Endicott College

Special Education (M.Ed.): Moderate Disabilities Program (PreK–2, PreK–8, 5–12)

Transform educational outcomes for learners with moderate disabilities through evidence-based practice.
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Format
*Hybrid with clinicals
Time Commitment
Part-time or full-time options
Duration
12-24 months
Program Start
Rolling Admission
Credits
36

*The program is delivered through a hybrid model that integrates asynchronous coursework, structured synchronous engagement, and in-person clinical experiences.

Program Overview

Target Licensure / Track: MA Initial or Professional License in Moderate Disabilities

This program prepares special educators to deliver individualized content-area instruction, assistive technology integration, and diagnostic reading interventions. Candidates select a target level (PreK–2, PreK–8, or 5–12) to earn initial or professional certification. Coursework integrates DESE pre-practicum requirements, including individualized differentiated instruction plans and PST Element I-A-3 curriculum adaptations prior to the full 300-hour practicum.

Compliance Note: Subject to DESE July 2025 pre-practicum guidelines, two including observation cycles and two gateway tasks with a specific emphasis on PST Element I-A-3 Curriculum Literacy. Practicum is 300 hours: entirely in an inclusive general education classroom, or 150 inclusive hours and 150 in a separate or substantially separate setting serving students with moderate disabilities.

Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 36

Required Curriculum with MA Initial Licensure

As regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the practicum requires 300 hours with a minimum of 100 hours of full responsibility in the role and grade level of the license sought.  Students must have their practicum placement, supervising practitioner, and hours approved by Endicott staff before enrolling in the practicum course. Additional hours may be assigned at the discretion of the Dean, Associate Dean or Director.

  • EDN 500 - Child and Adolescent Development (Cr: 3)
  • EDN 530 - Sheltered English Immersion (Cr: 3)
    or elective if have SEI endorsement
  • SPE 500 - Teaching Students with Disabilities (Cr: 3)
  • SPE 505 - Inclusive Education (Cr: 3)
  • SPE 510 - Curriculum Development for Students with Moderate Disabilities (Cr: 3)
  • SPE 515 - Reading Instruction in Special Education (Cr: 3)
  • SPE 525 - Assistive and Augmentative Technologies (Cr: 3)
  • SPE 530 - Humanities Methods in Special Education (Cr: 3)
  • SPE 540 - STEM Methods in Special Education (Cr: 3)
  • SPE 550 - Curriculum and Assessment in Practice: Special Education (Pre-Practicum) (Cr: 3)
  • SPE 560 - Practicum in Moderate Disabilities (Cr: 3)
  • SPE 565 - Reflective Seminar in Moderate Disabilities (Cr: 3)

Required Curriculum General Studies

*Electives are chosen in consultation with the student's advisor

  • Electives - 12 cr.
  • EDN 500 - Child and Adolescent Development (Cr: 3)
  • SPE 500 - Teaching Students with Disabilities (Cr: 3)
  • SPE 505 - Inclusive Education (Cr: 3)
  • SPE 510 - Curriculum Development for Students with Moderate Disabilities (Cr: 3)
  • SPE 515 - Reading Instruction in Special Education (Cr: 3)
  • SPE 525 - Assistive and Augmentative Technologies (Cr: 3)
  • SPE 530 - Humanities Methods in Special Education (Cr: 3)
  • SPE 540 - STEM Methods in Special Education (Cr: 3)

Required Curriculum with MA Professional Licensure

*Courses required for Professional Licensure

  • EDN 575 - Data Literacy (Cr: 3)
  • EDN 570 - Classroom Management (Cr: 3)
    *
  • EDN 685 - Policy Analysis, Leadership, and Change Processes (Cr: 3)
  • RDL 515 - Exploring Writing (Cr: 3)
  • RDL 525 - Learning Differences in Literacy (Cr: 3)
  • SPE 530 - Humanities Methods in Special Education (Cr: 3)
  • SPE 540 - STEM Methods in Special Education (Cr: 3)
  • SPE 575 - Family Engagement in Special Education (Cr: 3)
  • SPE 670 - Consultation and Co-Teaching (Cr: 3)
    *
  • SPE 680 - Psychoeducational Assessment (Cr: 3)
    *
  • SPE 685 - Personalized Learning (Cr: 3)
    *
  • SPE 695 - Disability and Sheltered English Immersion (Cr: 3)

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of typical child and adolescent development and exceptionalities
  • Design high quality instruction, including authentic and meaningful student assessments
  • Analyze student performance and growth data and to use this data to improve instruction and practice
  • Teach all students through instructional practices that establish high expectations, a safe and effective classroom environment, and cultural proficiency.
  • Promote the learning and growth of all students through effective partnerships with families, caregivers, community members, and organizations.
  • Ensure the learning and growth of all students through ethical, culturally proficient, skilled, and collaborative practice

View academic catalog and learning outcomes
School of Education

Faculty

Endicott’s professors aren’t just teachers; they are scholars, authors, thought leaders, and experts in their fields, so you learn best practices from experienced practitioners who share insights from their real-world experience. You will gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to make an impact and accelerate your career.

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Tuition & Fees
The total cost of attendance reflects the cost-per-credit pricing for the current academic year and depends on how quickly students complete the program. Please visit the link below for more information on tuition and fees, and read our Financial Aid information for ways to fund your education. You may also reach out to one of our helpful graduate school admission staff with any questions.
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Financial Aid
Investing in an advanced education is a significant financial commitment, but it is an investment in your future. At Endicott College, we believe in supporting our students through financial aid to ensure success, while maintaining financial stability. Financial aid available for graduate students includes federal Stafford and Graduate PLUS loans, as well as additional private loan options. Please visit this page for more information about financial aid for our graduate programs.
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