Students seeking a general master’s degree develop an individualized course of study in consultation with an advisor; however, students seeking a license in Special Education may need to complete additional requirements, depending on prior coursework completed. The minimum requirement for a master’s degree in Special Education is 36 credits, which can be completed in one academic year with full-time enrollment. Those enrolled part-time will take longer, depending on the number of courses taken per semester. Students can start in the fall, spring, or summer. The required courses for the general master’s degree and for each specialization are described below.

Learning Outcomes

• Curriculum, Planning, and Assessment: Promotes the learning and growth of all students by providing high-quality and coherent instruction, designing and administering authentic and meaningful student assessments, analyzing student performance and growth data, using this data to improve instruction, providing students with constructive feedback on an ongoing basis, and continuously refining learning objectives.
• Teaching All Students: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through instructional practices that establish high expectations, create a safe and effective classroom environment, and demonstrate cultural proficiency.
• Family and Community Engagement: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through effective partnerships with families, caregivers, community members, and organizations.
• Professional Culture: Promotes the learning and growth of all students through ethical, culturally proficient, skilled, and collaborative practice. (Meeting diverse needs)
• Demonstrates Subject Matter Knowledge: Demonstrates depth and breadth of knowledge needed to teach the subject matter to students in assigned grades as evidenced by lesson planning and implementation.

To be eligible for the student-teaching practicum in the Special Education Program, graduate students must have:

• earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all BU coursework;
• obtained a grade of B or higher in the required pre-practicum Special Education course; and
• passed the Gateway Assessments.

Additionally, students must have:

• maintained a record of having consistently demonstrated professional behavior in person and in written communication;
• provided documentation of having met school district CORI/SORI and fingerprinting requirements; and
• gained approval for student-teaching by their academic advisor, placement coordinator, and the program director.

Special Education—General

(Total credits: 36)

Core Coursework*

(18 credits)

• SED LS 560 Introduction to Language and Language Acquisition (4 cr)
• SED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 cr)
• SED SE 706 Introduction to Special Education (4 cr)
• SED SE 751 Assessment in Special Education: Procedures (4 cr)
• SED SE 760 Special Education: Cognition, Learning, and Behavior (2 cr

*Note: If students enter with coursework at the undergraduate level that is comparable to these courses, other courses are substituted with the approval of the advisor.

Elective Coursework

(18 credits, minimum)

Students complete a minimum of 18 credits of coursework chosen in consultation with the student’s academic advisor.

Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (Pre-K–Grade 8)

(Total Credits: 52)*

• SED ED 502/503 Analyzing Foundations of Teaching (2 cr)
• SED LR 551 Reading Development, Assessment, and Instruction (4 cr)
• SED LS 560 Introduction to Language and Language Acquisition (4 cr)
• SED ME 503 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Number Systems (4 cr)
• SED ME 504 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics (4 cr)
• SED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 cr)
• SED SE 534 Classroom and Behavior Management (2 cr)
• SED SE 580 Methods in Special Education (4 cr)
• SED SE 593 Practicum: Students with Moderate Disabilities (Pre-K–8) (8 cr)
• SED SE 613 Fieldwork: Moderate Disabilities (2 cr)
• SED SE 706 Introduction to Special Education (4 cr)
• SED SE 751 Assessment in Special Education: Procedures (4 cr)
• SED SE 760 Cognition, Learning, and Behavior (2 cr)
• SED TL 520 Teaching English Language Learners (4 cr)

*Note: If students enter with coursework at the undergraduate level that is comparable to these courses, some courses may be waived with the approval of the advisor.

Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (Grades 5–12)

(Total Credits: 58)*

• SED DS 502 Adolescent Development (2 cr)
• SED ED 502/503 Analyzing Foundations of Teaching (2 cr)
• SED LR 551 Reading Development, Assessment, and Instruction (4 cr)
• SED LS 560 Introduction to Language and Language Acquisition (4 cr)
• SED ME 503 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Number Systems (4 cr)
• SED ME 504 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics (4 cr)
• SED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 cr)
• SED SE 534 Classroom and Behavior Management (2 cr)
• SED SE 584 Methods and Materials in Special Education, 5–12 (4 cr)
• SED SE 594 Practicum: Students with Moderate Disabilities, Grades 5–12 (8 cr)
• SED SE 613 Fieldwork: Moderate Disabilities (2 cr)
• SED SE 706 Introduction to Special Education (4 cr)
• SED SE 751 Assessment in Special Education: Procedures (4 cr)
• SED SE 760 Cognition, Learning, and Behavior (2 cr)
• SED TL 525 Teaching English Language Learners: Middle/High School (4 cr)
• Secondary General or Subject Matter Methods Course: CT 575, SO 572, SC 572, EN 506, ME 546, or ME 547 (4 cr)

*Note: If students enter with coursework at the undergraduate level that is comparable to these courses, some courses may be waived with the approval of the advisor.

Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (Ages 3–21)

(Total Credits: 62)*

• SED ED 502/503 Analyzing Foundations of Teaching (2 cr)
• SED LR 551 Reading Development, Assessment, and Instruction (4 cr)
• SED LS 560 Introduction to Language and Language Acquisition (4 cr)
• SED ME 503 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Number Systems (4 cr)
• SED ME 504 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics (4 cr)
• SED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 cr)
• SED SE 504 Introduction to Early Childhood Disabilities (2 cr)
• SED SE 505 Introduction to Severe Disabilities (2 cr)
• SED SE 507 Severe Disabilities: Assessment and Instruction (4 cr)
• SED SE 508 Severe Disabilities: Curriculum and Methods (4 cr)
• SED SE 580 Methods in Special Education (4 cr)
• SED SE 595 Practicum: Students with Severe Disabilities, Ages 3–21 (8 cr)
• SED SE 615 Fieldwork in Special Education: Severe Disabilities (2 cr)
• SED SE 706 Introduction to Special Education (4 cr)
• SED SE 751 Assessment in Special Education: Procedures (4 cr)
• SED SE 760 Cognition, Learning, and Behavior (2 cr)
• SED TL 520 Teaching English Language Learners (4 cr)

*Note: If students enter with coursework at the undergraduate level that is comparable to these courses, some courses may be waived with the approval of the advisor.

Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (Pre-K–Grade 8) combined with Elementary Education (Grades 1–6)

(Total Credits: 68)*

• SED CH 515 Curriculum Methods 1–6 (10 cr)
• SED CH 655 Practicum: Elementary (8 cr)
• SED ED 502/503 Analyzing Foundations of Teaching (2 cr)
• SED LR 551 Reading Development, Assessment, and Instruction (4 cr)
• SED LS 560 Introduction to Language and Language Acquisition (4 cr)
• SED ME 503 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Number Systems (4 cr)
• SED ME 504 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics (4 cr)
• SED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 cr)
• SED SE 534 Classroom and Behavior Management (2 cr)
• SED SE 580 Methods in Special Education (4 cr)
• SED SE 593 Practicum: Students with Moderate Disabilities, Pre-K–8 (8 cr)
• SED SE 706 Introduction to Special Education (4 cr)
• SED SE 751 Assessment in Special Education: Procedures (4 cr)
• SED SE 760 Cognition, Learning, and Behavior (2 cr)
• SED TL 520 Teaching English Language Learners (4 cr)

*Note: If students enter with coursework at the undergraduate level that is comparable to these courses, some courses may be waived with the approval of the advisor.

Special Education Administration (Total Credits: 40)

Students accepted for this program are experienced in working with students with disabilities and are interested in working in administrative positions in programs serving this population of students. Completion of the required coursework leads to a recommendation to the Commonwealth for licensure as a Special Education Administrator.

Core Coursework*

• SED AP 526 Family and Community Engagement (2 cr)
• SED AP 662 Strategic Planning and Implementation (4 cr)
• SED AP 720 Performance-Based Instructional Leadership (4 cr)
• SED AP 750 Educator Evaluation and Supervision (4 cr)
• SED AP 754 Educational Equity and the Law (2 cr)
• SED AP 757 School Labor Relations and Personnel Management (2 cr)
• SED AP 758 School Governance, Finance, and Operations (4 cr)
• SED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 cr)
• SED SE 702 Clinical Practice: Special Education Administration (8 cr)
• SED SE 744 Special Education Administration (4 cr)
• SED TL 530 School Leadership: English Language Learners (2 cr)

*Note: If students enter with coursework at the undergraduate level that is comparable to these courses, some courses may be waived with the approval of the advisor.

Special Education and Social Work (Dual Degree Program) (Total Credits: 83)

The dual degree program with social work is designed to develop knowledge and skills in students in both social work and special education. The program is a multifaceted course of study leading to the dual master’s degree—Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Education (EdM) in Special Education. Teacher certification may also be obtained with additional coursework.

A total of 83 credits is required, with 50 in social work, 24 in special education, and 9 taken in either the School of Social Work or Wheelock. A list of required special education courses and special education electives are presented below. Social work requirements should be reviewed in the School of Social Work section of the Bulletin.

