Special Education (SED) MS

School-Based Program with Certification

The graduate program in special education offers candidates the opportunity to join the ranks of professionals who are committed to ensuring that all children and adolescents, including those with identified disabilities, receive a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Candidates enrolled in the program quickly come to embrace the position that the purpose of education is the same for all students: to provide experiences that facilitate the acquisition of school success and satisfaction. The graduate program in special education believes this is best accomplished by focusing on students’ strengths and acquired skills, and matching individualized instruction to those strengths and skills.

McDaniel College offers a 36-credit hour Master of Science degree in Special Education, as well as teacher certification in special education, elementary levels (grades 1-8) and secondary levels (grades 6-12). The Master of Science degree requires completion of a portfolio (SED 550) as the capstone experience for the program. Students should meet with the Program Coordinator to review certification and student teaching requirements.

The Special Education program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE.) Pennsylvania State Department of Education guidelines are addressed during the advisement process for students seeking employment and/or licensure in Pennsylvania.

Pre-matriculation

Students must:

Complete and submit the Application for Graduate Study with nonrefundable fee;
Submit transcripts verifying completion of a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0)*;
Submit three professional letters of reference;
Submit Praxis I test scores that meet MSDE minimum score requirements;
Develop an initial 9-credit preliminary plan in consultation with the Program Coordinator.

*Students not meeting this criterion may be admitted to the program on a conditional basis. Matriculation status will be reviewed after the student has completed 9 credits in the program.

Matriculation

Students must:

Meet all requirements for pre-matriculation;
Successfully complete nine graduate credits at McDaniel College with a minimum GPA of 3.0. (at least one course must be in Special Education);
Review matriculation documentation and develop a Program Plan for remaining coursework with the Program Coordinator.

Courses

Courses required for the Master of Science may include the following:

Note

Reading and other education courses complete the program. Each Master of Science degree is tailored to fit closely with the student’s particular interests and professional goals.

Special Education Certification may require several prerequisite courses depending upon a student’s prior experience in the field.