Graduate Programs | FAQ's

How do I enroll in one of NECC's on-site graduate programs?

Each of our on-site programs has a unique application process. All require that graduate candidates apply directly to the sponsoring college. The Simmons College program requires candidates to be employed by NECC prior to sending in an application. The application for the NECC/Simmons Master's in Severe Special Needs can be obtained from NECC's Administrative Services/Human Resources Department. Candidates for the Northeastern Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis can apply to the graduate school program prior to employment or after beginning employment. The application can also be obtained from NECC's Graduate Studies department.

Do I need to be enrolled in graduate school to work at NECC?

Enrollment in a graduate school program is not a requirement for employment. However, the on-site graduate school and tuition reimbursement programs are a large portion of the benefits offered to our employees and as such, our employees are strongly encouraged to take advantage of such a tremendous professional development opportunity. Many teachers do not enroll in a graduate program during their first months of employment at NECC. Many use this time and the work experiences they develop to help them determine which career path in the special education/developmental disabilities field they would like to pursue. They then proceed to enroll in one of the three on–site master's programs or receive tuition reimbursement for an approved off–site program.

What are the benefits of being a graduate assistant in one of the on-site programs?

Employees who are graduate assistants perform the role of a level 1 or level 2 teacher but receive substantially different benefits than level 1 or level 2 employees who are not graduate assistants. The graduate assistant selects one of the on-site graduate programs they wish to pursue and applies to this program simultaneous to their application for employment. Once approved for employment and admitted to one of the on-site graduate school programs, the graduate assistant earns a yearly stipend and NECC pays in full their tuition, graduate school fees, textbooks, health insurance and dental insurance. Graduate assistants' housing cost is also paid in full. Graduate assistants live in housing that is provided by NECC. Graduate assistants live with two or three roommates who also work at NECC as graduate assistants or teachers. All NECC housing is within 15 minutes of the Southborough facility.

What are the responsibilities of an intern at NECC?

NECC can design a program based upon the interests of the prospective intern and the requirements of their graduate or undergraduate internship program. In general, interns have hands–on training and experience in the classroom environment working with a limited number of children or teenagers. The internships are flexible to the scheduling needs of a student as well, but it is recommended that a student spend no less than one full day per week in the internship.