Print VersionMaster's Programs Leading to Certification
The following Master of Science in Special Education programs have been approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) for teacher certification:
- Early Childhood Special Education (Infant/Primary) - birth through grade three (MSDE Certification -- Generic Special Education)
- Mild to Moderate Disabilities (Elementary/Middle) - grades one through eight (MSDE Certification -- Generic Special Education)
- Mild to Moderate Disabilities (Secondary/Adult) - grade six through age 21 (MSDE Certification -- Generic Special Education)
- Mild to Moderate Disabilities: Differentiated and Inclusive Education (Elementary/Middle) -- grades one through eight (MSDE Certification -- Generic Special Education)
- Severe Disabilities -- kindergarten through grade 12 (MSDE Certification -- Severely and Profoundly Disabled)
To be fully admitted, applicants to Special Education programs leading to teacher certification must have a GPA of 3.0 or better and submit passing scores on one of the folowing tests: Praxis I, SAT, ACT, or GRE. (Please visit the Maryland State Department of Education Website to view the current state requirements.) Students who do not meet the 3.0 GPA requirement and who have not passed Praxis I (or one of the alternative State approved tests) will be admitted provisionally. In such cases, successful completion of Praxis I (or one of the alternative State approved tests) is required by the end of the first semester of study.
Students will be required to undergo a criminal background check prior to participating in their internship. In addition to coursework, the internship and all Praxis exams must be completed prior to graduation. Students must earn a grade of B or better in each required internship. If a student earns a grade below B in an internship, the student must repeat the internship, and earn a grade of a B or A. Students may not register for any other course until they complete the repeated internship. If a student earns a grade below B in subsequent internships, the student may be dismissed from the program.
Depending on the specific area of concentration, students complete 36 to 39 graduate credits for their master's degree. Students must work with a program advisor to develop a program of study that includes required and elective courses. Graduating students are eligible for teacher certification in Maryland in the appropriate area of specialization.
