Special Education | Springfield College

Special Education

Master of Education
About This Program
Admissions Contact

Danielle Clough
Associate Director of Graduate Admissions
(413) 748-3729 
dclough@springfield.edu
Make an appointment

Are you an International Student?
Please contact intladmissions@springfield.edu 
Make an appointment

Program Contact

Eileen Cyr
Graduate Coordinator
Department of Education
(413) 748-3312
ecyr@springfield.edu

The Office of Educator Prep and Licensure can help answer your teaching license questions.

Curriculum and Delivery
  • 32-credit program
  • Courses offered on campus in Springfield, Mass.
  • Students may opt to pursue licensure only
  • Course requirements
Start Date and Duration
  • Start in September (fall semester), January (spring semester), or May (summer semester)
  • Courses are offered full or part time
  • Complete the program in 2 years
Paying for Your Education
Career Opportunities
Already have your Master's Degree?

Looking for post-graduate programs? Explore our Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in special education.

Upcoming Events

Graduate Open House
Tuesday, March 26 at noon or 5:30 p.m.
Register

Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Monday, April 29 at 6 p.m.
Register

Teacher and students walking in the corridor at school - including a person with special needs

The MEd in Educational Studies: Special Education at Springfield College prepares teachers to work effectively with students with mild and moderate disabilities. The program offers a combination of courses that lead to the initial license as a Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (TSMD). With courses available in the late afternoon or early evenings, this flexible program is ideal for teachers who wish to complete their degree in one to two years and teach students with mild to moderate disabilities in grades PreK-8 or 5-12.

Because students are participating in the field placement while taking the academic courses, students are able to use these practical experiences to deepen their understanding of the skills and responsibilities of the teacher of students with moderate disabilities.

A special emphasis is placed on: Reading and Language Arts instruction; Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks; assessment of physical, social, emotional, intellectual and social development of children and adolescents; educational terminology for students with mild and moderate disabilities; preparation, implementation and evaluation of Individualized Education Programs; design and modification of curriculum, instructional materials, and educational environments for students with moderate disabilities; behavior management and transitional assistance for students with mild and moderate disabilities; services provided by other agencies and federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to special education.

Already working in the Springfield Public Schools? Apply for the S-Cubed program, a partnership between the Springfield Public Schools and Springfield College, and earn your degree for less!

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to study at Springfield College, where each class offers a remarkable learning environment filled with depth of knowledge.” Desiree Van Noordwyk, Graduate Class of 2024
Desiree Van Noordwyk - Springfield College

How to Apply:

Education Requirements

  • Each course has a field-based component (this is usually 15-20 hours a week in a school).
  • transcript review of undergraduate and any prior graduate work is required prior to admission.

Admissions Requirements

  1. Complete the FREE online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
  2. Essay: In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College. 
  3. Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study. 
  4. Two letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or direct supervisor: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
  5. Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address: 

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

International Applicants

All international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required, in addition to the items listed above, to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS. Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The staff in the Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Students:

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.

International Students:

Fall Start

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: May 1

Spring Start

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: October 1

Summer Start

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: February 1

Fellowships & Scholarships

Let us help you make your graduate education as affordable as possible.

Student Employment

Work on our campus to earn money while pursuing your graduate degree.

Employee Partnerships

Employees of our partnerships are eligible to receive a $5,000 or $10,000 partner grant.