MEd in Teaching Special Education with Severe Disabilities

The MEd with a concentration in Severe Disabilities prepares educators to work with students who have significant cognitive, developmental, physical, and communication needs. Through specialized coursework and hands-on clinical experiences, you'll learn to create individualized learning opportunities that promote academic growth, communication, independence, and meaningful participation in school and community life.

This concentration prepares you to meet the diverse needs of learners who require intensive educational support. You'll develop the knowledge and skills to:

• Design individualized instruction aligned with academic and functional goals
• Implement evidence-based teaching practices
• Support communication through assistive and augmentative technologies
• Adapt curriculum and learning environments for diverse needs
• Collaborate with families and interdisciplinary teams
• Foster independence, inclusion, and community participation

Graduates are prepared for roles in a variety of educational settings, including:

• Public school districts
• Specialized and substantially separate programs
• Inclusive classrooms
• Approved private special education schools
• Educational collaboratives
• Transition and community-based programs

Upon completion of program requirements and applicable state testing requirements, graduates are eligible for institutional endorsement for Massachusetts Initial Licensure as a Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (All Levels).

Apply your learning through field-based experiences embedded throughout the program. Candidates complete pre-practicum experiences as part of their coursework before culminating in a supervised 300-hour practicum and seminar, providing valuable hands-on experience in authentic educational settings (150 hours for eligible licensed teachers – provisional, temporary or emergency licenses do not qualify).

Upon completion of the program, candidates will be able to:

• Apply evidence-based instructional and assessment practices
• Design learning experiences that support academic, functional, and social-emotional growth
• Integrate theory and practice in PK–12 educational settings
• Create inclusive learning environments that value diversity and collaboration
• Promote communication, independence, and meaningful participation for all learners
• Partner effectively with families and interdisciplinary teams to support student success

Prepare for licensure as a Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities and gain the skills to help students reach their fullest potential.

Please note that up to two graduate courses may be taken at Regis prior to applying and/or being accepted to the program. Please contact the graduate admission office at 781.768.7330 or graduatedepartment@regiscollege.edu for more information.