Program DescriptionThe M.Ed. in Special Education program is designed to prepare students for careers in teaching children with moderate disabilities. Students may choose to work at grade levels PreK through 8, or 5-12.
Program ObjectivesProgram prepares students to :
- Demonstrate knowledge of the field of special education, including legislation and litigation that has affected the rights of individuals with disabilities.
- Demonstrate competence in teaching that leads to success for all students in the least restrictive environment.
- Evaluate students to determine their educational needs and to design appropriate programs.
- Collaborate with teachers and parents to develop effective teaching strategies that will enhance students' learning.
- Demonstrate sensitivity, understanding and respect for children and adults from diverse cultural, religious, ethnic, and racial backgrounds.
Program Requirements Students interested in the Master's Program may be required to take prerequisite courses depending on their previous course work and/or teaching certificate(s). Prospective students should contact an advisor from the Special Education Department to determine prerequisite courses that need to be completed.
Prerequisite courses include:
SPED 7020- Modifying and Adapting Curriculum: Math, Science, Social Studies
SPED 7025- Pedagogy in Reading/Language Arts
Application RequirementsThose seeking matriculation into the degree program must forward the following documentation to:
Fitchburg State College
Graduate & Continuing Education Office
160 Pearl St.
Fitchburg, MA 01420-2697
- A completed application for admission
- Official transcript of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a 2.8 or better GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals under whom the applicant has studied and/or worked in a professional capacity; and/or from others who are in position to offer pertinent appraisal
- An official report of the Miller Analogies Test Score, or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Test scores over five years old will not be accepted
- Copy of teaching license
- $25 matriculation fee
- Professionsal resume
- All official transcripts for graduate level course work to be considered as transfer
- Applicants to graduate initial licensure teacher preparation programs must successfully complete the Literacy and Communication subtests of the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) and submit passing scores as part of their application
- Successfully pass the Foundations of Reading Exam and submit score
- Successfully pass teh General Curriculum or content area test and submit score
Contact InformationJames W. McCormick
Deputy Executive Director, Merrimack Education Center
40 Linnell Circle, Billerica, MA 01821
(978) 528-7800 Ext 243
ikunselman@meccorp.mec.edu