Special Education Licensure Offerings

Special Education Licensure Offerings

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education for Moderate Support Needs prepares aspiring educators to serve individuals with disabilities ranging from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder to mild developmental disabilities. With opportunities to pursue dual licensure, combining a general education program with special education or specializing in both moderate and extensive support needs, this program provides a comprehensive learning experience, equipping you with the necessary skills and knowledge to support students in a variety of settings, including fully inclusive classrooms. 

Please note: The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education for Extensive Support Needs will not be accepting applications in the 2025 application cycle. 

  

Why Study Special Education?

Our programs prepare you to serve children with disabilities in a variety of settings, including fully inclusive classrooms. 

Faculty actively engage in research in schools, developing strong connections between research and practice.

You'll learn to teach to the strengths and needs of learners with disabilities, in collaboration with other professionals and family members.

Dual Licensure Programs in Special Education

  • M.Ed. in Early Childhood and Moderate Support Needs 
  • M.Ed. in Elementary Education and Moderate Support Needs
  • M.Ed. in Secondary Education and Moderate Support Needs

At a Glance

How many courses?


These programs consist of 13-20 courses and a practicum.

How long will it take?


Full-time students typically finish in 2 years; part-time students typically finish in 4 or more years.

When can I start?


You can begin in the fall, spring, or summer semester.

How much does it cost?


To estimate your total program cost, multiply the number of credits required in your program by the tuition cost per credit.

Faculty

Curriculum

Through a carefully crafted curriculum, which includes foundation and professional courses, as well as practicum experiences, our program integrates the latest research and teaching practices. You will be prepared to meet the licensing requirements for the state of Massachusetts and contribute to the field of special education.

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Explore your Program


Please note: The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education for Extensive Support Needs and all dual licensure programs with Extensive Support Needs (Moderate and Extensive Support Needs, Extensive and Elementary, Extensive and Secondary) will not be accepting applications in the 2025 application cycle. 

Student Teaching

Professional experiences comprised of early field experiences, referred to as pre-practicum placements, and an immersive, semester-long full practicum experience.

Pre-practicum

Graduate students complete a pre-practicum experience, which consists of one school day per week for 10 weeks. 

Full Practicum

Full practicum experience is five days each week in the classroom for the entire semester. 


Support


You are guided by a qualified school-based mentor and a university-based mentor

Licensure


Designed to meet the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE) requirements for endorsement from Boston College, leading to licensure

Variety of Settings


Experience a range of urban and suburban public, private, parochial, and charter schools in Greater Boston

Donovan Urban Scholars Program


 

March 14, 2024 -- The Epiphany School in Dorchester, MA, a partnership school with Boston College's Lynch School of Education and Human Development. Steeve Joazard teaching a middle school class.

As part of an intensive one-year M.Ed. program that leads to licensure, Donovan Urban Teaching Scholars learn how to flourish as K–12 teachers in urban schools through a curriculum that prioritizes critical inquiry, social justice education, and community building. 

Donovan Scholars select the desired program from the list, which correlates with a state license. You may choose any state to become licensed in and will complete the appropriate assessment(s). 

  • Early Childhood Education
  • Elementary Education
  • Secondary Education
  • Moderate Special Needs

Accreditation

We are an approved teacher preparation program by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Upon successful completion of the Lynch School of Education and Human Development's educator preparation program, students earn endorsement from Boston College for licensure in Massachusetts. 

Tuition & Aid

Education should level the playing field. We feel the same way about financial aid.

The Lynch School of Education and Human Development provides more than $11.4 million in financial aid to students each year. As a result, the quality of BC’s instruction, the benefit of our alumni network, and the impact a BC degree will have on your employment options is both affordable and invaluable. 

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Application & Deadlines

Apply Now

A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required. The fee is waived for select applicants.

Deadlines

Spring 2025

Priority Deadline - November 1
Rolling Admission - Until Dec 1

Summer 2025


Priority Deadline - January 7
Rolling Admission - Until April 1

Fall 2025


Priority Deadline - January 7
Rolling Admission - Until July 15

Résumé

To be uploaded to your online application.

In addition to your academic history and relevant volunteer and/or work experience, please include any licenses currently held, any social justice-related experience, any language skills other than English, and any research experience or publications.

Personal Statement

To be uploaded to your online application.

In 1,000-1,500 words, describe your academic and professional goals, any experience relevant to this program, and your future plans, expectations, and aspirations.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required, with at least one preferably coming from an academic source. Applicants may submit one additional recommendation of their choice.

Transcripts

Transcripts from all college/university study are required.

Applicants who have received degrees from institutions outside the United States should view the "International Students" section for additional credential evaluation requirements.

Please begin your online application before submitting your transcripts. Details on how to submit transcripts and international credential evaluations can be found within the application. In order to ensure your transcript reaches our office, it is important to review and follow the instructions.

Standardized Tests

GRE scores are not required. If you wish to send GRE scores, the Lynch School GRE code is 3218.

Please view the "International Students" section for information on English Proficiency test requirements.

Writing Sample

Not required.

International Students

Applicants who have completed a degree outside of the United States must have a course-by-course evaluation of their transcript(s) completed by an evaluation company approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Submission of falsified documents is grounds for denial of admission or dismissal from the University.

Applicants who are not native speakers of English and who have not received a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction must also submit a TOEFL or IELTS test result that meets the minimum score requirement.

Please click the link below for full details on these requirements.

Requirements for International Students

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Contact Us

  gsoe@dos5.net
  617-552-4214