Education

Special Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Empower children with different abilities.

You believe that equal access to learning is an issue of social justice. At Lesley, you'll join a community that seeks to empower children with disabilities through inclusive teaching.

As a special education major, you’ll integrate theory with techniques for teaching PreK–8 students with moderate disabilities. Your preparation will include the skills needed to create a positive classroom culture and climate where children feel welcome and valued. And our reimagined general education curriculum will provide the foundation you’ll need to promote community and justice.

You'll blaze a trail as a leader and teacher in the world of education as your grow into your career as an educator, principal, special educator, community center director, or publisher. And as a Lesley graduate, you'll join the largest network of educators in New England, with more than 4,500 Lesley education graduates in the last five years alone. Become one of our amazing education alumni, who include Teachers of the Year and MacArthur “Genius” Fellows.

You’ll learn how to assess students’ needs, use technology that makes learning accessible, and develop strategies for bringing together students with varying learning styles and needs. You’ll develop the skills to foster respect and kindness among students.

With hands-on guidance and support from our expert faculty and mentoring practitioners in the schools, you’ll be immersed in diverse public and private schools in Cambridge, Boston, and surrounding towns including private schools such as the Lesley Ellis School in Arlington, and the public schools in Belmont, Watertown, and Medford.

Become an advocate for children with disabilities and understand the legal, social, and educational responsibilities of school districts to provide inclusive learning environments. Gain real-world classroom experience starting freshman year. Not just any classroom experience. Challenging and diverse experiences that familiarize you with urban and suburban settings, different age groups, and all types of learners.

Gain an initial teaching license

Our special education major leads to initial licensure as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK–8). Learn more about licensure.

Program Structure

Full-time or part-time on-campus program

Required Core (42 Credits)
- Comprehensive coursework ranges from theory-based courses to hands-on practicum experiences which will lead you to initial licensure as a preK-8 teacher of students with moderate disabilities.
Liberal Arts Support Courses (6 Credits)
- Develop your knowledge of child psychology and the characteristics of children and youth with special needs with these required psychology courses.
General Education (42 Credits)
- Take a variety of courses for Lesley’s new outcome-based General Education program. You'll develop skills and perspectives that will help you to succeed in an increasingly complex global context, and to create a more just, humane, and sustainable world. General Education courses you take may count toward your major or minor.
Free Electives
- With your remaining credits, try out different courses in subject areas you want to explore, or maybe major or minor in another subject.

View Program of Study

Thinking about transferring here?

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.

“I use creativity to empower confident learners.”

Kara Rosenburg ’11, Special Education

Choose a second major in the liberal arts.

In addition to your special education major, you’ll go in-depth in a content area in one these majors:

Thinking about becoming a teacher?

Getting a bachelor's degree is the first step. Here are the questions to ask when researching undergraduate schools and programs.

Learn more about becoming a teacher.

Come visit us in-person or virtually.

Visit Lesley

The Lesley Dividend pays big.

Every student who earns an undergraduate degree from Lesley is eligible to receive 12 graduate credits toward any master's degree we offer, 100% free. That's potentially over $13,000.

Read all about it.

Applying to Lesley

Lesley University is SAT Blind

We know that a single standardized test can't sum up your accomplishments and abilities. That's why we don't require SAT scores when you apply. Instead, we'll focus on the strength of your application, including your essay and activities.

Accelerated Master's Degrees in Education

Earn your bachelor's degree in education or art & design and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in one program, saving you time and tuition money.

Learn more about accelerated M.Ed. degrees.

Craft Creative Combinations

As a Special Education major at Lesley, you'll need to choose a second major from the approved list of liberal arts majors. You can also pursue one of our 45+ minors to become a more empathetic and informed teacher.

Forge your own path with a creative combination.

Special Education + Expressive Arts Therapy minor = A teacher who specializes in arts- and music-based learning with students who have special needs
Special Education + Holistic Health and Wellness minor = A teacher who wants to infuse mindfulness into the curriculum

Gain Skills and Expertise

Here’s a taste of what you’ll do in our Special Education program:

Understand the physical, emotional, and social needs of children with disabilities.
Design curriculum and instruction to provide access to the learning environment.
Develop the skills to collaborate successfully with administrators, teachers, and parents.
Gain an understanding of the laws that support inclusionary practices in our society.

Students and a teacher crowding around a computer and circuit boards, finalizing their coding project

Small College, Big University

Within the dynamic environment of a larger university, you'll receive the personalized education of a small liberal arts college of 1,300 students and hands-on attention from specialized faculty. You'll also benefit from Lesley's reputation for providing the best teacher preparation in Massachusetts, where school principals prefer to hire our graduates.

Undergraduate Programs

92%

of our 2020 graduating class is employed or furthering their education.

Alumni Satisfaction

Ranked #20

by alumni

According to a survey published in Forbes, Lesley ranks #20 nationwide for providing a high-quality education that is worth the cost.

View the survey results.

Brendan Aylward at Unified Health and Performance

Brendan Aylward ’15

Learn how special education alum Brendan creates a "community of acceptance" for athletes.

Woman sitting on a colorful chair in a classroom.

Alex Truesdell ’98

Alex won a MacArthur fellowship for adaptive design. She's helped thousands of educators and families create child-specific alterations.

Robert Mitropoulos speaking at a podium during Alumni Weekend.

Robert Mitropoulos ’17

As a classroom teacher at the Cotting School, Robert says his days are filled with "small celebrations."

zoom meeting captutre of st. lucia cohort

Creating inclusive classrooms

Lesley professors Dr. Vital and Dr. Gooden lead remote workshops for Caribbean educators to aid neurodiverse learners.

Cambridge is our campus. Boston is our neighbor.

As an education major at Lesley, you'll take classes on our three beautiful Cambridge campuses. You'll explore passions to then weave into your teaching. You'll discover the Cambridge and Boston area—a dynamic hub of internships, professional opportunities, service work, culture, and fun that few other cities can match.

Find out more about Cambridge and Boston.

Faculty

View Full Program Cost

Approximate cost, before financial aid, for one year of study in this undergraduate program. Tuition and fees are for the 2023-2024 academic year.

Financial Aid

Use our step-by-step guide to apply for federal, state, 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.

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