Special Education - Extensive Support Needs
The Master of Education in Special Education – Extensive Support Needs at Boston College University prepares educators to work with students who have significant cognitive, developmental, and physical disabilities. This comprehensive two-year program focuses on the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to support learners with complex and intensive learning profiles. Students explore inclusive practices, individualized instruction, assistive technologies, and communication strategies tailored for individuals requiring lifelong learning supports. The curriculum integrates theory with hands-on experiences to help future educators develop deep instructional expertise and responsive educational planning abilities.
Through immersive fieldwork and clinical training, students learn how to design and implement meaningful, person-centered educational programs. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, functional academics, and life skills instruction that promote independence, dignity, and participation in diverse settings. Students engage with family-centered practices, community-based learning models, and behavioral support systems to ensure their work meets the full spectrum of student needs. This approach fosters empathetic leadership, reflective practice, and a firm commitment to equity and access in special education.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Special Education - Extensive Support Needs
- Degree Type: Master of Education
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 15 July 2026
- Location: Boston College, United States
- Field of Study: Special Education
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations of Inclusive and Specialized Instruction
- Introduction to Extensive Support Needs
- Human Development and Severe Disabilities
- Educational Assessment and Individualized Planning
- Research Methods in Special Education
Semester 2 – Functional and Behavioral Support
- Functional Curriculum and Life Skills Instruction
- Positive Behavior Support and Intervention
- Culturally Responsive Practice in Special Education
- Practicum I: Classroom-Based Intervention Strategies
Semester 3 – Communication and Transition Planning
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Transition Services for Adolescents and Young Adults
- Assistive Technology for Inclusive Learning
- Practicum II: Individualized Education and Support Planning
Semester 4 – Collaboration, Ethics, and Leadership
- Collaborative Models for Multidisciplinary Teams
- Ethics and Advocacy in Disability Services
- Capstone Seminar in Extensive Support Needs
- Final Practicum and Professional Portfolio Presentation
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are highly qualified to serve in roles that support individuals with complex disabilities in school, community, and specialized care settings. Common positions include special education teachers, transition coordinators, inclusion specialists, and life skills program developers, working in public and private schools, residential programs, or nonprofit organizations. Many also contribute to curriculum design, individualized service planning, and interdisciplinary teams supporting students with autism, intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities, or medically fragile conditions. The program’s emphasis on communication systems, assistive technology, and family engagement equips graduates to address holistic student needs and advocate for inclusive practices. Additionally, the degree provides a strong foundation for further academic research or doctoral study in special education, applied behavior analysis, or disability policy. With their ability to deliver person-centered instruction and lifelong learning supports, graduates lead with impact in one of the most critical areas of the education profession.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for educators who are dedicated to promoting equity, independence, and dignity for learners with the most significant support needs. Students benefit from a curriculum that merges research, ethics, and field-based practice, allowing them to apply their knowledge in authentic educational and community environments. Through small class sizes, expert faculty mentorship, and intensive practicum placements, learners gain confidence in developing individualized programs that emphasize communication, functional skills, and meaningful inclusion. The emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, advocacy, and adaptive instruction ensures that graduates are prepared to meet the evolving challenges of special education. By offering a learning experience built on compassionate expertise and inclusive innovation, the program prepares educators to lead transformative efforts in support of learners with extensive needs.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 617 552 8000
Email: admissions@bostoncollege.edu
Address: University of Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, United States
