The Master of Education (EdM) in Special Education at BU Wheelock College of Education & Human Development supports students in developing strong skills in instruction, collaboration, and/or advocacy through specially designed coursework and frequent, ongoing opportunities for critical reflection and feedback within a supportive learning community of faculty, practitioners, and peers. The EdM offers multiple tracks and learning experiences so that students can receive preparation best aligned to their personal and professional goals. This includes structured tracks that lead to Massachusetts teaching licensure as well as more flexible and customizable non-licensure program options.
General track, non-licensure
Students complete a series of core special education coursework and develop a program of study customized to their professional interests and goals alongside a faculty advisor.
Licensure track
The licensure-granting tracks of the EdM in Special Education are for students seeking an initial teaching license, including those who already hold an initial license in elementary education or in secondary content areas and are looking to add-on a special education teaching license. We offer tracks leading to Massachusetts licensure in moderate disabilities PreK–8, moderate disabilities 5–12, and severe disabilities, as well as a DESE endorsement in autism spectrum disorder. These tracks include a carefully sequenced series of coursework and field-based learning opportunities and culminate in a full-time teaching practicum experience under the supervision and guidance of both a field-based and university supervisor.
Dates & Deadlines
Spring & Fall 2025
Aug 15, 2024
Application Opens
Spring 2025 Semester
Dec 15, 2024
Application Deadline
Fall 2025 Semester
Jan 15, 2025
Deadline to Receive Priority Scholarship Consideration
Fall 2025 Semester
Aug 1, 2025
Application Closes
Featured Faculty
The Special Education program faculty are guided in their research, policy, and practice by a shared commitment to ensuring educational equity and opportunity for all students with disabilities and their families. The faculty includes expert practitioners, researchers, and policy-focused advocates who bring a wealth of information, skills, and expertise to the university classroom and the PreK–12 community.
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Linda Banks-Santilli
Associate Dean, Academic Affairs
Clinical Associate Professor -
Elizabeth Bettini
Associate Professor
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Lindsey Chapman
Program Director, Special Education
Senior Lecturer -
David J. Chard
Professor
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Felicity Crawford
Program Director, Education for Equity & Social Justice
Clinical Associate Professor -
Hank Fien
Director, Wheelock Institute for the Science of Education
Director, National Center on Improving Literacy
Nancy H. Roberts Professor of Educational Innovation -
Jennifer Greif Green
Professor
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Nancy Harayama
Program Director, Undergraduate Program
Senior Lecturer, Special Education -
Nathan Jones
Associate Professor
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Nancy J. Nelson
Assistant Professor
Deputy Director, National Center on Improving Literacy and Lead for Literacy Center -
Zachary Rossetti
Associate Professor
Career Outcomes
Boston University’s EdM in Special Education prepares educators who have a critical understanding of the special education system and the students it intends to serve. You’ll be prepared for success in a variety of roles.
- Teacher or co-teacher in an inclusive classroom
- Inclusion facilitator
- Resource room teacher
- Teacher in self-contained classroom
- Curriculum developer
- Family advocate
- Consultant for community agencies
- Professional development for people interacting with people with disabilities in other settings (e.g., hospitals, after-school programs)
More Information about the EdM in Special Education
Licensure
Students in the EdM in Special Education have the opportunity to pursue a general/non-licensure program that is highly personalized and designed based on their interests and professional goals in collaboration with a faculty advisor.
Field-Based Experiences
BU Wheelock offers opportunities for work-related field placements for the pre-practicum, full-practicum/student teaching, or both. You’ll work as a teacher or paraprofessional while maintaining your employment.
Graduate Admissions
Connect with BU Wheelock to learn more about our master’s degree in Special Education. Get information about admissions deadlines, requirements, and financial assistance. Sign up for one of our upcoming information sessions.
Licensing Disclosure
BU Wheelock Educator Preparation Programs Licensing Disclosure provides information about BU Wheelock state-approved programs and how the educational requirements compare with those in other states. Education students in licensure programs should review this resource and contact edlic@bu.edu with questions.
Background Checks
Students who are admitted into BU Wheelock routinely participate in field experiences as a part of their respective program curriculum and requirements. Most field sites require criminal background checks to determine students’ eligibility for participation. History of a criminal background may disqualify students from participating in these required experiences, which in turn may impede the successful completion of one’s degree program.