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, mental retardation, 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 impairments, 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, cognitive 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 impairment, 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.

The minimum requirement for an approved program in special education is 36 credits. Students take a core of required courses, listed below, to earn the master’s degree. Beyond these, students take specified courses required for each specialization or they develop an individualized program in consultation with an assigned special education advisor. The core courses are as follows:

• SED SE 706 Introduction to Special Education
• SED SE 760 Special Education: Cognition, Learning and Behavior
• SED LS 560 Introduction to Language and Language Acquisition
• SED SE 751 Assessment in Special Education: Procedures
• SED RS 600 Perspectives of Inquiry

Specializations for master’s degree study within the Special Education Program are listed below. Those specializations marked with an * have been approved by the Massachusetts Department of Education. Massachusetts’ licensure candidates must meet all additional state testing requirements for licensure.

• Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (Pre-K–grade 8)*
• Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (Pre-K–grade 8) combined with Elementary Education (Grades 1–6)*
• Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (Grades 5–12)*
• Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (Ages 3–21)*
• Disabilities Studies
• Disability Studies and Social Work (Dual Degree Program)

The Special Education Program also offers a Special Education Administrator specialization, which includes additional requirements and can lead to Massachussetts licensure as a special education administrator.

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) is designed for students who have completed a master’s degree and wish to pursue future specialized study in the area of special education. CAGS programs are individually designed by students in collaboration with faculty advisors and include a minimum of 32 credits of coursework and a comprehensive examination. Students pursue study through courses and independent studies with faculty within the Special Education Program, throughout the School of Education, and throughout Boston University in related schools and colleges. Among these are the College of Arts & Sciences, Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, the School of Management, the School of Law, and the School of Social Work.

At the doctoral level, students develop a coherent and integrated program of study in collaboration with their faculty advisors in specialization areas such as teaching and learning among students with mild/moderate or severe disabilities, social justice, or they may focus on policies affecting and administration of programs for students with disabilities. An additional option is that of the combination of social work and special education, through a multifaceted course of study that leads to a master’s degree in social work and a doctoral degree in special education. Doctoral degree program graduates often pursue careers as teachers and scholars in colleges or universities, as program directors in schools or government agencies, or as community or organization leaders.

The doctoral program includes coursework, fieldwork, research courses, and a core of School of Education and Special Education Program required courses with faculty within the Special Education Program, throughout the School of Education, and throughout Boston University in related schools and colleges. Among these are the College of Arts & Sciences, Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, the School of Management, the School of Law, and the School of Social Work. Additionally, doctoral students must complete a comprehensive examination and a doctoral dissertation.