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Online M.Ed. in Special Education: Low Incidence Disabilities Concentration

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100% Online

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33 Credits

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$567/cr.

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Rolling Amissions

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No GRE/GMAT Required*

*Check your state’s Department of Education requirements to determine if testing is required.

About the Program

The online M.Ed. in Special Education with a concentration in Low Incidence Disabilities prepares you to provide high-quality education to students with multiple and/or significant disabilities such as autism, physical/health impairments, and/or severe emotional/behavioral disorders. You’ll learn to use the latest evidence-based strategies to develop needs-appropriate curricula and create safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive classrooms. By understanding how to apply best practices, you can give students the proper attention, assistance, and instruction to help them succeed.

Contact Us

Have questions about earning your M.Ed. 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

Schedule a Meeting

Student Experiences

The graduate program at UMaine is exceptional. The courses focus on research-based practices, which are crucial for educating individuals with disabilities.
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Curriculum

Our curriculum explores every element of the special education environment. Throughout the program, you’ll work closely with a faculty advisor to ensure the program meets your needs.

The following courses are required (33 credits):

  • SED 520: Law and Policy Affecting Individuals with Disabilities (3 credits)
  • SED 528: Educational Methods for Students with Autism (3 credits)
  • SED 536: Educational Strategies for Students with Severe Disabilities (3 credits)
  • SED 543: Program Planning and Curriculum Access (3 credits)
  • SED 545: Intervention for Reading Difficulties (3 credits)
  • SED 556: Assessment of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Severe Disabilities (3 credits)
  • SED 563: Positive Behavior Support for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
  • SED 564: Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning in Pre-K-12 Classrooms (3 credits)
  • SED 585: Autism and Social Communication (3 credits)
  • SED 587: Collaborations and Transitions for Special Educators (3 credits)
  • SED 605: Seminar in Special Education (3 credits)
  • Note: Students seeking teacher certification will take SED 610: Internship in Special Education Teaching (6 credits)
  • Note: Students seeking certification in Maine must take SED 500: Adapting Instruction for Students with Disabilities (3 credits) and a multicultural course in addition to the program of study.
  • Note: To complete the course requirements, you must work or volunteer with PreK–12 students with disabilities in a public school.
Printable Program of Study Course Schedule

Admissions

We have rolling admissions, so you can apply and be accepted into the program at any time. 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 maximum of 6 credits of graduate coursework from another institution or 12 credits from the University of Maine can be transferred into the student’s program. Factors determining if credits can be transferred can include how recently the course was taken and its equivalency to courses in the program. However, graduate courses taken as an undergraduate cannot be transferred into the M.Ed. program. The Maine Department of Education provides specific information regarding Maine teaching certification via Pathway 2 – Transcript Analysis. Although faculty can advise, students are responsible for knowing the transferred courses must be approved by the Special Education faculty during the application process.

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • A “B” or better in SED 302, SED 500, or equivalent course.
    Applicants can still be accepted if they complete the prerequisite coursework before enrolling in M.Ed. courses.
  • Current experience working or volunteering with students with disabilities in a PreK-12 classroom.
    Applicants without prior experience may be admitted but may be required to complete additional credit hours of field experience concurrent with coursework.

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 400-500 word essay describing your motivation for obtaining an M.Ed. in Special Education with a concentration in Low Incidence Disabilities that also demonstrates your writing skills and capacity for reflection
  • Evidence of fingerprinting and a completed background check
  • Proof of teaching certification if you currently hold a teaching license

Applicants may be invited for a personal interview with the Special Education faculty.

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Careers

The need for well-trained and knowledgeable special education teachers has never been greater. The demand for special education teachers is rising as children with disabilities are increasingly identified earlier and more are enrolled in special education programs.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 33,500 openings for special education teachers are projected annually from 2022 to 2032. The median annual wage for special education teachers was $65,910 in May 2023, higher than the median yearly wage of $48,060.

The concentration can lead to Maine certification as a Teacher of Severely Impaired Students (K-12) (286). Specific information regarding Maine certification is available through the Maine Department of Education.

Graduates can also find opportunities outside the classroom as supervisors and administrators or in social work, health care, or therapy.

  • Note: As an advanced teacher preparation program, faculty do not recommend students for certification. Students graduating from our M.Ed. concentrations are eligible to apply for Maine teaching certification via Pathway 2 – Transcript Analysis. Although faculty can advise, students are responsible for knowledge of certification requirements in the state where they seek certification.

NC-SARA Statement

This program will prepare students to be eligible for licensure within the State of Maine. Visit the UMS State Authorization & Licensure page to learn more about the licensure requirements in other states and territories and the contact information needed to inquire further into the licensure requirements associated with this program.