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Education

Inclusive Special Education: Severe Disabilities

Master of Education (M.Ed.): Initial Licensure Program, On-Campus, Off-Campus, or Teacher Residency

Inspire self-determination in students with disabilities.

If you want to have a positive effect on the education of PreK-12 students with complex learning needs, this program will give you the knowledge and skills to teach, support, and advocate for students with severe disabilities.

REGISTER: M.Ed. in Education Virtual Information Session

The program begins with an overview of the special education profession. From there, you'll take courses that cover communication, universal curriculum design, and how to teach literacy, math, and science. Learn about the many aspects of assessment and positive behavior support. Build Individualized Education Programs, and explore the transition from high school to adulthood.

During your program, you'll co-construct new knowledge with your faculty, and engage in the kind of self-reflection that leads to becoming a more compassionate and culturally aware educator. You'll also have a chance to apply your learning in authentic field experiences as well as during your student teaching experience (teacher residencies fulfill this requirement at the residency site).

At Lesley, we prepare teachers who are lifelong advocates for their students. We believe in the competence of every individual, and equal access to quality education. Here, you’ll learn to express those beliefs in your teaching. Study with faculty who believe in the competence of every individual and that equal education is a right.

Upon completion, you’ll graduate from New England's premier university for teacher preparation knowing you have the degree you need to land the career you're passionate about. That's because employers in Massachusetts prefer to hire Lesley graduates, saying that they are best prepared to enter the classroom on day one.

Graduate Program Inquiry Form

Program Structure

Full-time or part-time on-campus, off-campus, or residency program

41 Credits
On-Campus Graduate Education Programs

Our on-campus programs are offered in a combination of face-to-face, remote synchronous via Zoom, or asynchronous online courses. Whatever the delivery mode, you'll get the same careful attention and support from our dedicated faculty and staff.

Please contact luadmissions@lesley.edu if you have any questions.

2 students in a graduate classroom

Yearlong Teacher Residency Option

Finish your degree in just over a year—with double the teaching experience and at a reduced cost—as a resident intern in a participating public or independent school. In this program format, you participate full-time in the life of the school, and take classes at both the school site and Lesley.

Apply by May 1, 2023, to start this program in June, 2023, at Westwood Public Schools.

Gain Skills and Expertise
Our severe disabilities program prepares you to:
$86,755
Average salary for teachers in Massachusetts (2021-2022), according to the National Education Association.
#1
Superintendents and other hiring managers across Massachusetts prefer to hire Lesley graduates, reporting that they are best prepared to enter the classroom on day one. (Source: Radius Global Market Research)
Top Schools
Massachusetts ranks as the best state to be a teacher, with some of the highest performing schools and best salaries in the country, according to US News.
Linda Lengyel
Special Education
Linda Lengyel
Linda's work has focused on supporting persons with complex needs, considered to have severe disabilities in inclusive environments. Before entering higher education, she supported persons with severe disabilities and their families in school, work, employment, and home settings. Linda also has an extensive history of advocacy activities, supporting IEP teams, as well as advocating for systemic and policy changes.
The degree employers are looking for.
Lesley graduates go on to rewarding careers in public and private schools, charter schools, and beyond. That's because our programs are ranked #1 for preparing teachers with the skills Massachusetts employers are seeking, including:
Important Licensure Information

All Lesley University educator licensure programs comply with current Massachusetts educational requirements, as specified. In addition, Massachusetts participates in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement, which makes it possible for an educator to have their Massachusetts license/s recognized across the United States. Depending on your professional goals, where you reside or plan to teach, and the licensure structures that exist within that state, there are diverse pathways to licensure that may be relevant. In accordance with Lesley University’s institutional participation in SARA (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) and with federal regulations, Lesley University strongly encourages prospective applicants who intend to pursue licensure in a state other than Massachusetts review the Lesley University Licensure and Credentialing page for more information.

Graduate Inclusive Special Education Programs

Faculty

Total approximate cost for this master's degree program. Tuition and fees are for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Inclusive Special Education: Severe Disabilities
  • Tuition
    $925/credit x 41
    $37,925
  • Fees
    Field Experience Fee
    $850
    MAP ePortfolio Fee
    $200
    Comprehensive Fee
    $1,025
  • Total
Estimated Cost

All graduate students are reviewed for merit scholarships through the admissions process and are awarded at the time of acceptance. Other forms of financial aid are also available. Review all graduate tuition and fees, and what they cover. Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective in the Summer term.

  • Tuition
    $750/credit x 41
    $30,750
  • Fees
    Field Experience Fee
    $850
    MAP ePortfolio Fee
    $200
    Comprehensive Fee
    $1,025
  • Total
Estimated Cost

All graduate students are reviewed for merit scholarships through the admissions process and are awarded at the time of acceptance. Other forms of financial aid are also available. Review all graduate tuition and fees, and what they cover. Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective in the Summer term.

  • Tuition
    562.50/credit x 41
    $23,063
  • Fees
    Field Experience Fee
    $850
    Map ePortfolio Fee
    $200
    Comprehensive Fee
    $1,025
  • Total
Estimated Cost

All graduate students are reviewed for merit scholarships through the admissions process and are awarded at the time of acceptance. Other forms of financial aid are also available. Review all graduate tuition and fees, and what they cover. Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective in the Summer term.

Teacher Residency

Teacher Residency pricing varies from school to school. Contact Graduate Admissions for pricing information at 888.LESLEY.U / 617.349.8300 or luadmissions@lesley.edu.

The Office of Veterans Affairs has determined that Teacher Residency programs are not eligible for Veteran’s Benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill®.

 

Apply Now

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.

Your degree is an investment, and we're committed to ensuring its value. That's why we offer the best teacher education in Massachusetts at competitive tuition rates.
We'll help ensure your degree is as affordable as possible. Use our step-by-step guide to apply for federal and university funding. Scholarships, grants, Work-Study, and loans. It’s all right here.

Next steps to apply

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.