Special Education Degree (B.S.E.) Moderate Disabilities with License (5-12)

Faculty member and students smiling wearing caps and gowns at commencement.

Training Teachers to Make a Meaningful Impact in Special Education

The Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) in Special Education: Moderate Disabilities (5-12) at Westfield State University prepares future educators to support students with diverse learning needs. This program provides a strong foundation in instructional strategies, behavior management, and individualized education planning, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to create inclusive learning environments. With a blend of coursework and hands-on experiences, students gain the skills necessary to address the academic and social-emotional needs of students with moderate disabilities. Approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and accredited by AAQEP, this program leads to initial licensure in Special Education (5-12), empowering educators to make a meaningful impact in middle and high school classrooms.

Program Highlights

  • Gain real teaching experience through student teaching
  • Master strategies to support students with various needs
  • Be part of a community committed to your growth and success
  • Graduate ready for impactful roles across Massachusetts

Inspire Minds, Teach with Purpose

Start your journey toward making a lasting impact in the classroom.

Creating Diverse Learning Paths for Every Student’s Success

  • Student looking at a piece of paper holding a pencil wearing a WSU sweatshirt.

    Focus on Inclusive and Individualized Learning

    Learn to create adaptive lesson plans, implement individualized education programs (IEPs), and foster an inclusive environment that meets the unique needs of each learner.

  • Education Academic Excellence Award Event.

    Commitment to Student Success

    Benefit from personalized advising, academic support, and professional development opportunities that help you excel throughout your education and beyond.

  • Reach to Teach student with long brown hair and nose ring wearing RTT shirt smiling.

    Career-Ready Preparation

    Develop the knowledge and skills needed to excel in special education roles, with a strong foundation in evidence-based teaching practices and advocacy for students with disabilities.

Program Details

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of their programs of study, our Education majors will understand:

  • Their own history, identity, and position within US society and that of others, and related impact on teaching and learning.
  • Human variability, and the value of strength-based perspectives in work with children, families, communities.
  • The critical role of the teacher in enacting a humanizing pedagogy that is anchored in the needs, identities, and lived experiences of students, families, and broader community.
  • The history, complexity, and power of institutional settings such as schools, and the ethical responsibility of a teacher in working for justice.
  • The big ideas of disciplinary content and tools for inquiry, research, and curriculum design and implementation across content areas relevant to P-12 teaching.
  • The architecture of the ‘self’ (Sealy-Ruiz), the imperative of critical self-reflection for personal/professional growth.

More Education Learning Goals

What Can You Do with a Special Education Degree (B.S.E.) Moderate Disabilities With Licensure (5-12)?

A Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) in Special Education - Moderate Disabilities (5-12) with Licensure qualifies you for a range of roles in education and related fields. Here are some career paths:

  • Special Education Teacher (Grades 5-12)
  • IEP Case Manager
  • Reading or Math Interventionist
  • Special Education Coordinator
  • Transition Specialist
Education student smiling on the campus green.

Ready to learn more?

Course Requirements

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science in Education major with licensure and licensure only programs are designed to prepare outstanding teacher candidates at the Massachusetts initial licensure level. Students may choose to major in Education (with licensure) or choose the licensure-only program. These programs include Early Childhood Education (grades PreK-2), Elementary Education (grades 1-6), and Special Education: Moderate Disabilities (grades PreK-8 or grades 5-12). Specific Westfield State University courses are required for Education students to address state Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK) requirements. All Education students must meet WSU Teacher Education program dispositions at a satisfactory level to complete the major.

Students who are not eligible to advance to practicum (student teaching) because of concerns related to their readiness to student teach, they have not reached the minimum overall GPA of 2.80 or the minimum GPA of 3.00 in the pedagogical sequence, or they have not passed all required Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTELs), may complete their Education major by replacing the practicum requirement within their programs of study if dispositional standing merits remaining in the major. The replacement of practicum involves taking additional Education coursework or comparable courses under the advisement of the Chair of the Education Department. Students who do not complete practicum will not be endorsed for the licensure; however, they may graduate from WSU with their Education major.

Westfield State University's educator preparation programs are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).

Special Education

In general, the Special Educator holds expertise in designing and implementing educational, social, emotional, and vocational interventions, engaging in adapting and modifying curriculum material, analyzing and supporting positive behavior, and developing and implementing individual educational programs.

Massachusetts State Law requires that children with special needs be served within the least restrictive environment. The individuals with Disabilities Education Act guarantees an appropriate education and due process for individuals with disabilities. Regulations designed to implement these laws clearly state the need for special education teachers to provide services to children who exhibit a wide range of special needs at all grade levels.

Professional Special Education 5-12 Pedagogical Coursework
Education Required Subject Matter Knowledge Courses

The state of massachusetts has specific Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK) competencies expected of Elementary, Early Childhood, and Special Education Majors. To address these needs, the following courses are required to meet these requirements.

Area of Focus

Elective coursework centered around an identified area of focus. Special Education majors must take 6 credits within their area of focus. Areas of focus are declared and monitored by the Education Advisor. (5-6 credits)

Total Major: 110-111 credits

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Get Big School Features With Small School Advantages

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • 17:1

    student-faculty ratio

  • 92%+

    of faculty hold doctorates

  • Study abroad

    in 35+ countries

Learn From Experienced Faculty in Small Classes

Westfield State University’s education programs are led by 10 dedicated full-time, expert faculty with extensive P-12 and higher education teaching experience. Adjunct faculty and practicum program supervisors are also dedicated educators who have served as teachers, principals, and administrators throughout the Commonwealth. An additional 16 full-time faculty from other academic departments teach pedagogy courses in their disciplines supporting your secondary and specialist licensure tracks. 

Class sizes range from 15 to 25 students, allowing for meaningful one-on-one attention from your professors as well as collaboration and networking opportunities with your classmates.

An education professor at Westfield State University motions to information projected on a screen while teaching.

Award Winning Degree

Colleges of Distinction, an esteemed organization celebrating colleges and universities that provide exceptional undergraduate experiences, has honored Westfield State University for its outstanding programming in the field of Education.

As a recognized College of Distinction, Westfield State has already earned acclaim for its commitment to well-rounded education. This latest recognition specifically highlights the institution's excellence in Education, emphasizing its effectiveness in preparing students for the demands of the field.

Colleges of Distinction 2025-2026 Best Colleges Education badge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Westfield State University accredited?

Westfield State University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).  

Our educator preparation programs are also approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). The Accreditation Commission commends Westfield State University’s education programs for their concerted and deepening work in anti-racist education. These efforts permeate the preparation of educators, are both embedded in and impact the wider campus culture and reach into the community through campus- and program-based partnerships. The Westfield State University program for licensure for teachers of history has been recognized by the National Council for the Social Studies. 

Visit our AAQEP Accreditation page to learn more. 

Additional links: 

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).     

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university.   

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. 

Learn more about our student support services here.

What are the Massachusetts Department of Education requirements for teacher licensure?

Please visit our Teacher Licensure Requirements page for details on the Massachusetts Department of Education requirements for teacher licensure.

Are there scholarships available?

Tomorrow’s Teachers Scholarship Program 

This scholarship program, offered by the Department of Higher Education’s Office of Student Financial Assistance, attempts to address the teacher shortage in Massachusetts and support individuals with up to $25,000 per year toward their college education. This scholarship makes it more affordable for those enrolling in a baccalaureate program or post-baccalaureate coursework, who intend to obtain their teaching license to pursue a career in a Massachusetts K-12 public school. 

Learn more about this opportunity

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Special Education Degree (B.S.E.) Moderate Disabilities with License (5-12)