Online Bachelor of Science in Rural Education: Special Education Concentration
Offered through UMaine at Machias
About the Program
The online B.S. in Rural Education with a concentration in Special Education prepares you to make a meaningful impact in smaller communities, providing high-quality education to students with mild to moderate disabilities.
This degree can lead to Maine certification in Teacher of Students with Disabilities (K-8 or 7-12) (endorsement 282). Specific information regarding Maine certification is available through the Maine Department of Education.
Format
The online B.S. in Rural Education is a blended program, offering all classes online and in-person field placements. The in-person field placements are completed in a public school setting that is geographically convenient for the student.
4+1 Accelerated M.Ed. in Special Education
Students can earn an M.Ed. in Special Education: High Incidence Disabilities Concentration in five years through the 4+1 Accelerated M.Ed. in Special Education program. Students will only need to complete an additional year of education to earn both their B.S. and M.Ed., which could lead to a higher starting salary and less debt.
Contact Us
Have questions about earning your B.S. in Rural Education online with UMaine at Machias? Contact a UMaineOnline advisor.
Curriculum
All students are required to complete the core requirements (37-40 credits). The complete core requirements are in the undergraduate catalog.
The following courses are required (21 credits):
- EDU 112: Foundations of Education (3 credits)
- EDU 216: The Teaching Process (3 credits)
- EDU 217: Working with Culturally Diverse Students (3 credits)
- EDU 255: Multicultural Literature for Children and Young Adults (3 credits)
- SED 302: Adapting Instruction for Students with Disabilities (3 credits)
- SED 365: Differentiated Instructional Strategies (3 credits)
- SED 445: Behavioral Support Systems and Strategies (3 credits)
The following courses are required (24 credits):
- SED 303: Communication & Collaboration in Special Education (3 credits)
- SED 330: Teaching Math in Special Education (3 credits)
- SED 370: Teaching Reading/Writing to Children with Special Needs (3 credits)
- SED 420: Special Education Law (3 credits)
- SED 425: Assessment in Special Education (3 credits)
- SED 435: Program Planning for Students with Disabilities (3 credits)
- SED 362: Typical & Atypical Expressive & Receptive Language (3 credits)
OR SED 455: Transitional Issues for Students with Disabilities (3 credits)
Field Placement, also known as Student Teaching, is completed in-person in a public school setting that is geographically convenient for the student. The following courses are required (14 credits):
- EDU 359: Field Placement Lab (1 credit)
Taken twice for a total of 2 credits - SED 460: Student Teaching in Special Education (12 credits)
Fulfills the Capstone Experience and Service Learning Experience in Major Core requirement
In addition to completing 37-40 credits of the UMaine at Machias Core Requirements and 59 credits of core, concentration, and field placement courses, students will need to take 21–24 additional credits to meet the program’s 120-credit requirement.
Students may choose to earn a minor (18-21 credits) and/or take electives to meet the 21–24 additional credits.
Minors available online are (18-21 credits):
- Minor in Child Development and Family Relations (18 credits)
- Minor in Interdisciplinary Disability Studies (24 credits)
- Minor in Labor Studies (18 credits)
- Minor in Legal Studies (18 credits)
- Minor in Maine Studies (18 credits)
- Minor in Political Science (18 credits)
- Minor in Mental Health and Rehabilitation
The following courses are required (21 credits):- MHR 200: Behavioral & Community Mental Health Systems (3 credits)
- MHR 205: Introduction to Counseling Skills (3 credits)
- MHR 210: Vocational Aspects of Disability and Psychiatric Rehabilitation (3 credits)
- MHR 300: Case Management (3 credits)
- MHR 305: Trauma, Crisis, and Recovery (3 credits)
- MHR 310: Counseling Diverse Populations (3 credits)
- MHR 315: Substance Use and Dual Diagnosis Counseling (3 credits)
To see what minors are available on campus at UMaine Machias, visit machias.edu.
To learn about the available elective options, please contact a UMaineOnline advisor.
Admissions
UMaine at Machias makes it easy to apply — on your terms. Apply online at machias.edu/admissions/apply.
Careers
Maine is the 2nd most rural state in the U.S., leading to a significant number of rural schools. Many rural areas face chronic shortages of qualified educators. Graduates with a B.S. in Rural Education will be well-equipped to fill these high-demand roles, often with strong job security and opportunities for leadership advancement.
This degree can lead to Maine certification in Teacher of Students with Disabilities (K-8 or 7-12) (282E or 282S). Specific information regarding Maine certification is available through the Maine Department of Education.
Graduates can also find opportunities outside the classroom, such as supervisory roles and administrative positions, as well as in social work, healthcare, or therapy.