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The Curry College Master of Education in Special Education Degree is represented by a teacher interacting with a young student

Who Should Pursue an M.Ed. in Special Education?

The M.Ed. in Special Education concentration prepares candidates to teach students with moderate disabilities and leads to an initial DESE teaching license in Moderate Disabilities, grades Pre-K-8. This is an ideal degree for:

  • Recent graduates interested in pursuing a teaching career with a supportive pathway to licensure. Past students in our program have come from a variety of academic backgrounds including elementary education, psychology, sociology, English, history, early childhood education, communication, and more!
  • Current classroom teachers in PreK-8 settings who are looking to obtain a meaningful master’s degree and gain licensure in moderate disabilities
  • Paraprofessionals, classroom aides, and support staff who already work closely with students and want to become lead teachers.
  • Career changers who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and are seeking a purposeful profession.
  • Advocates with a passion for education looking for a hands-on program to gain the skills and credentials needed to support students with disabilities. 

Team-Based Learning and Benefits

As you complete your course work, you and your peers will benefit from our cohort-based learning community that models the team-oriented educational workplace. Students join the cohort when it starts and proceed through the program together. Cohorts allow students to get to know each other well, to support each other in the program, and to begin to develop a professional network that will last well beyond the end of the program.

Flexible Schedule – Hyflex Learning

Introducing Hyflex – A schedule that provides you remote learning by choice, allowing you to balance life’s responsibilities while pursuing your graduate degree. You choose how to attend lectures: in-person or remotely through ZOOM. Hyflex learning offers flexibility while keeping you connected with your professors and peers.

Curriculum and Course Sequence

The Master’s in Special Education consists of 34 credits. The curriculum is approved by DESE and results in initial licensure in Moderate Disabilities (grades PreK-8). Through this program, students also meet the SEI endorsement required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Coursework is not approved by DESE to move individuals with initial licenses to professional licenses. Courses are taken in a structured sequence and thoughtfully designed to build knowledge and confidence.

In addition to hands-on, experiential teaching in actual classrooms, you'll explore key components of effective educational practice, including literacy, curriculum development and lesson planning, classroom management strategies, psychoeducational assessment, the creation of individualized education programs (IEPs), and techniques for adapting and differentiating lessons for diverse learners. Please review our sample schedule below:   

M.Ed. Program Information

Join us to learn more about degree and non-degree programs and classes available through the Division of Continuing and Graduate Studies.

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Connect with an Advisor

There's no need to wait for us to schedule an information session. Our knowledgeable advisors are available to meet with you via Zoom or phone to answer your questions. Get started on your way to earning your degree!

Schedule a one-on-one appointment now

Or even better, connect with an advisor by calling 617-333-2364.

Our master’s program is thoughtfully designed to help you achieve your professional goals. Below, you’ll find information about our course offerings, class schedules, and tuition – everything you need to know to take the next step to becoming a member of the Curry community!

Course Offerings and Class Schedule:

New cohorts begin each fall on our beautiful Milton campus. Our intensive 8-week terms offer focused instruction, meaningful coursework, and a supportive learning community. M.Ed. programs in Elementary Education and Special Education meet on Wednesday nights for the full duration of the program with a few Saturday class meetings in your second year. Come join us!

Tuition

Curry College keeps graduate education affordable with competitive tuition rates. Curry alumni receive a 20% discount on tuition. 

Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL)
Title II, Section 207 of the Higher Education Act requires all institutions with teacher preparation programs that enroll students who receive federal financial assistance to prepare annual reports on teacher preparation and licensing.

Note: Curry College had a 100% pass rate for all program completers during the 2021-2022 reporting year.

Information about Curry pass rates is available upon request by contacting the Licensure Officer/Title II Coordinator, (617) 333-2196.

The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure are administered Monday-Saturday at designated test centers in Massachusetts and in many states each academic year. Additional information regarding all state testing is available through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education,  Office of Educator Licensure, 75 Pleasant Street Malden, MA 02148-9140; Telephone: (781) 338-6600; www.mtel.nesinc.com. For additional information about Curry College's testing requirements, please contact Curry College Licensure Officer at 617-333-2196.

Related:

Primary Goals:

Excellent educational professionals:

To prepare skilled, knowledgeable educators with the creativity to instigate change, the caring to advocate for children and adult learners, and the skill and knowledge to advance learning and growth for all students.

Thoughtful, analytical, and effective leaders:

To develop education leaders with the skepticism, critical analysis, and synthesis ability, contextual knowledge and communication skills to identify problems, craft solutions, and lead efforts towards positive change.

Meet and/or exceed all applicable Department of Education standards:

To align all course objectives with applicable DESE standards to ensure that the College's programs meet or exceed all state expectations in its licensure programs.

Program Objectives:

Preparing Excellent Educators:

Curry graduates should be:

  • Knowledgeable of subject areas
  • Respectful of the individuality of each child (student); committed to addressing the needs of the whole child: academic, social, emotional, and physical
  • Sensitive to the different levels and learning styles of different students; able to differentiate instruction effectively
  • Committed to creating a positive classroom and school culture and climate
  • Skilled in preparing, conducting, and assessing instruction in a standards-based environment
  • Knowledgeable of and respectful towards the many different backgrounds, abilities and interests of students
  • Able to be patient and flexible, without sacrificing expectations
  • Skilled at classroom management, encouraging positive learning behaviors, and creating a positive learning environment
  • Knowledgeable of appropriate current trends in pedagogy, learning, and assessment, including teaching methods and strategies, new research on learning styles, child development, learning disabilities and special needs, and English Language Learner needs
  • Current in technology, instructional techniques, legal obligations, and relevant research

Preparing reflective, analytical and effective leaders:

Curry graduates should be:

  • Knowledgeable of history and philosophy underpinning American education
  • Knowledgeable of and thoughtful about the purposes of schools and education
  • Able to analyze complex and contradictory information, identify critical issues and themes, and synthesize these ideas into meaningful and effective arguments-both in written and spoken form
  • Reflective about balancing the needs of children and the requirements of schools and agencies; sensitive to the needs of different children, families and communities
  • Innovative and interested in working for change and improvement in the school, community and profession
  • Advocates for children of all abilities, interests and backgrounds
  • Able to communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and presentation

Meeting/Exceeding State Standards:

  • M.Ed. courses will identify standards addressed in each concentration through individual course objectives.  Course objectives will remain constant across campuses and for different instructors, although readings, assignments assessments and other means to meet the objectives may differ.
  • Courses in each concentration will be aligned in a clear and appropriate developmental sequence.
Curry College Master of Education students presents her research as part of the program's practicum

M.Ed. Candidates Present Practicum Projects

"This M.Ed. program event is a demonstration of state-required skills the candidates need to master, but it's also a celebratory event. We're celebrating skill, tenacity, and the fact that we're about to send out a new team of teachers who are well-prepared to do a great job for their students."

Take the Next Step

Join a legacy of educational leaders and pursue an M.Ed. degree or other education graduate program at Curry College. As you create a new path for your career, we support you at every turn, ensuring you bring your best to the classroom to inspire your students.

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