Moderate Disabilities (Pre K-8) Major

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

Accreditation

NECHE

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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.
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Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide

Wondering when you’ll take certain courses? Use the Curriculum Guide—a sample four-year schedule—to get a sense of what your path to graduation looks like.

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?

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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.

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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

See for Yourself

Related Education Concentrations

Explore other areas and where they can take you.

Early Childhood Education PreK-2 (B.A.)
Education, B.A., and Initial License Concentration
Elementary Education 1-6 (B.A.)
Education, B.A., and Initial License Concentration
Middle School Education 5-8 and High School Education 8-12 (B.A.)
Education, B.A., and Initial License Concentration
Moderate Disabilities PreK-8 (B.A.)
Education, B.A., and Initial License Concentration

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

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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)

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