WORCESTER, Mass. — A Worcester college is working to help address the critical shortage of special educators nationwide.

Beginning in the fall, Assumption University will reduce tuition costs by 20% for master's degree students in special education and school counseling.

The dean of the school of graduate studies said typically cost, flexibility and reputation are issues students face when choosing a graduate program, and they want to make getting the credentials more accessible and affordable.

Kim Schandel said they started to notice the need for more candidates in the field after the COVID-19 pandemic.

"W're seeing in the aftermath of COVID that there's been a large turnover in the field,” said Schandek. “So right now, even in Massachusetts and in Worcester County, we're seeing that there are many more openings than there are qualified individuals to fill them. So, we're hoping to expand the pool of applicants for both special educators and school counselors and diversify the pool too."

The special education program is offered in a hybrid model, while school counseling is fully remote.

Schandel said City of Worcester employees and Worcester Public School District employees also receive an additional 10% discount.