Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Elementary Education and Special Education
The Dual Program in Elementary Education and Special Education is designed for students who wish to teach in grades 1-6. The program will prepare you to teach students without disabilities and those with mild to moderate disabilities (also known as high incidence disabilities), such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, specific learning disability, emotional and behavioral disorders, and mild developmental disabilities, including autism.
The program stresses a humanistic approach to teaching that is both developmentally appropriate and intellectually challenging. It prepares the teacher to work with a diverse range of children by providing the teacher with knowledge about instructional practices, along with perspectives on children, schools, and society.
Prerequisite for the program is a bachelor's degree with an arts and sciences, interdisciplinary major, or the equivalent. No prior teaching licensure is required for admission.
Graduates of the program will be prepared to work as an elementary general education teacher, special education teacher or as a learning specialist who collaborates with families and other professionals.
The Programs of Study for the program includes foundation and professional courses, and practicum experiences. The program reflects current research and practices in teaching and learning.
Courses of study are carefully planned with the faculty advisor to ensure that both degree requirements and licensure requirements are fulfilled.
The program leads to eligibility for initial Massachusetts teaching licenses in Elementary Education and Mild/Moderate disabilities.
Graduate students participating in the Dual Elementary Education and Moderate Special Needs Program will learn to promote student development, how to teach for social justice, and how to reflect on practice to improve instruction. They will be prepared to work with students of a variety of backgrounds creating classroom environments that engage all students. More specifically:
The teacher candidate will promote the learning and growth of all students by providing high-quality and coherent instruction, designing and administering authentic and meaningful student assessments, using these assessments and reflections on teaching to improve instruction, providing students with constructive feedback on an ongoing basis, and continuously refining learning objectives.
The teacher candidate will use formal and informal assessments to plan instruction for students in ways that reduce bias, and to monitor learning progress.
The teacher candidate will promote the learning and growth of all students through instructional practices that establish high expectations, create a safe and effective classroom environment, demonstrate cultural proficiency, and knowledge about language challenges in academic settings.
The teacher candidate will learn how to plan individually-appropriate curriculum-through the IEP as well as in inclusive classroom settings.
The teacher candidate will promote the learning and growth of all students through ethical, culturally proficient, skilled, and collaborative practice.
The teacher candidate will demonstrate an inquiry stance by collecting and reporting data on pupil outcomes for the purpose of assessing, teaching, and modifying instructional practice.
The teacher candidate will work collaboratively with students and professional colleagues.
The teacher candidate will identify policies and practices that contribute to systemic inequities in education and be aware of how his or her own background experiences are influenced by these systems, and recognizes a professional responsibility to promote and practice principles of social justice teaching.
At a Glance
How many courses?
This program consists of 20 (TELL/TDLL: 21) courses, for a total of 58 (TELL/TDLL: 61) credits.
How long will it take?
Full time students will take approximately 2 or more years to complete the program, while part time students will take 4 or more years.
When can I start?
Students can begin the program in the spring, summer, or fall semesters.
What will I study?
Curriculum
- Courses: 20 (TELL/TDLL: 21)
- Credits: 58 (TELL/TDLL: 61)
- Comprehensive Exam
Financial Assistance
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 $7.5 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. Here’s why:
How to Apply
PrintTo begin your online application, click the box below.
Deadlines
- Regular Desicion
- 1/6/20
- Rolling Admission
- After 1/6/20
- Spring
- Regular Decision
- 11/1/19
Apply Now
A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required, however, this fee is waived for select applicants.
Resume
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
In addition to your academic history and relevant 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 Form.
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
Identification of recommenders/instructions to recommenders are outlined in the online Application Form.
Two letters of recommendation are required with at least one required from an academic source. Applicants may submit one additional recommendation of their choice.
Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in lieu of official transcripts for the application review process. In the event that one is admitted into a program and enrolls, our office will need official transcripts prior to course registration. To expedite application processing times, our office encourages you to send unofficial transcripts electronically to our email address at GSOE@BC.EDU. Please note that unofficial transcripts must include all of the following items:
- Course titles and grades for each course
- Year and entry term for each of the courses listed
- Translated into English by certified translation agent (if not already in English)
- Original and translated transcripts must be provided
If you are able to secure official transcripts, please note the following:
- An official postsecondary transcript must be printed on official institutional paper and include at least one of the following: an institutional watermark, the registrar’s signature, or the registrar's seal.
- Copies and unofficial transcripts sent directly from applicants are not acceptable, the transcript must come directly from the institution.
- If you are a current student and have not completed your undergraduate and/or graduate degree, the most updated version of your transcript is acceptable.
Official electronic transcripts are accepted when sent directly to gsoe@bc.edu from the institution. When requesting electronic transcripts, you must manually type in gsoe@bc.edu to ensure it is received by our office.
Mailed transcript(s) should be sent to the following address:
Lynch Office of Graduate Admissions, Boston College
Campion Hall 135
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Standardized Tests
If you are a current student or alum of Boston College, submitting GRE or SAT test scores are optional and not required. The Lynch School requires GRE test scores for all other applicants; our GRE code is 3218.
Writing Sample
Not required.
International Students
International applicants are encouraged to apply to the Lynch School of Education and Human Development. Learn about requirements for international students.
Academic Tools
Contact Us
gsoe@bc.edu
617-552-4214