Transition Speciailist
Graduate

Transition Specialist C.A.G.S. (with Endorsement Option)

A program that focuses on the educational, functional and social/emotional needs of students. Consistent with the philosophies of counseling and education programs, emphasis is placed on the critical importance of self-determination and self-advocacy in the transition process.

TestNanho S. Vander Hart, Ph.D Director

At Assumption, we prepare compassionate special educators and related school professionals. Our rigorous, comprehensive program has been “approved with distinction” by Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)!

Our goal is to help beginning special educators to achieve success, and to provide experienced teachers with an opportunity to extend and refine their knowledge and skills. Therefore, our program offers lasting, powerful tools that will help you become an expert and leader in the field. You will learn practical, evidence-based practices, and establish your foundation for success. Enjoy small classes, personal attention, and accessible faculty. You will receive close mentoring throughout the program with systematic monitoring of your progress by faculty, practicum supervisors, and the program director. Follow in the footsteps of successful graduates who are teachers and administrators in urban and suburban communities, as well as in public and private schools. Come study at Assumption University where you bridge the gap between theory and practice. You will learn from professors who are experts in the field. Your field experiences during the program will fully prepare you to become a competent special educator and a leader in helping students with special needs maximize their potential in school and in life. Individuals interested in acquiring specialized skills to effectively work with transition-aged youth are eligible for the CAGS program to prepare them to work in non-school settings (e.g., state/federal vocational rehabilitation programs, school collaborative, adult agencies providing services to transition-aged youth). The program will offer two paths: • CAGS with Transition Specialist Endorsement • CAGS only

Graduate Virtual Information Sessions



Transition Specialist C.A.G.S. (with Endorsement Option) Program Contact

Stephanie E. Plotkin Murin, M.Ed.

Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions
508-767-7105 Admissions House - Room 117

Nanho S. Vander Hart, Ph.D

Associate Professor, Education, Director of Special Education, Director of Transition Specialist Program
508-767-7380 Kennedy Memorial Hall - Room 157

Sabine Prizio

Administrative Assistant to Graduate Programs
508-767-7297 Kennedy Hall - Room 169

Program Curriculum

    1. Students will demonstrate advanced, specialized subject matter knowledge in transition education and transition services.
    2. Students will demonstrate the pedagogical skills of an effective transition specialist of individuals with exceptionalities by implementing best practices across all settings (e.g., postsecondary education, employment, independent living, community, etc.).
  • Required Courses

    • TRS 700 Foundations of Transition Education and Services
    • TRS 710 Transition Assessment, (Prerequisite: TRS 700 or equivalent or may be taken concurrently)
    • TRS 720 Transition Systems and Supports, (Prerequisite: TRS 700, 710 or equivalent or may be taken concurrently)
    • TRS 730 Collaboration in Transition Planning, (Prerequisite: TRS 700, 710, 720 or equivalent or may be taken concurrently)
    • TRS 740 Transition: Community-Based Practicum, (Prerequisites: TRS 700, 710, 720, & 730 or equivalent or may be taken concurrently)
    • TRS 750 Transition: School-Based Practicum, (Prerequisites: TRS 700, 710, 720, & 730 or equivalent or may be taken concurrently)

    Elective Courses

    • EDU 515 Diversity in Schooling
    • SED 560 Introduction to Special Education
    • RCP 525 The Psychology of Disability across the Lifespan
    • RCP 640 Directed Study
    • SCP 750 Directed Study
    • SED 700 Directed Study

    View Course Descriptions

  • CAGS in Transition Specialist Courses (18CR)

    Course

    Prerequisite(s)

    Required

    Elective

    Semester Offered

    Summer

    Fall

    Spring

    TRS 700 Foundations of Transition Education and Services (3CR)

     

    None

    TRS 710 Transition Assessment (3CR)

     

    TRS 700 or equivalent

    TRS 720 Transition Systems and Supports (3CR)

     

    TRS 700 or equivalent

    TRS 730 Collaboration in Transition Planning (3CR) 

     

    TRS 700 or equivalent

    TRS 740 Transition: Community-Based Practicum (3CR) TRS 700, 710, 720, & 730 or equivalent

    For endorsement track only

    TRS 750 Transition: School-Based Practicum (3CR)  TRS 700, 710, 720, & 730 or equivalent

    For endorsement track only

    EDU 515 Diversity in Schooling

     

    None

    SED 560 Introduction to Special Education

     

    None

    SED/PSY 568 Behavior Assessment and Interventions

     

    SCP 520 The Psychology of Learning and Motivation

     

    RCP 700 Directed Study

     

    SCP 700 Directed Study

     

    SED 700 Directed Study

     

    A course approved by the Program Director

     

Faculty

Nanho S. Vander Hart, Ph.D
Program Director Associate Professor, Education Director of Special Education Director of Transition Specialist Program
Dawn Breault
Lecturer, School Counseling and Transition Specialist Graduate Programs
Michael Law
Lecturer, Transition Specialist Graduate Program

Graduate Admission Events and Ways to Connect With Us

We invite you to learn more about our graduate programs - either through a visit to campus, attending an information session or by scheduling a phone or virtual conversation with an admissions team member or one of our program directors.


Admissions Requirements

General Graduate Studies Admissions Requirements

  • Graduate Application
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Official Transcript(s)
  • Personal Statement
  • Current Resume
  • TOEFL or IELTS for applicants whose native language is not English

Apply today

Prerequisites:

M.A. or M.S. for admission in the Transition Specialist: Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S.) For Massachusetts Transition Specialist Endorsement: 1. Educators who hold one of the following licenses at either the Initial or Professional level:
  • Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8; 5-12)
  • Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities (All)
  • Teacher of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (All)
  • Teacher of the Visually Impaired (All)
  • School Guidance Counselor
  • School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor
2. Candidates who hold a license as a Rehabilitation Counselor or certification as a Rehabilitation Counselor

Application Requirements:

  • Completed Application
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Official Transcript(s)
  • Personal Statement
  • Current Resume
  • TOEFL or IELTS for applicants whose native language is not English
Apply Today


Graduate Research Symposium

Assumption University Graduate School Annual Symposium showcases research, innovative projects, successful case study, and creative work of graduate students and recent alums from every graduate program. We offer all graduate students in every program an opportunity to present their excellent work on diverse topics.

Veterans at Assumption

Assumption University recognizes that servicemen and women have demonstrated great courage and made tremendous sacrifices in service to our nation and its people. The University has introduced a number of programs and services to assist veterans during the application process and while veterans are attending Assumption. We also have a lounge designated only for our veteran students. Assumption University is committed to maintaining recognition as a Military Friendly institution.  We strive to eliminate barriers to success for our Service Members, Veterans, and their qualified dependents.

Program Approved with Distinction

Our program has been “approved with distinction” by Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)! The competency-based program is founded upon the principles of effective instruction and the philosophy of inclusive education. Accordingly, students in the program develop a repertoire of instructional, diagnostic, consultative, and collaborative skills, and strategies critical to the role. They also develop an understanding of the full continuum of services available to individuals with exceptionalities.

Resources

Course Information


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