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 - 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 - Universal Design for Learning and Curriculum Access   

EDU 551 - Educational Organizations in a Diverse World    

EDU 585 - Cultivating Ethical Leadership    

SED 599 - Advanced Inclusive Education: Gaining Access to Inclusive Education and Community   

SED 590 - Internship in Inclusive Schools   

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 - Assessment in Special Education    

SED 529 - Individualized Positive Behavior Supports    

SED 522 - Internship in Special Education    *

3 credits from the following

SED 507 - Curriculum and Instructional Programming for Students with Disabilities    

SED 511 - Mathematics Instruction for Students with Disabilities    

SED 514 - Literacy Development for All Students    

3 credits from the following

SED 503 - Preparing Students for the Future: Transition Programming, Self-determination and Advocacy    **

SED 504 - Collaborative Partnerships Among Individuals with Disabilities, Families, and Professionals   

6 credits from the following

SED 503 - Preparing Students for the Future: Transition Programming, Self-determination and Advocacy    

SED 504 - Collaborative Partnerships Among Individuals with Disabilities, Families, and Professionals    

SED 505 - Universal Design for Learning and Curriculum Access    

SED 507 - Curriculum and Instructional Programming for Students with Disabilities    

SED 508 - Classroom and Behavior Management of Students with Disabilities    

SED 511 - Mathematics Instruction for Students with Disabilities    

SED 513 - Early Childhood Speech & Language: Development, Disorders & Interventions   

SED 514 - Literacy Development for All Students    

SED 519 - Assistive Technology   

*SED 522 - Internship in Special Education    is only required for those seeking initial certification

**Students seeking 7-12 certification must take SED 503 - Preparing Students for the Future: Transition Programming, Self-determination and Advocacy    

Low Incidence Disabilities

21 credits chosen from:

SED 519 - Assistive Technology    OR SED 573 - Alternative Communication    

SED 522 - Internship in Special Education     (if seeking certification)

15-18 additional credits chosen in consultation with advisor

Special Education Administration

EDU 550 - School Law for Administrators    

EDU 551 - Educational Organizations in a Diverse World    

EDU 552 - Supervision and Evaluation of School Personnel    

EDU 553 - Finance for School Administrators    

EDU 554 - Internship in School Leadership    (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.