Online Ed.S. in Special Education

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30 Credits

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Rolling Admissions

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No GRE/GMAT Required

About the Program

The online Ed.S. in Special Education goes beyond a master’s degree and explores more advanced interventions for students with disabilities. This customizable program allows you to choose courses that meet your personal and professional goals.

Contact Us

Have questions about earning your Ed.S. in Special Education online with UMaine? Contact a UMaineOnline advisor.

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Amanda Cupps, M.Ed.

UMaineOnline Senior Advisor


207.370.4199 amanda.cupps@maine.edu

Curriculum

Throughout your coursework, you’ll work closely with a faculty advisor to develop a program of study that speaks to your interest and helps you meet your goals.

Choose ten courses (30 credits). Course options include, but are not limited to:

  • SED 502: Strategies for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students with Disabilities (3 credits) Fall and Summer
  • SED 506: Assessment and Program Planning in Early Intervention (3 credits) Spring
  • SED 514: Administration and Public Policy for Early Childhood Programs (3 credits) Fall
  • SED 517: Servings Infants and Toddlers in Natural Environments (3 credits) Spring
  • SED 532: Behavior Management and Intervention (3 credits) Spring and Summer
  • SED 544: Mathematical Methods in Special Education (3 credits) Spring
  • SED 545: Intervention for Reading Difficulties (3 credits) Fall
  • SED 564: Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning in PreK-12 Classrooms (3 credits) Summer
  • SED 585: Autism and Social Communication (3 credits) Fall
  • SED 598: Special Topics in Special Education (1-3 credits) Fall, Spring, and Summer
  • NOTE: All classes require students to be currently working with school-age students with disabilities.
  • NOTE: This program does not lead to a recommendation for initial teacher certification and does not provide the courses required for certification.

Admissions

We have rolling admissions, so you can apply and be accepted into the program anytime. However, the following priority deadlines are recommended:

  • Fall semester: May 10
  • Spring semester: November 1
  • Summer semester: April 1

Applications will still be reviewed after these dates, but acceptance may be deferred for the next semester.

  • A master’s degree in a related field (e.g., education, special education, related services, etc.) from an accredited college/university with a minimum GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale
  • Current teaching certification/licensure 
  • Current experience working with school-age students with disabilities
  •  NOTE: All classes require students to be currently working with school-age students with disabilities.

We have rolling admissions, meaning you can apply and be accepted anytime. The admission evaluation process begins once we’ve received all of your application materials. Before you apply, please review the application instructions. When you’re ready to apply, please submit the following:

  • An online application
  • Current résumé or CV
  • Official academic transcripts from all institutions attended
  • A 1–2 page essay describing your professional goals
  • Copy of current teaching certification/licensure
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Careers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 33,500 openings for special education teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. The median annual wage for special education teachers was $65,910 in May 2023, higher than the median yearly wage for all occupations of $48,060.