We've partnered for your success! Fitchburg State’s master of education in special education, guided studies with a focus in dyslexia provides elementary and secondary school teachers not only the foundation to better understand language based disorders like dyslexia, but also certifies teachers in both WRS Levels I & II  through its unique one-of-a-kind partnership with the internationally renowned Wilson Language Program^®.

Students complete four required courses, including a capstone course on implementation of best practices, and 27 credits in three goal areas with content meeting the Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading set forth by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). Three courses are associated with Wilson Reading Level I Certification, three courses are associated with Wilson Reading Level II Certification, and the three courses in the Foundations of Literacy goal area have been selected to meet IDA standards.

Read on for some frequently asked questions and answers about our program. Or better yet, attend our webinar on May 3 at 5 pm!

May I complete the Wilson Language Training^® program through Fitchburg State University?
Wilson Language Training® is not offered on campus. Students must complete Wilson Level 1 and 2 in partnership with a school district. If you have questions related to course availability or content, please contact the Wilson Language Training customer service center at 1-800-899-8454 or email them at info@wilsonlanguage.com.

I don’t live in Massachusetts, may I complete the graduate program online?
Yes, Fitchburg State coursework may be completed 100% online.

May I transfer in courses from another regionally accredited college or university?
Yes, students may apply to transfer a maximum of six graduate credits from a regionally accredited college or university.* All requests for transfer of graduate credit must be approved by a faculty advisor at the time of complete application review to fit into this highly structured program.

How long do I have to finish the program?
Graduate programs must be completed in six years, which begins at the first Fitchburg State graduate or Wilson Language training course.

How do I earn Fitchburg State graduate credit for my Wilson Language Level 1 and 2 Training?
Students who wish to register for graduate credit must have satisfied all course requirements (completed the course) as outlined in the approved course syllabi. Students must register no more than 60 days after the class has ended. Please note that students will only be able to register for classes the first to the fifteenth day of each month.

When will I be eligible to sit for the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) certification exam?  The only requirement to sit for the exam is that an individual hold a bachelor’s degree. It is not necessary to have graduated from an accredited university program.  However, Fitchburg State University and the IDA strongly believe that substantial training is required to pass the exam, thus taking courses in the M.Ed. degree are a critical support in the certification process.

When may I start the program?
Students may begin graduate coursework in the fall, spring or summer semesters.

What is the application deadline?
Fitchburg State offers rolling admission, which means you may apply at any time prior to the start of the semester.

I’m starting my Wilson Language Training program this year, when should I apply to Fitchburg State’s M.Ed. in Special Education, Guided Studies, Dyslexia Specialist (Online/Hybrid) program?
Students should begin an application as soon as possible. Contact Graduate Admissions at gceadmissions@fitchburgstate.edu to get started.

Still have questions? Attend our May 3 webinar.

For additional application questions please contact the Admissions Office at gceadmissions@fitchburgstate.edu or 978-665-3144. For program related questions please contact the Graduate and Continuing Education office at gce@fitchburgstate.edu or 978-665-3182.

*Eligible transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited institution, taken for graduate credit in the last six years, must have a grade of “B” (3.0) or better, and the course(s) must not have been used to fulfill requirements for another degree taken within the past 6 years.