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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
$552 per credit
Key
Format
Online
Calculator
Total credits
36-45

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.

Admissions Requirements

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.

Degree Requirements

  • 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.

Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Pathways at McDaniel College

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