Mild/Moderate Educational Needs (M.Ed.)

Empowering Learners. Transforming Classrooms.

At Cleveland State University, our Mild/Moderate Educational Needs graduate program prepares future educators to support and empower K–12 students with a wide range of academic and social learning needs. This clinically intensive, licensure-focused pathway leads to a Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Ohio licensure as a Mild/Moderate Intervention Specialist.

Through dynamic coursework, hands-on field experience, and strong community partnerships, including CSU’s on-campus schools and Community Learning Center, students are equipped to lead inclusive, student-centered classrooms that improve educational outcomes across the region. 

Learn more about this program. »

Why Choose CSU’s Mild/Moderate Program?

• Master’s Degree + Licensure
  Earn your M.Ed. while becoming eligible for licensure as a Mild/Moderate Intervention Specialist in Ohio.
• Hands-On Clinical Training
  Gain more than 700 hours of practical experience in real classrooms, starting early in the program and continuing throughout.
• Urban-Focused and Community-Driven
  Learn within a university deeply connected to public education. CSU hosts three K–12 schools on campus, bridging your coursework with daily access to real student-teacher learning environments.
• Interdisciplinary Expertise
  Work with expert faculty from special education, psychology, and behavior intervention to build the knowledge and skills to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Career-Ready Pathways
  Graduates are well-prepared for roles in public, private, and charter schools as licensed teachers, special education advocates, and transition coordinators.

Program Features

The Mild/Moderate program focuses on developing educators who can:

• Design, implement, and assess individualized education plans (IEPs)
• Support students with learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, and social adjustment needs
• Collaborate with families and school professionals across general and special education settings
• Practice responsive, inclusive teaching that strengthens outcomes for students with disabilities

Curriculum Snapshot

Students complete a combination of coursework in:

• Specialization and Licensure: Including classroom management, life skills instruction, assessment-based planning, collaboration with families and professionals, and disability-specific methods.
• Internship Experiences: Two structured placements provide supervised teaching in classrooms with students with mild to moderate educational needs.
• Foundations of Education: Courses in reading instruction, math methods, literacy development, and psychological foundations help round out teacher preparation.

Career Outlook

Graduates of the program serve in diverse professional roles across K–12 systems:

• Mild/Moderate Intervention Specialist (Grades K–12)
• Special Education Teacher
• Classroom Support Specialist
• Behavior Intervention Specialist
• Disability Services Coordinator

Demand for qualified intervention specialists continues to grow, particularly in high-need urban and suburban districts.

Get Started

Interested in joining the next generation of educators who improve outcomes for every learner?

Connect with the Levin College Student Services Center to learn more about admissions, course planning, and licensure steps.

Phone: 216.687.4625
Email: levinstudents@csuohio.edu