Special Education Licensure Offerings

Special Education Licensure Offerings

Boston College offers special education programs at the master's degree level in moderate, extensive and multiple support needs. Dual programs that combine the two special education majors, or combine a general education program with a special education program are also offered. Students pursuing dual licensure benefit from practicum experience that meets both licensure requirements and accelerated program of study. 

Why Study Special Education?

Our programs prepare you to serve children with disabilities in a variety of settings, including fully inclusive classrooms. 

Faculty actively engage in research in schools, developing strong connections between research and practice.

You'll learn to teach to the strengths and needs of learners with disabilities, in collaboration with other professionals and family members.

At a Glance

How many courses?


These programs consist of 20-23 courses and a practicum.

How long will it take?


Full-time students typically finish in 2 years; part-time students typically finish in 4 or more years.

When can I start?


You can begin in the fall, spring, or summer semester.

Faculty

Curriculum

These dual programs will complete coursework to teach students with disabilities, such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, specific learning disability, emotional and behavioral disorders, and mild developmental disabilities. The Programs of Studies include foundation and professional courses, and practicum experiences. Based on your route to entry, you will learn about assessment and instructional practices at the elementary or secondary schooling levels, consistent with teacher licensure options in Massachusetts and many other states. The program reflects current research and practices in teaching and learning. 

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Explore your Program


55-Credit Master's (19 Courses)

34-Credit Master's (11 Courses)

This program prepares you to successfully teach students with multiple disabilities, including global developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and additional disabilities such as visual impairment, deafness, motor disabilities, and more. It also equips you to work collaboratively with an interprofessional team that includes parents, therapists (speech and language, occupational, physical, music), and nurses, among others.

46-Credit Master's

31-Credit Master's

67-Credit Master's

45 Credit Master's

Student Teaching

Professional experiences comprise early field experiences, referred to as pre-practicum placements, and an immersive, semester-long full practicum experience.

Pre-practicum

Graduate students complete a pre-practicum experience, which consists of one school day per week for 10 weeks. 

Full Practicum

Full-practicum Experience is five days each week in the classroom for the entire semester. 


Support


You are guided by a qualified school-based mentor and a university-based mentor

Licensure


Designed to meet the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE) requirements for endorsement from Boston College, leading to licensure.

Variety of Settings


Experience a range of urban and suburban public, private, parochial, and charter schools in Greater Boston

Accreditation

We are an approved teacher preparation program by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Upon successful completion of the Lynch School of Education and Human Development's educator preparation program, students earn endorsement from Boston College for licensure in Massachusetts. 

Financial Aid

Education should level the playing field. We feel the same way about financial aid.

The Lynch School of Education and Human Development provides more than $11.4 million in financial aid to students each year. As a result, the quality of BC’s instruction, the benefit of our alumni network, and the impact a BC degree will have on your employment options is both affordable and invaluable. 

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Application & Deadlines

Apply Now

A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required. The fee is waived for select applicants.

Deadlines

Spring 2024

Priority Deadline - November 1
Rolling Admission - Until Dec 1

Summer 2024


Priority Deadline - January 4
Rolling Admission - Until April 5

Fall 2024


Priority Deadline - January 4
Rolling Admission - Until July 15

Résumé

To be uploaded to your online application.

In addition to your academic history and relevant volunteer and/or work experience, please include any licenses currently held, any social justice-related experience, any language skills other than English, and any research experience or publications.

Personal Statement

To be uploaded to your online application.

In 1,000-1,500 words, describe your academic and professional goals, any experience relevant to this program, and your future plans, expectations, and aspirations.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required, with at least one preferably coming from an academic source. Applicants may submit one additional recommendation of their choice.

Transcripts

Transcripts from all college/university study are required.

Applicants who have received degrees from institutions outside the United States should view the "International Students" section for additional credential evaluation requirements.

Please begin your online application before submitting your transcripts. Details on how to submit transcripts and international credential evaluations can be found within the application. In order to ensure your transcript reaches our office, it is important to review and follow the instructions.

Standardized Tests

GRE scores are not required. If you wish to send GRE scores, the Lynch School GRE code is 3218.

Please view the "International Students" section for information on English Proficiency test requirements.

Writing Sample

Not required.

International Students

Applicants who have completed a degree outside of the United States must have a course-by-course evaluation of their transcript(s) completed by an evaluation company approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Submission of falsified documents is grounds for denial of admission or dismissal from the University.

Applicants who are not native speakers of English and who have not received a degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction must also submit a TOEFL or IELTS test result that meets the minimum score requirement.

Please click the link below for full details on these requirements.

Requirements for International Students

Contact Us

  gsoe@bc.edu
  617-552-4214