Special Education (CAGS) | Springfield College

Special Education (CAGS)

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study
About This Program
Admissions Contact
Program Contact

Eileen Cyr
Graduate Coordinator
Department of Education
(413) 748-3312
ecyr@springfield.edu

The Office of Educator Prep and Licensure can help answer your teaching license questions.

Curriculum and Delivery
  • 32-credit program
  • Hybrid courses offered online and on campus in Springfield, Mass.
  • Program curriculum
Start Date and Duration
  • Start in September (fall semester), January (spring semester), or May (summer semester)
  • Attend full or part time
  • Complete the program in 2 years
Paying for Your Education
Looking for a Master's Degree?
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Special Education Classroom

Looking to further advance your skills?  Ready to step into a leadership role? The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Special Education at Springfield College is designed to serve individuals who hold master's degrees and are seeking the next step in their educational path.  The program is flexible to allow for full- or part-time study and co-creation of curriculum.

You'll work closely with an academic advisor to define professional goals and design a curriculum to advance toward those goals.  The program core offers field experience along with a research course and a research project depending on prior experience and future goals.  The research experience affords opportunities to conduct original research and examine existing literature and apply evidence-based practice within your current role.  

Graduates of the program often take on leadership roles in educational settings, such as department chair or instructional leader.  Whether you're looking to improve your practice or take on a new role, the CAGS in Special Education program is here for you!
 

How to Apply:

Admissions Requirements

  1. Complete the online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
  2. Essay: In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College. 
  3. Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study. 
  4. Two letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or direct supervisor: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
  5. Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address: 

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

International Applicants

  • $100 non-refundable International Application fee

In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English-speaking countries are required to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Students:

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.

International Students:

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: May 1

Fellowships & Scholarships

Let us help you make your graduate education as affordable as possible.

Employee Partnerships

Employees of our partnerships are eligible to receive a $5,000 or $10,000 partner grant.

Graduate Financial Aid

Most of our students are eligible for some type of aid, whether a grant, scholarship, or loan.