Lead Your Classroom with Confidence
With a graduate certificate in teaching students with moderate disabilities, you’ll be able to seek licensure in Massachusetts as a teacher of students with mild to moderate disabilities. The Add-On Licensure in Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK–2, PreK–8, or 5–12) graduate certificate will enable you to create educational curricula and environments to support students with disabilities. This graduate certificate is for:
- Educators who already hold valid initial or professional teacher licensure who are seeking add-on licensure in special education
- Educators who are currently enrolled in a licensure-granting program at BU who are seeking to add a licensure in special education
Program Features
Flexible Program
The Add-On Licensure in Teacher of Students With Moderate Disabilities graduate certificate is a part-time program and courses can be taken both online and in person. Begin the program in any semester. You may also complete this graduate certificate as part of/alongside a graduate program in another licensure area.
Licensure in Special Education
Students completing the graduate certificate who are teachers residing in Massachusetts and who are already licensed in another academic area through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) can receive endorsement for add-on licensure in Teacher of Students With Moderate Disabilities (PreK–2, PreK–8, or 5–12). In order to be eligible for the license, students must also complete a 150-hour supervised practicum-equivalent through the school/district or BU Wheelock in the state of Massachusetts.
Related Programs
EdM in Special Education
If you are looking to develop strong skills for instruction, collaboration, and advocacy to support students with disabilities, the special education master’s program offers several pathways to a degree, including the option to seek licensure.
Dual Degree in Social Work and Special Education
Grow as a leader able to support students and families as well as design and administer effective programs. Earn a master’s in social work (MSW) and a master’s (EdM) in special education through the dual degree program in social work and education.
Career Outcomes
Become a skilled, licensed educator ready to provide individualized and data-based instruction for students with disabilities. When you complete the Add-On Licensure in Teacher of Students With Moderate Disabilities graduate certificate, you’ll have the skills to:
- Plan, implement, and evaluate Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Design or modify curriculum, instructional materials, and general education classrooms
- Support students with disabilities in using assistive technologies
- Develop behavioral and academic strategies for students with disabilities in general education classrooms.
Join Alumni in a Rewarding Career
With a graduate certificate in teaching students with moderate disabilities, you’ll be prepared for a variety of professional roles in PreK–2, PreK–8, or 5–12 settings, including:
- Inclusion teacher
- Special education teacher
- Instructional support professional
- Academic tutor
Featured Faculty
Faculty in the Special Education program are expert practitioners, researchers, and policy-focused advocates who bring a wealth of information, skills, and expertise to the PreK–12 classroom.
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Elizabeth Bettini
Associate Professor
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Lindsey Chapman
Program Director, Special Education
Senior Lecturer -
Felicity Crawford
Program Director, Education for Equity & Social Justice
Clinical Associate Professor -
Jennifer Greif Green
Professor, Counseling Psychology
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Nancy Harayama
Program Director, Undergraduate Program
Senior Lecturer, Special Education -
D’Annette Mullen
Lecturer
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Nancy J. Nelson
Assistant Professor
Deputy Director, National Center on Improving Literacy and Lead for Literacy Center -
Zachary Rossetti
Associate Professor
Dr. Zachary Rossetti’s research focuses on social inclusion and belonging of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). His research also examines the experiences of families with children with IDD by centering on participation and language access in IEP meetings, family-professional partnerships of culturally and linguistically diverse families, family advocacy, community participation, and sibling roles and relationships. Central to all of his research is the context of inclusive education for students with IDD.
Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities Courses
With the teacher of students with moderate disabilities graduate certificate, you’ll learn to plan, implement, and evaluate individualized and data-based instruction for students with disabilities in PreK–2, PreK–8, or 5–12 settings. Courses for the graduate certificate include:
- Disability, Education, and Society
- Inclusive Pedagogy: Foundations
- Culturally Relevant Approaches to Positive Behavior Support
- Assessment and Eligibility in Special Education
Scholarships Available
Earning your license to teach students with moderate disabilities is closer than you think! Don’t let funding keep you from pursuing licensure to teach students with disabilities.
Admissions & Dates
Fall & Spring 2027
Aug 3, 2026
Application Opens
Spring 2027 Start
Dec 15, 2026
Application Closes
Fall 2027 Start
Jan 15, 2027
Priority Deadline
Fall 2027 Start
Aug 1, 2027
Application Closes
Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about the Add-On Licensure in Teacher of Students With Moderate Disabilities graduate certificate program. Learn about application requirements and deadlines, sign up for an information session, or start your application today.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Boston University Wheelock graduate certificate in Teaching Students with Moderate Disabilities is a part-time program designed for educators seeking additional preparation in special education. The certificate prepares eligible educators to seek Massachusetts add-on licensure as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities for PreK–2, PreK–8, or 5–12 settings. Students develop skills in individualized instruction, assessment, inclusive pedagogy, curriculum design, and behavioral and academic support for students with disabilities. The program requires a minimum of 16 credits and is available online and in person.
Yes. The Add-On Licensure in Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities graduate certificate can prepare eligible educators for Massachusetts licensure in PreK–2, PreK–8, or 5–12. To be eligible for the add-on license, students must already hold a valid Massachusetts teaching license in another academic area through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Students must also complete a 150-hour supervised practicum-equivalent through their school or district or through BU Wheelock in Massachusetts.
The program is designed primarily for educators who already hold valid initial or professional teacher licensure and want to add special education licensure. It is also available to educators currently enrolled in a BU licensure-granting program who want to add a special education license. Because eligibility and licensure requirements can vary based on an applicant’s existing credentials and prior coursework, prospective students should review the current BU Wheelock admissions requirements before applying.
Yes. The certificate is available online and in person, and it is offered on a part-time basis. Courses can be taken online or in person, giving working educators flexibility as they pursue additional special education preparation. Students can also begin the program in any semester and may complete the certificate alongside a graduate program in another licensure area.
Graduates are prepared to support students with disabilities in PreK–2, PreK–8, or 5–12 educational settings, depending on their licensure pathway. Career opportunities can include roles such as special education teacher, inclusion teacher, instructional support professional, and academic tutor. The program also prepares educators to develop and modify curriculum, implement individualized and data-based instruction, support students with assistive technology, and develop academic and behavioral strategies in inclusive classrooms.