Teacher helping student with disabilities write

Online M.Ed. in Special Education: Individualized Concentration

Bear Paw Representing Apply Now

APPLY NOW

Computer icon representing program format

100% Online

Book icon representing number of credits

33 Credits

Dollar sign representing tuition

$567/cr.

Calendar icon representing admissions deslines

Rolling Amissions

checklist representing test requirements

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: Individualized Concentration is a custom-designed program designed around your specific needs and goals. You’ll explore current evidence-based practices in PreK-12 classrooms for children with special needs. You’ll learn to apply effective practices to address the needs of students in inclusive, general-education learning environments and special education settings. By understanding how to apply best practices, you can ensure students with disabilities receive the proper attention, assistance, and intervention to succeed in school.

  • Note: This program does not lead to certification in Special Education but can be customized to include courses that do.

Contact Us

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

Photo of Amanda Cupps

Amanda Cupps, M.Ed.

UMaineOnline Senior Advisor

207.370.4199 amanda.cupps@maine.edu

Schedule a Meeting

Curriculum

Throughout the program, you’ll work closely with a faculty advisor to build a custom program of study around your professional background, goals, and prior academic work.

Choose eleven courses (33 credits). Course options include, but are not limited to:

  • SED 502: Strategies for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students with Disabilities (3 credits) 
  • SED 506: Assessment and Program Planning in Early Childhood Intervention (3 credits)
  • SED 511: Specially Designed Instruction Within Inclusive Early Childhood Classrooms (3 credits)
  • SED 514: Administration and Public Policy for Early Childhood Programs (3 credits)
  • SED 517: Servings Infants and Toddlers in Natural Environments (3 credits)
  • SED 532: Behavior Management and Intervention (3 credits)
  • SED 544: Mathematical Methods in Special Education (3 credits)
  • SED 545: Intervention for Reading Difficulties (3 credits)
  • SED 564: Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning in PreK-12 Classrooms (3 credits)
  • SED 585: Autism and Social Communication (3 credits)
  • SED 598: Special Topics in Special Education (1-3 credits)

Students may take other courses offered through the College of Education and Human Development. However, at least 50% of credits must be in Special Education.

  • 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.
View All Special Education Courses Course Schedule

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 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. To be 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
    Admission for applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale may be considered with the provision of obtaining a “B” or better in the first two graduate courses.
  • 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 will 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 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.

Bear Paw with Apply in the center
APPLY NOW

Careers

The need for well-trained and knowledgeable special education teachers has never been greater. The demand for special education teachers is rising as more children with disabilities are identified earlier and 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 annual wage for all occupations of $48,060.

An M.Ed. in Special Education can lead to opportunities for career advancement, including positions as lead teachers, coaches, and special education directors. 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 knowing the 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.