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The Special Education - with Certification, Master of Education (M.Ed.) program enables aspiring educators to be functional in classrooms where students have diverse needs. To ensure preparation for diverse classroom settings and needs, faculty embed self-reflection, advocacy, critical consciousness and cultural competence throughout the program of study. Teacher candidates will be prepared to teach students with support students at-risk, students in need of intervention, and students with mild to severe disabilities, across disability categories. M.Ed. programs are practitioner focused programs that focus on in-classroom experiences and prepare educators for working with students. A bachelor's degree in any field is required.

The Institute for the Study of Exceptional Children and Youth, in the Counseling, Higher Education and Special Education Department, is pleased to offer a unique Graduate Certificate program designed for General Education teachers: Special Education for General Education Teachers in Inclusive Classrooms. This program prepares educators to meet the needs of students with disabilities in inclusive classroom settings. The skills gained through this program will equip participants to better serve all students in their schools. With one course at a time, this certificate program is designed for busy professionals to increase their skills as they complete five online graduate classes consecutively. Once completed, the certificate can be used to fulfill half of an online MEd in Special Education with a special focus on autism if scholars wish to continue on directly.

NOTE: This program is not open for admissions. The ISECY in the Counseling, Higher Education and Special Education Department (UMD) offers an EdD in Special Education Leadership to increase the number and capacity of leaders of special education services. This Ed.D. prepares our future leaders in the following areas: (1) Leadership and Management skills in Special Education including professional development and supervision; (2) Oversight and evaluation of evidence-based instruction, to ensure positive learning outcomes; (3) Policy issues in Special Education; (4) Methods to build positive partnerships with families of students with disabilities to ensure high expectations for students; and (5) Data-based evaluations and research skills. This program is offered in two locations: Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Maryland and in Brussels, Germany in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense. The Germany cohort is located in Brussels, Germany and consists of special education teachers, related service professionals, principals, and special education administrators employed by the Department of Defense Dependent School System (DoDDS).

With increasing awareness of diverse learner needs, Special Education teachers are in demand, and the Special Education with Severe Disabilities Endorsement, Master of Education program caters to this demand through 30 credit hours of intensive coursework focused on birth through grade 12. This option is ONLY for teachers with a special education certificate. Coursework and field experiences are offered to obtain Maryland State Department of Education certification in severe disabilities. This MEd program is available only when the applicant has Maryland Special Education Certification in one or more age-based areas (i.e., Early Childhood; Elementary; or Secondary/Middle). Prior to admission to the program, a copy of a valid MSDE Generic Special Education Certificate must be provided in the application. M.Ed programs are practitioner focused programs that focus on in-classroom experiences and prepare educators for working with students.

The Special Education, Master of Arts program focuses on diverse learner needs. The program is designed for educators who wish to focus on special education. An M.A. in the special education field assists educators with research and will incorporate the thesis option. Three hours of written examinations are required.

The Special Education, Ph.D. is the highest level of mastery ÌÇÐÄÉÙÅ®offers for those invested in working with learners with disabilities. This program prepares graduates for leadership in the special education field and advances their expertise. Students accepted into the Ph.D. program are prepared to assume faculty positions at research universities or leadership positions in state and local education agencies, policy organizations, or the federal government. This program does include a dissertation.

The Supporting Children with Intensive Behavior Needs Certificate is offered in partnership with the Center for Innovation and Leadership (CILSE) at Kennedy Krieger Institute. Ideal for experienced teachers, this program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and promotes equity and inclusion in educational settings, ensuring all students receive the support they need to succeed. The curriculum combines online courses and hands-on experiences at Kennedy Krieger, equipping educators with evidence-based interventions and practical strategies.

The Post Master’s Certificate in Supporting Immigrant Students for Professional School Counselors (Z171) is a 12 credit, 4-course graduate program that equips Professional School Counselors with specialized skills to work with students of families who have recently immigrated to the United States in specifically Prince George’s County. The program provides purpose and structure to directly respond to the complex needs of immigrants and refugees resettling in the County.