Fast-track your teaching career by earning a bachelor's and master's degree in only five years through our accelerated 4+1 programs!
About the Programs
In our accelerated 4+1 option, you can earn a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Education (MEd) in Special Education in one program. The entire curriculum can be completed in five years - four years for the bachelor's degree and one year for the master's degree, including summer classes after your senior year.
Connecticut and many other states require teachers to complete a master’s degree in order to maintain their teaching certification. In addition, teachers with master’s degrees typically earn higher salaries than those with only a bachelor’s degree.
Program Benefits
- Our 4+1 programs provide direct admission to the master's degree program - you do not need to reapply.
- Choose from several bachelor's degree options to combine with the MEd in Special Education - see below for details.
- Coursework in the MEd in Special Education is online - learn from the comfort of your home.
- Students in the accelerated 4+1 program are eligible for the Hawk Alumni Scholarship tuition discount of 25% for the fifth year. (Please note that students will not qualify for institutional merit aid in the fifth year.)
- The accelerated program provides a stepping stone to advanced degrees such as an EdD, PhD, or administrative certification program.
Program Options
BS in Early Childhood Education / Master of Education (MEd) in Special Education Cross-Endorsement
This program enables you to earn a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education teaching children from infants to age 8, and a master's degree in Special Education Cross-Endorsement for grades K-12. The master's degree provides a second certification, which gives you additional career options.
The MEd in Special Education Cross-Endorsement is a 36-credit program and includes 14 weeks of student teaching.
See the full 4+1 curriculum here:
BS in Elementary Education / Master of Education (MEd) in Special Education Cross-Endorsement
In this program, you can earn a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education teaching children in grades 1-6, and a master's degree in Special Education Cross-Endorsement for grades K-12. The master's degree provides a second certification, which gives you additional career options.
The MEd in Special Education Cross-Endorsement is a 36-credit program and includes 14 weeks of student teaching.
See the full 4+1 curriculum here.
BS in Integrated Elementary and Special Education / Master of Education (MEd) in Special Education Advanced Program
This program enables you to earn a bachelor's degree in Integrated Elementary and Special Education, which provides certification in elementary education grades 1-6 and special education grades K-12.
The master's degree is a 30-credit advanced program in Special Education that enables you to move from Initial to Provisional certification.
Students who complete the BS in Integrated Elementary and Special Education and have Initial certification can complete the master's program online from anywhere, as they do not need additional student teaching.
See the full 4+1 curriculum here.
Contact Us
For questions about the 4+1 accelerated programs, contact us at:
Christopher D. Stuck, MLA
860.387.9941
stuck@hartford.edu
Schedule a Zoom Meeting: https://go.hartford.edu/portal/gr_education