Special Education, M.S.Ed.

Description and Goals

The M.S.Ed. in Special Education provides students with multiple, accessible pathways to earn a master’s degree in special education and, if desired, special education teacher certification (K-8 or 7-12) with various high-need specialization options. The program contributes to the intellectual and professional growth of practicing educators through a challenging and supportive course of study that respects and builds upon their experiences in the field. The cohesive student-centered program models excellence in education through rigorous coursework and faculty mentoring of research and practice. 

The 33-credit program, including 12-credit hours of a rigorous core curriculum, and six (6) 21-credit specializations from which students can choose. This degree is designed to both provide a 4+1 pathway for UMF undergraduate students and support the needs of public school personnel interested in teaching and leadership roles in special education. Completion of the degree takes two to three years for students starting the program outside of the 4+1 program. 

The program delivery will entail face-to-face instruction in a compressed format, blended courses (partially online and partially face-to-face), and 100% online courses. In the core courses, 70% of the program is delivered using distance technology tools and 30% is delivered face-to-face, typically consisting of 3 class meetings on campus. 

Required Courses

• SED 551 - Advanced Intervention Methods  Credits: 3
• SED 598 - Inclusive Education Reform: A Social Justice Approach to School and Systemwide Reform   Credits: 3
• EDU 582 EDU 582 - Research Methods in EducationEDU 582 - Research Methods in Education   Credits: 3
• SED 586 - Special Education Research  Credits: 3
• 6 Credit Internship (varies based on specialization)

Specialization Tracks

Each student completes a 21-credit concentration appropriate for their interests. Concentrations maybe in the following areas:

• Inclusive Education and Leadership
• Teacher certification track (282 teacher certification)
• Low Incidence Disabilities (286 certification)
• Special Education Administration (030 certification)
• Assistive Technology
• Self-designed

Specialization Specifications

Inclusive Education and Leadership

SED 505  

EDU 551   

EDU 585   

SED 599  

SED 590  

3 credits of electives

Teacher of Students with Disabilities

Students in this specialization seeking Maine state teacher certification are required to complete the core of the master’s program and, in consultation with their advisor, complete 21 credits from the following:

Required 9 credits

SED 506   

SED 529   

SED 522   *

3 credits from the following

SED 507   

SED 511   

SED 514   

3 credits from the following

SED 503   **

SED 504  

6 credits from the following

SED 503   

SED 504   

SED 505   

SED 507   

SED 508   

SED 511   

SED 513  

SED 514   

SED 519  

*SED 522   is only required for those seeking initial certification

**Students seeking 7-12 certification must take SED 503   

Low Incidence Disabilities

21 credits chosen from:

SED 519   OR SED 573   

SED 522    (if seeking certification)

15-18 additional credits chosen in consultation with advisor

Special Education Administration

EDU 550   

EDU 551   

EDU 552   

EDU 553   

EDU 554   (6 credits)

3-6 credits of electives

Student Policies

Student Policies

Transfer of Credit to the Program

A student, with the approval of the Admissions Committee, may transfer up to 9 graduate credits from another institution into his/her academic program; only 3 of these credits may be in the core of the program. Aside from EDU 582, transfer of credit into the core is not accepted. These credits must have been earned from a regionally accredited institution, within 5 years prior to admission, and with a minimum grade of B (or equivalent). Graduate credits applied toward an undergraduate degree cannot be used toward the master’s degree. Students are required to provide syllabi for transfer credits to determine the appropriateness for UMF’s program. 

Student Advisement

Each M.S.Ed. in Special Education student will be assigned an academic advisor. The advisor will review student transcripts and registration status to monitor student progress. A student is expected to maintain regular communication with his/her academic advisor.

Degree Completion

Students in this program will complete the degree in two to three years, including summers. Students in the 4+1 pathway will complete up to 12 credits of graduate coursework before completing their bachelor’s degree and complete the remainder of their master’s degree in one year. Students must complete the degree within five years from the initial date of enrollment unless approved by the Associate Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education because of special circumstances. 

Leave of Absence

A student may request a leave of absence. These requests must be made in writing using the withdrawal/Leave of Absence form, and be signed by the student and their advisor. The associate dean of Graduate and Continuing Education reviews requests.

Progress

A student is expected to make consistent progress towards the degree and maintain regular communication with his/her academic advisor. If a student does not enroll in a course for two terms or receive an approved leave of absence, a space in the program will not be maintained, and the student must reapply.

Deferral Policy

After admission to an M.S.Ed. the program, a student must begin coursework within three terms, or the student will be considered inactive. An inactive student must complete a readmission application if s/he would like to be considered for readmission.

Withdrawal from Program

A student who voluntarily withdraws from the program after beginning coursework may submit a readmission application to be considered again.

Commencement

A master’s degree candidate may participate in the commencement ceremony only if he or she has applied for graduation and been certified to participate by Merrill Center Student Services. Where 3-6 credits remain and completion will be in the summer immediately following commencement, students may participate in commencement. However, the diploma will not be released until after the receipt of the final grades at the end of August. All special circumstances must be approved in advance by the Associate Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education.