What is liberal arts?

Liberal arts is an educational approach that emphasizes broad, transferable knowledge and skills across subjects such as the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It values the development of critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities, preparing graduates for success in a variety of careers and industries.

What is liberal arts degree and does UMass Global offer one?

A liberal arts degree typically refers to any course of study centered on arts, humanities, communication, and social sciences, rather than technical or professional fields. While UMass Global does not explicitly offer a degree named "Liberal Arts," several of our flexible degrees provide a robust liberal arts education, equipping students with versatile skills applicable to many fields. Refer to the program pages on this page for more information on available degrees.

What is the value of a liberal arts education?

A liberal arts education builds a foundation of knowledge across multiple disciplines and develops in-demand skills such as communication, collaboration, analysis, and adaptability. Graduates become well-equipped to pursue careers in a variety of sectors, including business, education, media, public service, and more.

What careers can a liberal arts degree lead to?

Graduates with a liberal arts-focused degree find opportunities in education, communications, public relations, management, social services, and other fields that value adaptable thinkers and skilled communicators. The versatility of a liberal arts background helps graduates navigate a rapidly changing job market.

How do UMass Global's program help me finish my degree faster?

UMass Global's degrees in areas like Applied Studies and General Education are designed with flexibility in mind. Students can receive credit for prior learning, select courses most relevant to their goals, and work with advisors to create efficient education plans — often allowing them to complete their degree in less time than traditional programs.

Can I customize my liberal arts studies at UMass Global?

Yes. Programs such as the BA in Applied Studies allow students to choose concentrations (like Applied Communication, Applied Humanities, or Leadership) and select courses that best fit their personal interests and professional objectives, providing a personalized liberal arts experience.

Differentiation for Students with Disabilities

Overview

In this course you will learn an approach to planning for targeted differentiation in order to support your special needs students in your classroom. You will learn a method for developing differentiated lessons that supports the appropriate levels for your students, will learn how modifications and accommodations play a role in providing the differentiated support required in your classroom, and will analyze research in how differentiated instructions supports students with disabilities. You will analyze, develop, and apply methods to designing effective differentiated activities and strategies for your students that can be applied to your current or future classroom. Through targeted activities, resources and templates, and reference guides and examples you will build a strategic implementation plan to ensure that you plan for differentiation will be effective.

Learn More & Register

At a Glance

Extended Education

Approximately 30 hours

Access Time: 365 days

2 PDUs

Graduate Level Professional Development Credit

$300

No additional materials required

Program Benefits

100% Online

All coursework delivered fully online, so you can balance work, life, and study.

Graduate-Level PD Credits

Earn graduate-level professional development credits to support salary advancement and professional growth. Check with your school or district for approval before enrolling.

Fast, Flexible, and Ready When You Are

Enjoy instant access, self-paced study, and an easy-to-follow, template-based course format.

Course Objectives

Analyze grade level expectations during the lesson planning process
Use Bloom’s Taxonomy and Webb’s DOK to plan for differentiation
Select appropriate differentiation methods based on student needs
Apply assessment and documentation methods to understand how to support students with special needs
Compose a targeted supplemental resource to ensure implementation of differentiated instruction for students with special needs
Analyze and defend an article on differentiation; reflect on and apply the research’s impact to the classroom.
Plan, reflect, and report on implementation progress using a Classroom Implementation

Course Topics

What is differentiation?
Analyzing the Standard for Knowledge and Skills
Frameworks for Differentiation: Understanding Bloom’s and Webb’s Levels in planning.
Differentiating Content, Process, and Product.
Assessment and Documentation

Course Syllabus

View Course Syllabus

View All Professional Development for Educator Courses

Program Partner

This course is offered through University of Massachusetts Global’s School of Extended Education in partnership with Model Teaching.

What are Graduate-level Professional Development Credits?

Graduate-level professional development credits are not part of a degree program but instead are primarily used for professional advancement such as salary increment steps and recertification. Students should seek approval from appropriate district officials before enrolling in these courses.

Differentiation for Students with Disabilities