2018-19 Catalogs

Certificate of Graduate Study in Gifted and Talented Education

This certificate is a subset of courses from the Special Education program, especially designed for educators who are interested in working with students who have gifts and talents, either in general education classrooms or in special resource programs. After completing the Gifted and Talented certificate, educators can applythrough the state for an endorsement in Gifted and Talented Education.  All gifted and talented courses are taught on a two-year rotation cycle, which can be found on the Special Education website.

Total Required Credits: 12

Required Course (3 credits)
     SED 550 Teaching Students who are Gifted in the Regular Classroom

Three electives, resulting in 9 credits, selected from the following:

SED 659 Education of students who are Gifted and Talented
SED 660 Curriculum and Methods for Teaching Students who are Gifted
SED 662 Creative Thinking and the Learner who is Gifted
SED 666 Models of Education for Students who are Gifted and Talented
SED 667 Social/Emotional Needs of Students who are Gifted/Talented

Or other courses approved by the Maine Department of Certification and the academic advisor

Applicant Qualifications

Criteria for admission include successful completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and hold a professional or the equivalent of teacher certification in any area from any state. To earn a certificate, students must complete 75 percent of the required coursework at USM, and earn a grade of B (3.0) or better in each course.

Application Procedures and Required Materials

Application Deadline

Rolling with priority deadlines: May 1 for fall matriculation, October 15 for spring matriculation.

Applicants are required to provide the following materials: [Bold]

  • Application: Online Application
  • Application fee: $65.00 paid through the online application.
  • 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.
    • International College transcripts: In addition to an official copy of the transcript, an official evaluation of college-level transcripts from a NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) approved transcript analysis agency is required
  • Resume: Submit a resume or CV that outlines professional, volunteer, and community experience.
  • Personal statement describing why you are applying to the program; and
  • Completed and signed Teacher Credential Summary Form.

Acceptance to a certificate program does not constitute acceptance to a master's or post-master's certificate of advanced study program. Applications for degree status must be made under separate cover.