Core Coursework (12 credits)

• SED RS 653 Quantitative Research (4 cr)
• SED SE 706 Introduction to Special Education (4 cr)
• Select from the following:
  • SED AP 753 Educational Policy (4 cr) or
  • SED AP 754 Educational Equity and the Law (2 cr) + 2-credit elective from below
  • SED SE 744 Special Education Administration (4 cr)

Elective Coursework (12 credits)

• SED SE 502 Behavioral and Emotional Problems: Characteristics and Methods (4 cr)
• SED SE 503 Introduction to Learning Disabilities (4 cr)
• SED SE 504 Introduction to Early Childhood Disabilities (2 cr)
• SED SE 505 Introduction to Severe Disabilities (2 cr)
• SED SE 533 Families of Children with Special Needs (4 cr)
• SED SE 534 Classroom and Behavior Management (2 cr)
• SED SE 535 Understanding Autism (2 cr)
• SED SE 650 Children at Risk (4 cr)
• SED SE 751 Assessment in Special Education (4 cr)
• SED SE 760 Cognition and Learning (2 cr)

This program of study is available to students who are instructors of record and are admitted via cohorts through formal arrangement with partner school districts or approved private schools.

The minimum requirement for an approved program in Special Education is 36 credits; however, students seeking endorsement for a teaching license in Special Education may need to complete additional requirements, depending on prior coursework completed. Students develop an individualized course of study in consultation with an advisor for a general master’s degree with specified courses required for each specialization. The required courses for the general master’s degree and for each specialization are described below.

To be eligible for the student teaching practicum in the Special Education Program, graduate students must have:

• a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all BU coursework;
• obtained a grade of B or higher in the required pre-practicum Special Education course; and
• passed the Gateway Assessments.

Additionally, students must have:

• maintained a record of having consistently demonstrated professional behavior in person and in written communication;
• provided documentation of having met school district CORI/SORI and fingerprinting requirements; and
• gained approval for student-teaching by their academic advisor, placement coordinator, and the program director.

Special Education—General

(Total Credits: 36)

Core Coursework*

(18 credits)

• SED LS 560 Introduction to Language and Language Acquisition (4 cr)
• SED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 cr)
• SED SE 706 Introduction to Special Education (4 cr)
• SED SE 751 Assessment in Special Education: Procedures (4 cr)
• SED SE 760 Special Education: Cognition, Learning, and Behavior (2 cr)

*Note: If students enter with coursework at the undergraduate level that is comparable to these courses, other courses are substituted with the approval of the advisor.

Elective Coursework

(18 credits, minimum)

Students complete a minimum of 18 credits of coursework chosen in consultation with the student’s academic advisor.

Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (Pre-K–Grade 8)

(Total Credits: 48)*

• SED ED 502/503 Analyzing Foundations of Teaching (2 cr)
• SED LR 551 Reading Development, Assessment, and Instruction (4 cr)
• SED LS 560 Introduction to Language and Language Acquisition (4 cr)
• SED ME 503 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Number Systems (4 cr)
• SED ME 504 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics (4 cr)
• SED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 cr)
• SED SE 534 Classroom and Behavior Management (2 cr)
• SED SE 580 Methods in Special Education (4 cr)
• SED SE 597 Practicum for Teaching Professionals: Moderate Disabilities (Pre-K–8) (4 cr)
• SED SE 613 Fieldwork: Moderate Disabilities (2 cr)
• SED SE 706 Introduction to Special Education (4 cr)
• SED SE 751 Assessment in Special Education: Procedures (4 cr)
• SED SE 760 Cognition, Learning, and Behavior (2 cr)
• SED TL 520 Teaching English Language Learners (4 cr)

*Note: If students enter with coursework at the undergraduate level that is comparable to these courses, some courses may be waived with the approval of the advisor.

Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (Grades 5–12)

(Total Credits: 54)*

• SED CT 575 General Methods of Instruction (4 cr)
• SED DS 502 Adolescent Development (2 cr)
• SED ED 502/503 Analyzing Foundations of Teaching (2 cr)
• SED LR 551 Reading Development, Assessment, and Instruction (4 cr)
• SED LS 560 Introduction to Language and Language Acquisition (4 cr)
• SED ME 503 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Number Systems (4 cr)
• SED ME 504 Mathematical Reasoning in the Elementary Grades: Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics (4 cr)
• SED RS 600 Introduction to Research (4 cr)
• SED SE 534 Classroom and Behavior Management (2 cr)
• SED SE 584 Methods and Materials in Special Education, 5–12 (4 cr)
• SED SE 597 Practicum for Teaching Professionals: Moderate Disabilities (5–12) (4 cr)
• SED SE 613 Fieldwork in Special Education: Moderate Disabilities (2 cr)
• SED SE 706 Introduction to Special Education (4 cr)
• SED SE 751 Assessment in Special Education: Procedures (4 cr)
• SED SE 760 Cognition, Learning, and Behavior (2 cr)
• SED TL 525 Teaching English Language Learners: Middle/High School (4 cr)

*Note: If students enter with coursework at the undergraduate level that is comparable to these courses, some courses may be waived with the approval of the advisor.