BA in Education/MA in Special Education Dual Degree Program

Program Tracks Available

Dual Degree

Admission Deadline

Early Action 1 – November 1
Early Decision (binding) – November 15

Early Action 2 – December 1
Regular Decision – Priority Deadline: April 1 (after April 1, applications for admission are accepted on a rolling basis)

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Degrees Offered

M.A., B.A.

School

D'Amour College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Department

Education

What is the Dual Degree in Education (BA) and Special Education (MA)?

The Dual Degree in Education (BA) and Special Education (MA) provide students with the opportunity to get their bachelors and masters in a seamless way. Apply as a high school senior into the dual degree program with one application and benefit from being considered for a $2,500 Dual Degree Scholarship (per year for your 4 undergraduate years). You will also be considered for a 10% Alumni Discount for every term you are enrolled at least part-time in your graduate program at Assumption

The Master of Arts program prepares you for a career as a teacher of students with mild to moderate disabilities, starting with the Massachusetts Initial and Professional Licensure exam for Teacher of Students with mild to moderate disabilities (Pre-K-8; 5-12).

Why Study Education and Special Education at Assumption?

Assumption is one of only three schools in Massachusetts to be “Approved with Distinction” by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This program is a state-approved, competency-based program founded upon the principles of effective instruction and the philosophy of inclusive education. In addition to hands-on experiences in and out of the classroom, you will benefit from having the director of the graduate program as your faculty advisor.

Learn more about the Undergraduate Education Program

Learn more about the Graduate Special Education Program

Requirements

- A completed Common Application
- A minimum high school 3.2 cumulative GPA
- An official high school transcript including senior grades (must be submitted directly from the high school)
- A letter of recommendation from a counselor or teacher
- Major in Elementary or Middle/Secondary Education
- Overall GPA of 3.3 or higher at the end of junior year
- Students are responsible for completing all of the requirements for the Education Major application and submitting them to the Licensure Program Coordinator by April 30th of the sophomore year. A student’s application will not be reviewed if the Education Major File requirements are incomplete and you will not be eligible for admission to the program.
  - Completed application form
  - Signed acknowledgement of understanding the Assumption College Education Major Policy Overview
  - Completed Worcester Public School CORI form
  - Completed Wachusett Regional School District CORI form
  - Copy of driver’s license
  - Proof of completing the SAFIS fingerprinting process
  - Safe Environment Training
- To remain in the program, and be eligible for the practicum, all Education Majors must:
  - Pass the Communication and Literacy Skills tests of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) by June 1st of their sophomore year.
  - Provide official evidence of taking the required subject matter knowledge MTEL by the 1st day of class senior year.
  - Provide official evidence of passing all required subject matter knowledge MTEL by December 13th of their senior year to be eligible to enroll in the practicum during the spring semester of their senior year (Stage 3).
  - Have at least a 3.0 GPA in the Education Major.
  - Middle/secondary education majors need to have at least a 3.0 GPA in their content major.
  - Student files are reviewed at the end of each semester.

Mary Katherine Petterson

Education 2016
Teacher, Saint John Paul II Catholic Academy / Pursued a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, Boston College Lynch School

“Assumption prepared me better than I could have ever imagined. From rigorous training in planning for all academic subjects as well as ample field experience, I felt extremely prepared to enter the professional world. Professors challenge you while also serving as mentors. They guided me to where I am today.”

Allie Fleming

Education 2018
6th Grade Teacher, Worcester Arts Magnet School, Worcester, MA

“Assumption will teach you more than how to pass an MTEL or GRE. Assumption University's liberal arts education has given me background in so many different subjects. I was able to major in education and English while also getting minors in STEM and a Master's in Special Education.”

Carly Sakellarios

Education 2018
First Grade Teacher, Worcester Public Schools

“Assumption University's liberal arts curriculum prepared me to better answer my students' questions. I got extra experience in observing and assisting an elementary school teacher through the AC club, Book Buddies. Any time in a classroom as an education major is exciting. I was able to volunteer my time to help out and learn more about teaching the little ones!”

Katherine Ventola

Education 2020
Camp Coordinator, James L. McKeown Boys & Girls Club of Woburn

“This experience will make me more prepared for my future career as a preschool teacher. I’ve learned so much from this job including that all children are unique in their own ways. I am in charge of roughly 15 to 20 eight-year-olds every day and run various activities for them focused around science, English, and art. ”

Jonathan Kelly

Education 2000
Principal, Sherwood Middle School

“My experience at Assumption was transformative. A wonderful community with a dedicated and supportive faculty who go above and beyond for students. My professors believed in me and motivated me to do my best. The strong personal connections I made is what gave me the confidence I needed to persevere and dream big.”

Jenn Futtner

Education 2019
4th Grade Teacher, Worcester Public Schools

“Assumption's education department thoroughly prepared me to become a teacher. My experiences working in admissions, residential life, and academic support provided me with skills for my profession as well. I learned to be a better public speaker, problem solver, community builder, team player and more. I had such a positive experience at Assumption!”

Pauliny Smith

Spanish 2022
Student Teaching at Algonquin Regional High School

“My professors encouraged me to challenge myself and apply my education to all aspects of life. I am very thankful for the Spanish program and professors. They emphasized the importance of culture and immersing yourself in the language to internalize what you learned and use it in daily experiences. I can't wait to reflect this in my own classroom!”

Renee Zahigian

BA in Education/MA in Special Education Dual Degree Program Elementary Education BA ‘19, Special Education MA ‘20
Special Education Teacher, Wachusett Regional School District

“Continuing at Assumption allowed me to participate in their accelerated master’s program. The professors in the Education and Special Education department are incredibly knowledgeable. Their willingness to go above and beyond to help their students learn is what has allowed me to be successful in my career thus far. ”

Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.

Learn about financial aid

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