Admissions Contact Information

Undergraduate Recruitment & Admissions

Academic Contact

Megan Mackey
Department Chair
Special Education & Interventions
Center for Teaching and Innovation
Henry Barnard Hall
309-09

Five-Year Accelerated BS+MS in Special Education

The Accelerate Central Pathway in Special Education is designed to address the national shortage of qualified special education professionals and teachers. It includes all necessary coursework to meet state certification requirements, ensuring that students acquire the knowledge and skills needed to be “learner-ready, day one” teachers. The program also focuses on developing problem-solving and resilience skills essential for a career in special education. 

The undergraduate portion of the program provides a strong interdisciplinary foundation. Combined with an early and comprehensive approach to practice-based preparation, including three supervised practicum and a student teaching experience, this program ensures candidates are well-prepared to meet the needs of PK-12 schools. 

Students begin their field experiences in PK-12 schools in their second undergraduate year. 

Students may apply for admission to the Five-Year Accelerated BS/MS program or choose to complete only a bachelor’s degree in Special Education. Those opting for the five-year program can begin taking 500-level courses in their fourth undergraduate year. By the end of their fourth year, students will earn a bachelor’s degree and be eligible for Connecticut state certification. 

Completing the fifth year leads to a master’s degree in Special Education. 

Program Features

  • Classes offered on-campus with hybrid options
  • All faculty teaching in the program have PK-12 special education experience 

Did you know?

The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) identifies certification shortage areas each year based on the vacancies reported by public school districts. Special education is on the list every single year. 

Source: Connecticut Department of Education 

What You'll Gain

  • Strong knowledge of content, content pedagogy, and learner development (typical and atypical)
  • The ability to create an inclusive and culturally responsive learning environment
  • The ability to use data, content knowledge, and evidence-based pedagogical content knowledge to critically examine practice for the purpose of improving
  • The skills needed to design and deliver instructional and assessment strategies that facilitate significant learning for all students
  • The ability to design, deliver, and assess literacy/ language strategies to deepen literacy and content learning
  • The tools and experience needed to act collaboratively, ethically, and responsibly to ensure student growth and advance the profession