E-tuition & fees
Costs include tuition & fees. All students receive our e-tuition rate. See cost details
Credit hours
39 required credit hours. Most courses are equal to 3 credit hours. Browse course list
Financial aid
Over 150 graduate assistantships available with stipend & tuition assistance, plus scholarship, fellowship & research opportunities. Explore aid
Admissions
No GRE required. Priority dates: May 1 for fall, Oct 15 for spring, March 1 for summer. View application process & deadlines
Program highlights
Career opportunities
This degree is designed for individuals seeking certification to teach students with disabilities, whether new to the profession or with previous teaching experience. Current general education teachers, related service providers, and paraprofessionals such as education technicians, are among those for whom the program is intended.
Certification
Graduates are qualified for initial certification to teach students with mild-to-moderate disabilities (Certificate 282) in grades K-8 or 7-12 through the Maine Department of Education.
Hands-on learning
You’ll complete a number of field experiences, including two semester-long internships in special education services in accordance with the Maine Teacher Certification Standards.
Program requirements
Our program focuses on evidence-based instruction in areas such as reading and math, and on assessment practices for the continuum of needs and specialized services for mild-to-moderate disabilities.
Dedicated, engaged faculty
Our full-time faculty hold doctoral degrees in special education, and part-time faculty are practicing educators with many years of K-12 experience. Many are leaders in state and national associations and are nationally-recognized for expertise in supporting a Multi-Tiered System of Supports.
Graduate student support
Our Office of Graduate Studies connects you with opportunities for professional development, scholarships, and graduate assistantships. They also foster our graduate student community through Peer Mentorship and the Graduate Student Board.
Scholarship opportunities
Scholarships offer financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. We encourage students in graduate degree programs to apply for scholarship opportunities.
National accreditation & state approval
Nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), our program is also approved by the Maine Department of Education.
Connect with us
Our monthly Graduate Information Sessions are an excellent way to learn more about the benefits of our program, as well as our admissions and financial process.
Our graduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.
Admission information: Special Education — Certification MS
Application deadlines
We accept applications on a rolling basis and review them continuously.
Application deadline | Fall term start | Spring term start | Summer term start |
---|---|---|---|
Recommended | May 1 | October 15 | March 1 |
Final | August 1 | December 15 | April 15 |
International applicants | June 1 | October 15 | Not available |