Special Education Non-Licensure Concentration, MS
Master of Science in Education
The Master of Science in Education is designed to prepare professionals for careers in education and related fields. The degree includes options for individuals with a bachelor’s degree that leads to careers in education in pre-school through secondary levels. While the M.S. in Education seeks to provide graduates with the skills, knowledge, and creativity needed for success in the classroom, community, and organizations, the specializations, certifications and licensure provide depth in a particular area of educational practice, policy, curriculum, and state-of-the-art inclusionary best practices.
Students who already hold a license and do not want any additional license or students who are interested in working with persons with special needs such as in the area of human services would pursue this option. This option does not include a practicum.
Program Requirements
The Master of Science in Education degree with the concentration in Moderate Disabilities Levels 5-12, Moderate Disabilities Levels PreK-8, and Severe Disabilities: All Levels all require the completion of 39 credit hours and a practicum or internship experience to meet degree requirements. The Special Education Non-Licensure concentration requires the completion of 39 credit hours to meet degree requirements. This concentration does not require the completion of a practicum or internship experience.
Additional Program Information
Title II of the Higher Education Act
Title II (Section 207 of the Higher Education Act) requires that institutions with teacher preparation programs that enroll students receiving federal financial assistance prepare annual reports on teacher preparation and licensing. The full report is distributed with admissions materials and is also available upon request.
Degree requirements for the Special Education Non-Licensure concentration are as follows:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| SPE 510 | Managing Challenging Behaviors | 3 |
| SPE 511 | Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| SPE 515 | Foundations for Promoting Inclusive Schools | 3 |
| SPE 520 | Learners with Special Needs | 3 |
| SPE 525 | Foundations of Literacy I: Dev & Su pp Literacy Across the Grade Levels | 3 |
| SPE 530 | Curriculum Design and Assessment | 3 |
| SPE 531 | Teaching and Assessing Students with Severe Disabilities | 3 |
| Electives 1 | 15 | |
| Total Credits Required: | 36 | |
- 1
Students can select from Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, English as a Second Language, Reading, Special Education, or Special Education Administrator courses that are not a practicum, pre-practicum, or seminar course.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Master of Science in Education program are expected to demonstrate achievement in all areas of the program. Specifically, graduates will be able to:
- Prepare students to meet the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Professional Standards for Teachers Curriculum, Planning, and Assessment standard.
- Prepare students to meet the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Professional Standards for Teachers Teaching All Students standard.
- Prepare students to meet the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Professional Standards for Teachers Professional Culture standard.
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills through in-class assignments and presentations, to be applied in the teaching-learning process.