
These programs are designed to prepare students for careers in teaching children with disabilities.
In addition to what's above, this program prepares graduates to:
- Collaborate with teachers and parents to develop effective teaching strategies that will enhance student’s learning
- Demonstrate sensitivity, understanding and respect for children and adults from diverse cultural, religious, ethnic, and racial backgrounds
Program Highlights
- CAEP accredited
- Recognized as Highly Qualified Teachers through MA DOE
- Meets CEC Standards
Career Opportunities
The Moderate Disabilities Graduate Program provides teachers with the opportunity to work with individuals with special needs at the indicated levels. Career options include, but may not be limited to:
- Inclusion Teacher/Specialist
- Special Education Teacher
- Resource Room Teacher
Total Credits
Moderate Disabilities (Pre-K-8): 39 credits
Moderate Disabilities (5-12): 39 credits
Time Frame
While you can complete the program in as few as two years, you have six years to complete the program.
I love the program, the involvement of the professors, and the well-rounded classes. I am learning so much that is applicable to my profession.
Degrees and Other Information
- MEd, Special Education, Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities, Initial Licensure (Pre-K-8) Program Concentration - Program information from the University Catalog.
- MEd, Special Education, Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities, Initial Licensure (5-12) Program Concentration - Program information from the University Catalog.
- Two-Year Course Rotation (Pre-K-8) (PDF)
- Two-Year Course Rotation (5-12) (PDF)
Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling admission basis. Admissions requirements are as follows:
- Official transcript of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Three letters of recommendation
- Professional resume
- Passing scores for the Communication and Literacy subtest of the Massachusetts Test of Educator Licensure (MTEL) or copy of initial teaching license
- Official transcripts of graduate level course work from a regionally accredited institution (if applicable)
- Graduate application and fee
- An essay, no more than one page in length, in response to one of the following questions:
- Tell us about a positive situation in which you helped a person and made a significant difference in that person’s life.
- What are the most important factors in establishing a long-term working relationship with students, friends, etc.?
- Tell us about a significant event that involved you in a teaching or helping mode.
Still have questions? We're here to help!
We know you're busy, so we've given you a few different options to conveniently get the answers you need. You can…
- Email admissions or call 978.665.3144
- Make an appointment to speak to an advisor
- Email an advisor with program questions
- Attend an Information Session
- Watch a webinar