BS in Special Education
The Special Education Program at Boston University provides opportunities for students to prepare for careers as teachers in public and private school programs, and in residential and vocational settings.
Preparation in the School of Education can lead to recommendation to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for teaching licenses at the Initial Level as Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities and Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities. Fulfillment of licensure requirements in the program can lead to licensure in states with which the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has reciprocity.
BU students specializing in the education of students with disabilities engage in a comprehensive course of study that includes a strong base in the liberal arts, with coursework in the humanities, social sciences and math and science, as well as in general education and special education.
Special Education Courses Required for All Undergraduate Special Education Majors
All undergraduate special education majors must complete a minimum of 32 semester hours in education, to include:
- SED LS 560 Introduction to Language and Language Acquisition
- SED SE 250 Disability, Education, and Public Policy
- SED SE 401 Special Education: Cognition and Learning
- SED SE 480 Teaching Students with Special Needs
- SED SE 515 Assessment in Special Education
- SED SE 593 Practicum: Students with Moderate Disabilities, Pre-K–8 or
- SED SE 594 Practicum: Students with Moderate Disabilities, 5–12 or
- SED SE 595 Practicum: Severe Disabilities, Pre-K–12
Additional courses are required for specializations within the special education major. Students should consult with their advisors concerning additional requirements. Seniors, with the permission of their academic advisor, may register for selected graduate courses.
Undergraduate Specializations
Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (Pre-K through Grade 8):
Students who specialize in the education of students with moderate disabilities focus studies on increasing their understanding of the characteristics of and methods for educating students with mild to moderate learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral disorders in preschool and through grade 8.
Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (Pre-K through Grade 8) combined with Elementary Education (Grades 1 through 6):
Students who specialize in the education of students with mild to moderate disabilities combined with elementary education focus studies on increasing their understanding of the characteristics of and methods for educating elementary-aged students with and without mild/moderate learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral disorders. This course of study enables students to enter the teaching profession with a strong knowledge base and skills in teaching the wide range of students who are found in today’s elementary classrooms. To complete all requirements for this program, students who do not enter with AP credits may need to complete some coursework during one or more summers.
Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (Grades 5–12):
Teachers of Students with Moderate Disabilities, grades 5 though 12 are interested in teaching students who have mild to moderate learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral disorders/conduct disorders in middle and high school settings. Students in this program specialize in a subject that is taught in middle and high schools (math, history, English, political science, general science, physics, etc.) in addition to specializing in the education of students with moderate disabilities.
Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (Ages 3–21):
Student choosing to specialize as a Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities learn about the educational needs of students with severe intellectual disabilities; pervasive developmental disorders, including autism; and severe physical disabilities and about the ways in which education and related services can be provided to enable them to maximize their potential. Studies include the etiology of the handicapping conditions, the nature of services and programs for the individuals, and the design, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs and services for students. Central to the program are emphases on: (a) transdisciplinary approaches to services; (b) the involvement of families; and (c) the delivery of special education services in general education settings.
Disabilities Studies:
Some students enter the Special Education Program with an interest in children and youth with disabilities but wish to work on behalf of, or with, individuals with disabilities in non-school settings. The Disabilities Studies sequence option gives students a basis on which to pursue further degrees or careers in residential, vocational, or recreational programs for individuals with disabling conditions, without also completing requirements for licensure as a teacher. Students seeking this specialization work closely with their advisors to develop a course of study that meets University, School of Education, and Special Education Program requirements.
Affiliations
The Special Education Program maintains affiliations with public school special education programs, private special schools, hospital schools, geriatric centers, group homes, clinics, nursing homes, community agencies, recreational settings, and residential facilities that serve individuals with a variety of disabilities. These placements offer opportunities to reaffirm career choices or to explore new possibilities within a field. Field and practicum experiences are incorporated systematically throughout programs.
