Special Education — Data Directed Student Progress | Accelerated Online

Program Type
Master’s Program (Online)
Degree
Master of Science (MS)
Mode of Study
Accelerated Online
Department
Special Education
School
School of Education and Human Development

Earn your master’s degree in as few as 12 months

Develop the skills to implement specialized teaching, build effective curricula, and collaborate with other professionals to reach the best outcomes for exceptional students. Our curriculum promotes a multi-tiered system of support for students and incorporates standards from the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).

Program requirements
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E-tuition

All students receive our e-tuition rate. This accelerated online program does not charge Mandatory Fees. See cost details

Credit hours

30 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

6 entry terms per year. No GRE required. View application process & deadlines

The last start term for this program is Spring 2025 term: Session 1. Our new accelerated online Special Education — Inclusive Instruction for All Students master’s program also provides advanced knowledge and skills in special education, with an additional focus on serving the needs of students who are multilingual.

Explore Inclusive Instruction MS
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Admission information: Special Education — Data Directed Student Progress (MS) | Online

Application deadlines & program start dates

The final admitting term for this program is the Spring 2025 term: Session 1. Our accelerated online Special Education — Inclusive Instruction for All Students MS will begin admitting in the following session.

SessionApplication deadlineProgram start date
Fall 2024 term: Session 1August 15, 2024September 3, 2024
Fall 2024 term: Session 2October 9, 2024October 28, 2024
Spring 2025 term: Session 1January 2, 2025January 21, 2025

Minimum Requirements: Applicant must have a bachelor’s degree, from a regionally accredited college or university, and have earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) in a baccalaureate degree program. Applicants who do not have a 2.5 overall GPA must enclose a letter asking for special consideration, in which they provide evidence of an ability to complete graduate studies successfully. Without such a letter, applicants who fail to meet eligibility requirements may be automatically denied.

Applicants are required to provide the following materials:

General requirements

  • Application: Online application
  • Application fee:
    • In-state, out-of-state, and Canadian applicants: Free to apply
    • International applicants: Submit US $50 fee to apply
  • Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, excluding the seven campuses of the University of Maine System (UMS transcripts are accessible to USM). A transcript is official when sent directly from the institution.
  • Resume: Submit a resume or CV that outlines professional, volunteer, and community experience.
  • Students whose first language is not English may be required to take one of the following: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or Duolingo. Applicants must submit official scores as part of the application process. See additional information regarding test scores and requirements.

Additional requirements

  • Essay: Answer the following in an essay:
    • As someone with experience supporting individuals with suspected or indicated disabilities, describe why you are seeking a master’s degree in special education.
    • What is one aspect of your knowledge or experience that will be strengthened by earning this degree?
    • How will earning this master’s degree make a difference to the people and communities with whom you work?
Next steps

Our graduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.

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