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Special Education Initial Teacher Licensure

Take the quickest path to initial teacher licensure for special education. This accelerated, online pathway will give you the preparation you need to seek special education licensure in Elementary/Middle (grades 1-8) or Secondary/Adult (grades 6-adult).

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Degree Types
Post-Bachelor’s Certificates
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Program Cost
$575 per credit
Key
Format
Online
Calculator
Total credits
29

Take the quickest, most efficient path to initial special education licensure.

Don't wait to make a difference. This accelerated, online pathway will give you the coursework you need to seek initial special education licensure in Maryland. Gain the knowledge and skills to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities. Along the way, you'll get mentoring support on classroom management techniques for a variety of school settings. 

The Special Education Initial Teacher Licensure Post-Bachelor's Certificate (PBC) program prepares you to seek special education licensure in:

  • Elementary/Middle (grades 1-8)
  • Secondary/Adult (grades 6-adult)

McDaniel's professional licensure programs are designed to meet licensure requirements in the state of Maryland. To learn about licensure eligibility in other states, visit our Professional Licensure Disclosure page.

Ideal for recent bachelor's grads, career changers, and more.

No matter what career stage you're in, you can follow your passion for special education. This program requires you to already have a bachelor's degree. It is ideal for:

  • Recent bachelor's graduates
  • Conditionally licensed teachers
  • Career changers

Get the preparation you need to pursue your initial license, stay a lifelong learner, and become a reflective practitioner.

A young woman points to a laptop with a young girl who has special needs.

What I will remember the most about my experience in the Special Education program is the support from every teacher who taught me. They were always willing to help and ready to meet with me if I needed extra guidance or clarification on any assignments. I always felt welcomed and supported by my teachers, which I will cherish forever.
Katherine Tomb M.S. ’25

What you need to know about the Special Education Initial Teacher Licensure program

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the program must:

  • Complete an application for graduate study
  • Submit official transcripts verifying completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0*
  • Submit a resume
  • Submit a statement of purpose
  • Complete a satisfactory interview with the program coordinator

*Please note: Students who have a 2.75-2.99 GPA may be admitted provisionally and will be required to maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first 9-12 credit hours. Students with less than a 2.75 GPA may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis for provisional admission but may be required to provide additional documentation and/or participate in an interview. Admission may also come with additional conditions.

International Students:

This program is delivered primarily online and as a result does not meet the federal regulations for international students to study in the US. If you are a US citizen living outside of the US, you should contact gps@mcdaniel.edu to discuss your eligibility for admission to this program.

State Authorization & Professional Licensure

Special Opportunities

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Credits count toward a Master of Science in Special Education degree

When you complete the Special Education Initial Teacher Licensure PBC program, you'll be only six courses away from a master's degree. You can choose to complete those additional courses (18 credits total) to earn McDaniel's Master of Science in Special Education degree.

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Partnership with Frederick County Public Schools for conditionally licensed special educators

McDaniel College is partnering with Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) to support the recruitment and preparation of special education teachers. The Grow Your Own Educators Grant program covers the cost for coursework and assessments needed for full licensure. FCPS school staff who are conditionally licensed to teach special education can continue working while pursuing the Special Education Initial Teacher Licensure PBC.

Want to Know More?

Attend one of our monthly Virtual Coordinator Connections. Make a connection with the coordinator of your graduate program of choice and discover if McDaniel is the right fit for you.

Register Here

Program Coordinator

Michelle Concepcion

410-857-2511

Email the Coordinator

Apply

This program begins in Fall, Spring, and Summer. 

Start Your Application

Meet the Faculty & Staff

Find contact info for the faculty & staff who support your graduate journey.

Graduate & Professional Studies Directory

Nationally Accredited

McDaniel College is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The Special Education Initial Teacher Licensure Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program has been awarded initial accreditation status by AAQEP through June 30, 2029. Accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to maintain quality.

Official seal of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)

Related Programs

Special Education, M.S. Secondary/PK12 Initial Teaching Licensure National Board Certification Elementary Education

Want to Know More?

Attend one of our monthly Virtual Coordinator Connections. Make a connection with the coordinator of your graduate program of choice and discover if McDaniel is the right fit for you.

Register Here

Program Coordinator

Michelle Concepcion

410-857-2511

Email the Coordinator

Apply

This program begins in Fall, Spring, and Summer. 

Start Your Application

Meet the Faculty & Staff

Find contact info for the faculty & staff who support your graduate journey.

Graduate & Professional Studies Directory
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Westminster, MD, 21157
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