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Special Education, M.S.

A Master’s in Special Education from McDaniel prepares you to join the ranks of professionals who are committed to ensuring that all children and adolescents, including those with disabilities, receive a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment.

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Degree Types
Master's , B.A./M.S. Pathway
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Program Cost
$537 per credit
Key
Format
Online
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Total credits
51-57

About the Program

Empathy In Action

Yes, many of the students you’ll teach in your career will have disabilities, but at McDaniel, we believe the best way to truly help them is by focusing more on their strengths and abilities—and by matching them with thoughtful expertise and individualized instruction.

Why McDaniel for Special Education

We’ve designed the Master’s in Special Education to meet the needs of today’s educators.

  • Relevance. Our program is tailored to a range of student needs, from those seeking a master's degree to those seeking certification.
  • Accreditation. The program meets Maryland State Department of Education requirements for certification and is also recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. *
  • Practical Pedagogy. Our curriculum encompasses both state-of-the-art research and best classroom practices.

*The Masters in Special Education program in Graduate and Professional Studies was reviewed and accredited by the NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teachers) in 2017. McDaniel College will be reviewed by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) in the next cycle of accreditation in 2024.

Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Pathway Five-Year B.A Education/M.S. Special Education

McDaniel also offers 5-year programs resulting in a Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) and a Master’s degree (M.S.) in the following areas:

What You Need to Know About the M.S. in Special Ed.

Admissions Requirements

  • Completed application for graduate study
  • Official transcripts verifying completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0
  • A single professional or academic letter of recommendation
  • Submit Praxis I test scores that meet MSDE minimum score requirements
  • Develop a program plan in consultation with the Program Coordinator

Degree Requirements

  • 36 semester hours minimum, although students seeking certification with their master's degrees usually must complete additional credits to satisfy state certification requirements
  • Creation of a program plan with the program advisor upon acceptance into the program
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Satisfactory completion of a portfolio (master's only and master's + certification) or thesis (master's only track students)

State Authorization & Professional Licensure

Find Out More

Discover more about this program and others at one of our monthly, virtual open houses!  

Register Here

Apply

This program begins in Fall, Spring, and Summer. 

Start Your Application

Program Coordinator

Michelle Concepcion
Merritt Hall
mconcepcion@mcdaniel.edu
410-857-2511

Request More Info

Advancing Your Career

The Special Education program prepares you for careers such as:

  • Teaching in the field of Special Education
  • Leadership and teaching with social services organizations
  • Employment with child services organizations

Related Programs

Teaching, M.S. Innovations in Teaching and Learning (formerly Curriculum & Instruction) Human Services Management, M.S.

Find Out More

Discover more about this program and others at one of our monthly, virtual open houses!  

Register Here

Apply

This program begins in Fall, Spring, and Summer. 

Start Your Application

Program Coordinator

Michelle Concepcion
Merritt Hall
mconcepcion@mcdaniel.edu
410-857-2511

Request More Info
McDaniel College
2 College Hill
Westminster, MD, 21157
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