Endicott College

Program Information

Degree Offered

M.Ed.

Format: Campus

Program Description:

Master of Education in Special Needs (PreK–8, 5–12)
The program in Special Needs prepares professionals to work with children with moderate disabilities at the PreK–8 and 5–12
levels who participate in integrated or self-contained classrooms. These programs lead to Initial or Professional Licensure in
Moderate Disabilities (PreK–8, 5–12).

The Moderate Disabilities programs (PreK–8 and 5–12) are designed in two different tracks: 1) a 21-credit post-baccalaureate
program that leads to Initial Licensure and an optional 15 additional credit program to obtain a Master’s degree in Special
Needs, and 2) a 36-credit Appropriate Master’s Degree program for a Professional License.

Moderate Disabilities: Professional Licensure (PreK–8, 5–12)
The 36-credit program satisfies the requirements for the Appropriate Master’s Degree in Moderate Disabilities and prepares
special needs teachers who already possess an Initial License in the field with a program of study that prepares them to be
eligible for Professional Licensure in the state of Massachusetts at both the PreK–8 and 5–12 levels. The Appropriate Master’s
Degree focuses on:

• The study of advanced level subject matter and teaching methods focused on the assessment and support of the students
with moderate disabilities; and
• An in-depth examination of research methods, policy analysis, leadership, the social history of American education, and the
foundations of student aspirations. Preparing practicing teachers to build a deeper understanding of the field in which they
teach, the Appropriate Master’s Degree also provides educators with an opportunity to understand the trends in 21st century
American education that have an impact on their students, schools, and lives as teachers.
Prerequisite: Possession of an Initial Licensure in Moderate Disabilities for the appropriate grade level (PreK–8 or 5–12)
Distinction Between PreK–8 and 5–12 Levels:
The content covered in HST 531, MTH 579, and SCN 571 in the curriculum outlined below have been designed to delineate
PreK–8 and 5–12 grade levels.

Master of Education in Special Needs: Severe Disabilities (All)
The curriculum for the Special Needs programs leading to licensure in Severe Disabilities addresses theories of language
development, including the differences between first and second language acquisition and the effects of disabilities on
learning and vocabulary development. The program explores diagnosis and assessment of that development, innovative
instructional practices for students with handicapping conditions, functional curriculum development and educational
planning, and the availability and operation of assistive technologies that support the learning needs of the severely disabled
child. This preparation program for Initial Licensure requires a pre-practicum and practicum experiences as described below.

Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program students will:
• Demonstrate skill in planning curriculum and instruction, delivering effective instruction, managing classroom climate,
promoting equity and meeting professional standards.
• Demonstrate ability to collect, analyze, synthesize, and apply measurement data.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and approach to subject matter.
• Demonstrate knowledge of typical child development and exceptionalities.

Severe Disabilities: Professional Licensure (All)
The 36-credit program satisfies the requirements for the Appropriate Master’s Degree in Severe Disabilities and prepares
special needs teachers who already possess an Initial License in the field with a program of study that prepares them to be
eligible for Professional Licensure in the State of Massachusetts at all grade levels. The Appropriate Master’s Degree
focuses on:
• The study of advanced-level subject matter and teaching methods focused on the assessment and support of the
students with severe disabilities; and
• An in-depth examination of research methods, policy analysis, leadership, the social history of American education,
and the foundations of student aspirations.
Preparing practicing teachers to build a deeper understanding of the field in which they teach, the Appropriate Master’s
Degree also provides educators with an opportunity to understand the trends in 21st century American education that
have an impact on their students, schools, and lives as teachers.
Prerequisite: Possession of a Massachusetts Initial License in Severe Disabilities (All Levels).

Accreditation:

Endicott College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Classification: Baccalaureate Colleges--General

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Large Suburb

Size & Settings: 1,000 - 4,999