Student volunteering at Tournament of Champions.

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

$563 per credit

Key

Format

Online

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Total credits

33-45

About the Program

McDaniel College's Master of Science in Special Education empowers educators to becomes advocates & leaders in creating equitable learning environments for all children & adolescents, including those with identified disabilities. Rooted in a strength-based perspective & founded on the standards of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), our program prepares candidates to deliver high-quality, individualized instruction for all students in the least restrictive environment.

Specializations to Fit Your Professional Goals

Whether you're an experienced educator looking to expand your credentials or you're entering the field for the first time, McDaniel's M.S. in Special Education has a specialization for you.

Special Education Area Licensure Specialization

Designed for licensed teachers or those who are licensure-eligible, this 33-credit specialization prepares candidates to add special education as a licensure area to a current teaching license. Candidates can focus their specialization in either Elementary/Middle (Grades 1-8) or Secondary/Adult (Grades 6-12 [adult]).

Initial Licensure Specialization

This 45-credit specialization is designed for aspiring educators seeking initial teacher licensure in special education. Candidates can focus their specialization in either Elementary/Middle (Grades 1-8) or Secondary/Adult (Grades 6-12 [adult]). Additional coursework may be required upon transcript review by the program coordinator in order to meet prerequisites for Maryland licensure requirements.

A female teacher assists a young girl with special needs on a laptop.

Why McDaniel for your Degree in 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.

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.

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 Master of Science in Special Education 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)

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

Candidates are required to submit:

Online application for graduate study
Official transcripts conferring bachelors degree (minimum 3.0* GPA) from an accredited institution. (*Students with GPA of 2.75 to 2.99 may be admitted provisionally but must maintain a 3.0 GPA in the first 9-12 credit hours of study. Those with less than a 2.75 GPA can be considered for admission on individual basis but may be required to submit additional documents for review.)
Students seeking special education endorsement must provide copies of current teaching license or Praxis II scores in the content area.

To begin the program, candidates must meet with program coordinator to develop an initial 9-credit preliminary plan or study.

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)

Bachelor’s to Master’s Pathway Start Early. Save Time. Save Money.

McDaniel College’s Bachelor’s to Master’s (BA/MS) pathways give motivated students the chance to earn both their undergraduate and graduate degrees faster and at a lower cost. These pathways are designed to help students gain advanced skills and knowledge that are important in today’s job market, allowing them to save time and money while getting ahead.

By offering these pathways, McDaniel College meets the growing need for higher education and professional expertise. Students who choose a BA/MS pathway can build strong qualifications for their careers, putting themselves in a better position to succeed by earning an advanced degree.

Bachelor’s to Master’s Pathways at McDaniel College

Program & Course Details

Special Education (SED) M.S. Catalog

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.

Apply

This program begins in Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Start Your Application

Program Coordinator

Michelle Concepcion

410-857-2511

Email the Coordinator

Meet the Faculty & Staff

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

Graduate & Professional Studies Directory

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

Meet a Graduate | Katherine Tomb M.S. ’25

`What led you to study Special Education?`

I was born and raised in Peru. I was blessed with parents who valued education and had the means to send me to a private Catholic school, where I was exposed to volunteer work beginning in the fourth grade. When I started going to shelters to help the kids with special needs by bathing and feeding them, I knew I wanted to grow up and become a special educator so I could help them in more meaningful ways and provide them with a better quality of life.

`Why McDaniel?`

When I moved to the States seven years ago, the first school I worked at was in Montgomery County. It was a small, private special education school. The headmaster encouraged me to start a master’s degree and recommended McDaniel, since he got his master’s from here and had a wonderful experience. After researching their Special Education program, I knew McDaniel was the best fit for me.

`What were some highlights of the program?`

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 welcome and supported by my teachers, which I will cherish forever.

`What’s next?`

Since this is my third master’s degree, I’m pursuing a board certification so I can focus on obtaining my doctorate.

Tomb, Katherine_Special Ed in graduation regalia

Teaching, M.S. Innovations in Teaching and Learning Human Services Management, M.S.