Master in Special Education and Teaching (Master's)

Tuition is Tuition and fees are subject to change and are based on the number of credits taken per semester..

Graduates are qualified to work as special education teachers for students with moderate disabilities in public and private schools. The programme is designed for working adults who already hold a Massachusetts initial teacher license in moderate disabilities. Students complete a thesis project and build an electronic portfolio demonstrating mastery of program competencies and professional growth.

Focus areas include Teaching and learning literacy across multiple disciplines, Mathematics assessment and instruction for diverse learners, Differentiated reading instruction, Speech/language development, differences, and diversity, Research in content concentration, Advanced foundations of education.

The programme requires 30 credits of coursework, including a thesis project. Students complete 18 credits in their content concentration and 12 credits in foundational and research courses.

Graduates work as special education teachers in public and private schools across Massachusetts.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA from a regionally accredited institution. A Massachusetts initial or professional teaching license in moderate disabilities is required. Official transcripts, two recent letters of recommendation, a completed application with fee and essay, and English proficiency results if applicable are also required.

The programme totals about 30 credit hours. Part-time, on-campus, typically completed over several years. For international students, tuition is well below the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 90% of applicants.

Worcester State University, founded in 1874 and located in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a public institution known for accessible, career-focused education and strong community engagement. With a student population of about 5,417 and an inclusive culture, WSU offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate programs across roughly sixty academic offerings. The university emphasizes teaching quality, experiential learning, and a student-centered approach that supports academic growth and professional readiness.

Academics at Worcester State blend classroom instruction with practical experience through internships, research projects, and community partnerships that prepare students for the workforce. Faculty engagement and small class sizes foster personalized mentorship, while campus resources support academic success, advising, and skills development. International students, though a smaller community on campus, find pathways to integrate academically and socially and to pursue internships in the region.

Campus life in Worcester provides a vibrant urban setting with cultural venues, local employers, and regional transit connections. Student services include career counseling, student clubs, and opportunities for civic engagement that help learners build professional networks. For international applicants seeking a supportive, student-focused university with practical training and clear pathways to employment and graduate study, Worcester State offers an approachable and professionally oriented experience.