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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)

State Authorization & Professional Licensure

Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Pathway M.S. Special Education

McDaniel College offers a special program where students can earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree faster and at a lower cost. This program helps students gain advanced skills and knowledge to reach their career goals.

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

Find Out More

Discover more about this program and others at one of our monthly, virtual open houses!  

Register

Apply

This program begins in Fall, Spring, and Summer. 

Start Your Application

Program Coordinator

Michelle Concepcion
Merritt Hall
410-857-2511

Email the Coordinator

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

Related Programs

Teaching, M.S. Innovations in Teaching and Learning (formerly Curriculum & Instruction) Human Services Management, M.S.

Find Out More

Discover more about this program and others at one of our monthly, virtual open houses!  

Register

Apply

This program begins in Fall, Spring, and Summer. 

Start Your Application

Program Coordinator

Michelle Concepcion
Merritt Hall
410-857-2511

Email the Coordinator
McDaniel College
2 College Hill
Westminster, MD, 21157
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