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

Program highlights

  • Earn your degree in as few as 12 months with our accelerated online program.
  • Begin as soon as you’re ready: Choose from 6 start dates throughout the year.
  • Save money with affordable tuition: Online students receive our e-tuition rate.
  • Advance your career: Special education teachers are in high demand in the state of Maine, across the U.S., and abroad.
  • Join an alumni network with a 100% job placement rate, including Maine Teacher of the Year recipients, and many serving in leadership roles at both district and state level
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Admission information: Special Education — Data Directed Student Progress (MS) | Online

Application deadlines & program start dates

Choose from 6 start dates per year.

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
Spring 2025 term: Session 2March 5, 2025March 24, 2025
Summer 2025 term: Session 1April 30, 2025May 19, 2025
Summer 2025 term: Session 2June 18, 2025July 1, 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?

International student instructions

View additional application requirements

English proficiency test scores

View test requirements

Where to send application materials

Get our mailing address and email address

Learn more about our online Special Education MS

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Career opportunities

Our program is designed for practicing teachers who are already certified or licensed. As a graduate, you will be prepared to serve as a K-12 special education teacher, behavior intervention specialist, in clinical services, or with state agencies.

Explore options
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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.

Browse resources
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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.

Meet our faculty
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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.

Explore scholarships
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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.

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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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