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 thecore of the master’s program and, in consultation with their advisor, complete 21 credits from thefollowing:
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 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 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 theWithdrawal/Leave of Absence form, and be signed by the student and their advisor. The AssociateDean 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. 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.
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