New Master's Program with Special Education Licensure
10.17.2008 —Master of Science in Education to offset demand for special education teachers and professionals
LONGMEADOW, Mass.—As the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics foresees an increase in special education student enrollments and school districts across the nation report shortages of qualified teachers, Bay Path College is preparing graduate students for careers in special education with its new Master of Science (MS) in Education and Specialist in Education (EdS) with licensure in special education.
During the past few years, the percentage of students requiring special education services has grown steadily, in part to early diagnosis of learning disabilities and medical advances that have resulted in more children surviving serious accidents or illnesses. To meet the needs of these children, the number of positions in elementary schools for teachers in special education will increase by 20 percent between 2006 and 2016 according to the National Employment Matrix, which also projects that special education teaching positions in middle and high schools will increase by 16 and 9 percent, respectively.
Bay Path’s Graduate Program in Special Education prepares graduate students for their roles as highly trained teachers and human service professionals who provide designed instruction and services to children with various special needs. Under the direction of Elizabeth Fleming, DA, a nationally recognized authority on special education, professional development, and inclusionary practices for both educators and students, the program instructs graduate students about the use of multiple teaching strategies, which ensure all students with special needs reach their learning potential. Bay Path graduate students acquire knowledge in articulating theories, concepts, and methods of assessing the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development of children and adolescents, as well as gain experience in designing and adapting curriculum, instructional materials, and environments for students with special needs. The program also provides graduate students with various options that can expand their professional credentials.
Both the MS in Education and Specialist in Education degree offer graduate students the Massachusetts Initial Licensure in special education either as a PreK-8th grade or 5th-12th grade teacher of students with moderate disabilities, or as a PreK-12th grade teacher of students with severe disabilities. The degrees build upon Bay Path’s Education Department, which is chaired by Estelle S. Leavitt, MEd, CAGS, and includes bachelor’s degrees in early childhood, elementary, and secondary biology education. Graduate students who enroll in the MS program may also complete coursework entitling them to professional licensure.
Graduate students who do not wish to immediately enroll in the MS in Education program may achieve a Massachusetts educator licensure in either moderate or severe disabilities through Bay Path’s Special Education Post-Baccalaureate program. If they desire, post-baccalaureate students may receive an MS in Education by successfully completing two additional elective courses.
Bay Path graduate students enrolled in the MS program may choose not to pursue the Massachusetts Initial Licensure. This option is designed for graduate students who desire a career in human services working with people who have special needs. Those who select this path typically complete the degree requirements in one year.
Two of the most rewarding careers, special educators and human service professionals have a positive influence on children and adults with disabilities. They provide essential support to those with special needs who require individual teaching approaches, equipment or care. Bay Path’s extensive and demanding coursework prepares graduate students for the multiple areas of specialization within special education.
Bay Path is currently accepting applications for the MS in Education with Special Education Licensure program. The program’s first class will begin this fall, and courses will be offered on Bay Path’s three campuses—Longmeadow, Burlington, and Central Massachusetts (Sturbridge/Charlton, Mass.)—on weekends and online. All graduate students seeking initial licensure must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, complete six 3-credit courses in moderate or severe disabilities, and a supervised practicum in moderate or severe disabilities. To apply and enroll in the MS in Education with Special Education Licensure Program, contact a Bay Path Graduate Admissions counselor at 800.782.7284, extension 1332 or 1317, or e-mail graduate@baypath.edu.
Learn more about our MS in Education with Special Education Licensure program by clicking here.
