Online 4+1 Accelerated M.Ed. in Special Education
About the Program
The online 4+1 Accelerated M.Ed. in Special Education allows students pursuing an undergraduate degree in special education or a postbaccalaureate teacher certification program at the University of Maine, the University of Maine at Augusta, or the University of Maine at Machias to earn a bachelor’s degree and an M.Ed. in Special Education: High Incidence Disabilities Concentration at the University of Maine in five years.
Students will take classes during their senior year at their home institution and online that will be applied to an M.Ed. in Special Education: High Incidence Disabilities Concentration to be completed at the University of Maine after graduating with a bachelor’s degree or postbaccalaureate certificate.
Contact Us
Have questions about earning your M.Ed. in Special Education online with UMaine? Contact a UMaineOnline advisor.
Curriculum
Potential and accepted students of the 4+1 program will work closely with their advisors to ensure they’re meeting the curriculum requirements.
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: August 15
- Spring Semester: December 15
- Summer Semester: April 15
Applications will still be reviewed after these dates, but acceptance may be deferred for the next semester.
- At least 60, but no more than 100, completed credits applicable towards an undergraduate degree in education
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Currently working or volunteering with students with disabilities
- 12 credits (4 courses) of 400-level coursework in special education taken while earning their undergraduate degree or postbaccalaureate certificate
Students must apply to the 4+1 program in their junior year before completing their undergraduate degree or postbaccalaureate certificate. Please contact Amanda Cupps, UMaineOnline Senior Advisor, before beginning an application.
The admission evaluation process begins once we’ve received all of your application materials. When you’re ready to apply, please submit the following:
- An Intent to Appy application
This application must be submitted during your junior year as an undergraduate. - An online Graduate School application
This application must be submitted during the last semester of your undergraduate senior year. - 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 High 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
After completing an undergraduate degree or postbaccalaureate teacher certification program, students must apply to the Maine Department of Education for initial certification. - Three letters of recommendation describing your ability to perform graduate-level coursework and potential for success as a special education teacher
Applicants may be invited for a personal interview with the Special Education faculty.
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 being 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 yearly wage for all occupations of $48,060.
The M.Ed. in Special Education with a concentration in High Incidence Disabilities can lead to Maine certification as a 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 as supervisors and administrators or in fields such as social work, health care, or therapy.
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.