Special Education, Guided Studies, Professional Concentration, M.Ed.

Guided Studies

Program Description

The Guided Study Program, Professional Concentration, is designed for individuals who hold initial Massachusetts licensure as teachers of students with moderate disabilities or severe disabilities, and who are seeking professional licensure in the same area and level. Students are required to complete 36 credits, including nine required courses (27 credits), a capstone (3 credits), and two electives (6 credits).

Admissions Standards and Criteria

To apply for enrollment in the Special Education, Guided Studies, Professional Concentration M.Ed. program, a student must submit documents as outlined in the Graduate Admission section, as well as:

• Official transcripts of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Massachusetts Initial License in Special Education, Moderate or Severe Disabilities
• Personal Statement
• Note: MAT/GRE exams are not required

Students must complete an essay of no more than one page in response to one of the following questions/statement:

1. Tell about a positive situation in which you helped a person and made a significant difference in that person’s life.
2. What are the most important factors in establishing a long-term working relationship with students, friends, etc.?
3. Tell us about a significant event that involved you in a teaching or helping role.

• Describe the situation as it occurred at the time.
• What did you do in that particular situation?
• How did you feel about the situation at the time you were experiencing it?
• How do you feel about the situation now?
• What would you change, if anything?

Required Courses

• SPED 9200 - Consultation and Collaboration Strategies
• SPED 9120 - Special Education and the Law
• SPED 9005 - Dynamic Perspectives in Education
• SPED 8009 - Advanced Assessment Strategies for Special Educators
• SPED 7017 - Psychology of Reading, Reading Development and Disabilities or
• SPED 8017 - Specialized Reading Approaches
• SPED 7410 - Advanced Strategies for Teaching School-Age Children with Emotional and Behavioral Problems or course from Behavior Analyst Certificate Program if accepted and enrolled.
• SPED 8022 - Augmentative and Alternative Communication or
• SPED 8000 - Technology for Students with Moderate-Severe Disabilities
• EDUC 9300 - Educational Research
• EDLM 8026 - Data–Informed Decision Making for School Improvement & Student Learning
• Two elective courses, 6 credits
• EDUC 9510 - Capstone: Implementation of Best Practices

Total for Degree 36 cr.