Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Education with a Concentration in Moderate Disabilities (Pre K-8)
100% of education majors participate in at least one practicum. It’s your chance to take what you’ve learned at Merrimack and apply it at one of the many schools in the area.
In the moderate disabilities education program, you’ll learn to support students with learning disabilities, conduct assessments, and develop personalized education plans. Approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, this program also prepares you for state licensure in moderate disabilities.
Moderate Disabilities Concentration at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Internship
Guaranteed
Est. Time
4 Years
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Cost
School
Accreditation
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The Moderate Disabilities Concentration
As an education major with a concentration in moderate disabilities (Pre K–8), you’ll learn to conduct educational assessments and develop personalized learning plans all while gaining the expertise, skills and confidence to teach students with learning disabilities.
What You'll Study
At Merrimack, you’ll study a variety of subjects to prepare for future careers. Key areas include:
Child Growth and Development
Children's Literature
Teaching Social Studies
Foundations of Math
Foundations of STEM
Positive Learning Environments
Skills You'll Learn
Level up your skills in the classroom, so you’re the most prepared for your future career!
Algebra for Elementary Teachers
Behavior Interventions
Teaching and Assessing Writing
Moderate Disabilities Courses You'll Take
Assessments in Special Education
EDU 4020
Students will examine the role assessment plays in the identification of a disability to the IEP development and classroom and assistive technology accommodations necessary for students with disabilities. The focus of the course is on report writing and IEP development.
POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
EDU 4221
This course emphasizes the importance of creating and maintaining a safe and collaborative learning environment for all students. Students will learn a variety of strategies to assist students in developing social and emotional self-regulation skills and responsible decision making.
CHILD GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
edu 2210
This course will introduce students to theories and principles of child development. The course will address the application of such theories to practice, examining the biological, cognitive, social, and emotional changes associated with development, from early childhood through late childhood.
See All Courses & Options Available for Moderate Disabilities Concentration
Moderate Disabilities Concentration Requirements
To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Why Choose the Bachelor of Arts in Education with a Concentration in Moderate Disabilities?
In the moderate disabilities education program, you will deepen your understanding of how students with learning disabilities can thrive and be successful in school, while also building your subject matter expertise by choosing from a wide variety of electives across departments.
Strong Special Education Focus
The program prepares students to work effectively with children who have learning disabilities, offering specialized coursework and hands-on experience in the classroom.
Merrimack Institute for New Teacher Support (MINTS)
The Merrimack Institute for New Teacher Support (MINTS) provides many resources and professional development opportunities for both new educators and for those who are more experienced through workshops, lectures and other skill-building and skill-enhancing resources
Graduate School & Career Opportunities
Graduates can pursue further studies (such as a master’s in Special Education) or step directly into careers as special education teachers, intervention specialists or guidance counselors.
Career Outlook: Where Can an Education Degree Take You?
Career Outcomes Rate
96% of the undergraduate class of 2023 in the School of Education and Social Policy were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.
Experiential Learning
100% of Education majors participate in at least one practicum. You’ll gain invaluable classroom experience during your pre-practicum and practicum student teaching.
Graduate School
Northeastern University, Ottawa University, Vanderbilt University and Merrimack are just some of the graduate programs SESP graduates are attending.
Jobs with a Moderate Disabilities Degree
Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in the field of education. Positions may include:
- Guidance Counselor
- Resource Room Director
- School Administrator
- Special-Education Teacher
- Behavioral Interventionalist
- IEP Coordinator
Where Merrimack Moderate Disabilities (Pre K-8) Graduates Work & Intern
Stoughton High School
Special Education Teacher
Lynnfield Middle School
Graduate Teaching Fellow
East Irondequoit Central School District
Special Education Teacher
J. Arthur Trudeau Memorial Center
Behavioral Health Technician
Reading Public Schools
8th Grade Science Teacher
North Reading Public Schools
Internship - Substitute Teacher
Wilmington Public Schools
Substitute Teacher
Framingham Public Schools
5th Grade Teacher
Beyond the Classroom
Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 70+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities
Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly
Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand how inflammation affects immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.
Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.
Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad, helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
See for Yourself
Related Education Concentrations
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!
Upcoming Events
Info Session & Campus Tour
Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays
Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)
- Most Innovative Schools (#5)
- Regional Universities North (#39)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#19)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#15)
- Best Value Schools (#51)
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