Master’s in Special Education (M.S. Ed.)

This specialization prepares students to work in K-12 schools and other education-centered contexts in a variety of inclusive roles. We develop teachers, leaders, and change-agents who can effectively assess students and understand diverse needs, develop instruction and supports that are universally designed and differentiated, understand multicultural perspectives, and collaborate with colleagues and communities to increase inclusion for youth who struggle or who have traditionally been marginalized.

The Teacher Certification Track specialization is designed for in-service and pre-service educators seeking certification as a teacher of students with disabilities (282 certification). Courses are chosen in consultation with your academic advisor to ensure state certification requirements are met and professional goals are reached.

This specialization provides the prerequisite courses, knowledge base, and internship experience needed to be certifiable as a Special Education Administrator. Candidates will develop an understanding of the theoretical bases and practical application of Special Education Administration and be well-prepared to lead effective, inclusive Special Education programs. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to be certified as a Special Education Administrator in the state of Maine (035 certification).

Students seeking in-depth study on a specific topic or topic in the field of special education will work with an advisor to develop a program plan. Students identify a Self-Designed specialization and propose courses to complete to fulfill requirements for the self-designed specialization. Self-designed specializations may include, for example: literacy in special education, special education research, emotional/behavioral disorders, multi-tiered systems.

Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. A foreign degree must be validated by World Educational Services, Center for Educational Documentation, Inc., or other appropriate agency. The decision to accept the degree is made on a case-by-case basis by the Associate Dean for Graduate and Continuing Education.

Online Application >

Please email completed forms to: gradstudies@maine.edu

Please provide official transcripts from each institution you have attended (including both the undergraduate and graduate level). Official transcripts must be sent directly from the institutions to the UMF’s Office of Graduate Studies. If you attended a UMaine System school (UMA, UMF, UMFK, UMM, UM, UMPI, or USM), the Office of Graduate Studies can obtain your transcript for you.

We are looking for candidates with the potential to work effectively with students with disabilities in K-12 schools and ensure their meaningful access to a high quality, inclusive education.

Please write a brief (1,000 word limit) essay in which you discuss your academic and professional goals and identify how this degree program addresses those goals.

Two recommendations are required.

• One from a current administrator (assistant director/director of Special Education, assistant principal/principal)
• One from a professional colleague of your choosing
• 4+1 applicants – One recommendation must be from a university faculty member or recent supervisor/administrator who can speak to your potential for completing graduate work.
• Please provide each reference with a copy of the blank recommendation form.

Download Recommendation Forms>>

Note: This is a fillable form, and you may need to download it to enable it.

Please submit a copy of your Maine DOE certification.

If you are requesting a self-designed specialization, then you will need to provide us with supplemental information.

Please submit the following additional information as part of your application essay:

• Propose a title for the focus of your specialization (e.g., behavior supports, low incidence disabilities, transition, mathematics).
• List the courses you have taken that you are requesting for transfer. Include course prefix, title, institution, and grade received. (Official transcripts and syllabi are required for final decision regarding transfer of credit.)
• List the courses you may take at UMF to complete the specialization (refer to UMF’s graduate catalog).
• What knowledge and skills do you hope to obtain? How would this focus promote your growth as a special educator? Identify the specific areas (1-2) of expertise (e.g., transition services, literacy, mathematics, behavior supports) you would hope to develop as part of this self-designed option.

If you are requesting that graduate-level coursework be transferred from another institution into this UMF Master’s program, in addition to your transcript you must submit the syllabi for each course you would like considered for transfer. Transfer decisions are made at the time of admission.

These credits must have been earned from a regionally accredited institution, within 5 years prior to admission, and with a minimum grade of B (or equivalent). Graduate credits applied toward an undergraduate degree cannot be used toward the Master’s degree.