Online Education Specialist in Special Education
The online Ed.S. in Special Education goes beyond the master’s level and explores research opportunities in the field of special education.
For more information about this program, contact the program coordinator, Sarah Howorth, Ph.D.
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. All classes require students to be currently working with school-age students with disabilities.
Courses
Students will take 30 credits of special education courses. Course options are individualized according to each student’s professional goals and include, but are not limited to:
- SED 506: Assessment and Program Planning in Early Intervention (3 credits)
- SED 511: Planning Inclusive Early Childhood Programs and Environments (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 523: Home-based Practicum and Seminar in Early Intervention (3 credits)
- SED 532: Behavior Management and Intervention (3 credits)
- SED 544: Math 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)
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 at any time. However, the following dates are recommended:
- Fall semester (starts in September): August 15th
- Spring semester (starts in January): December 15th
- Summer semester (starts in May): April 15th
After these dates, your application will be considered for the next semester.
Requirements
- Graduate degree in a related field (e.g., education, special education, related services, etc.) from an accredited college or university
- Graduate GPA of a 3.25 on a 4.0 scale
- Currently licensed as an educator in Maine
- Currently working with school-age students with disabilities (required for all classes)
Application Materials
We have rolling admissions so you can apply and be accepted into the program at any time. When you are ready to apply, please first review the application instructions. Then submit the following:
- Online application
- Official academic transcripts from all institutions attended
- Copy of your current teaching certification/licensure
- Resume
- Short essay describing your professional goals
Contact Us
Have questions about earning your Ed.S. in Special Education online with UMaine? Contact Amanda Cupps, UMaineOnline Senior Advisor, at 207.581.3452 or at amanda.cupps@maine.edu.
Careers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of special education teachers is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030 with about 38,600 openings per year. The median annual wage for special education teachers was $61,500 in May 2020, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $41,950.
Faculty
The Education and Human Development faculty at the University of Maine is committed to providing you with the finest educational resources, theories, and practices available.
