Master of Science in Special Education with a Concentration in Data Directed Student Progress in Special Education Online
Help students achieve their academic and behavioral potential.
Program Overview
What Our Online Master’s in Special Education Offers You
Enhance the lives and abilities of exceptional students with the online Master of Science in Special Education with a Concentration in Data Directed Student Progress in Special Education from the University of Southern Maine (USM).
This online master's in special education program is designed to equip educators with the fundamental skills, knowledge, and competencies to meet the needs of students with disabilities—in multiple settings. Prepare to effectively apply theory to practice and learn ways to implement specialized teaching, build effective curricula, and collaborate with other professionals to reach the best outcomes for exceptional students. Our curriculum promotes a multi-tiered system of support for students and incorporates standards from the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).
Learning Outcomes:
- Collaborate in culturally responsive ways to address the needs of individuals with exceptionalities across a range of learning experiences
- Understand how exceptionalities may interact with development and learning and use this knowledge to provide meaningful and challenging learning experiences
- Create safe, inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments so that individuals with exceptionalities become active and effective learners
- Use knowledge of general and specialized curricula to personalize learning for individuals with exceptionalities
- Proficient in the CEC standards of Learner Development and Individual Learning Differences, Learning Environments, Curricular Content Knowledge, Assessment, Instructional Planning and Strategies, Professional Learning and Ethical Practice, and Collaboration
- Collaborate in culturally responsive ways to address the needs of individuals with exceptionalities across a range of learning experiences
- Understand how exceptionalities may interact with development and learning and use this knowledge to provide meaningful and challenging learning experiences
- Create safe, inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments so that individuals with exceptionalities become active and effective learners
- Use knowledge of general and specialized curricula to personalize learning for individuals with exceptionalities
- Proficient in the CEC standards of Learner Development and Individual Learning Differences, Learning Environments, Curricular Content Knowledge, Assessment, Instructional Planning and Strategies, Professional Learning and Ethical Practice, and Collaboration
As a graduate of this Master of Science in Special Education online program, you will be prepared to make an impact in educational roles and organizational settings such as:
- K-12 Special Education Teacher
- Behavior Intervention Specialist
- Clinical Services
- State Agencies
- K-12 Special Education Teacher
- Behavior Intervention Specialist
- Clinical Services
- State Agencies
Accreditation
The University of Southern Maine is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Need More Information?
Call 888-728-7054
Call 888-728-7054
Tuition
Our Budget-Friendly Tuition is Affordable and Competitive
Our goal is for you to earn a high-quality degree that will help improve your career and income without taking on considerable financial debt.
Tuition breakdown:
Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Program |
---|---|---|
MSEd – Special Education | $443 | $13,290 |
Tuition breakdown:
Calendar
When to Apply, When Classes Start, When Tuition Is Due
The MS in Special Education online program offers convenient multiple start dates each year to accommodate your professional and personal schedules.
Now enrolling:
Session | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline* | Last Class Day |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spring 1 | 1/16/24 | 12/27/23 | 12/27/23 | 1/16/24 | 1/15/24 | 3/1/24 |
Spring 2 | 3/18/24 | 2/28/24 | 2/28/24 | 3/18/24 | 1/15/24 | 5/3/24 |
Summer 1 | 5/13/24 | 4/24/24 | 4/24/24 | 5/13/24 | 5/15/24 | 6/28/24 |
Summer 2 | 7/1/24 | 6/12/24 | 6/12/24 | 7/1/24 | 5/15/24 | 8/16/24 |
Fall 1 | 9/3/24 | 8/15/24 | 8/15/24 | 9/3/24 | 8/15/24 | 10/18/24 |
Fall 2 | 10/28/24 | 10/9/24 | 10/9/24 | 10/28/24 | 8/15/24 | 12/20/24 |
*The payment deadline for the second session of each term is the same as the first session deadline or ten days from the date of registration.
Now enrolling:
Have questions or need more information about our online programs?
Ready to take the rewarding path toward earning your degree online?
Admissions
Steps to Being Admitted to Our Online Master’s in Special Education Program
The MS in Special Education online program has specific requirements that applicants must meet to enroll. Please read the admission guidelines to ensure you qualify.
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- 2.5 Minimum GPA
- Official Transcripts
- Contact Information for 3 Professional References
- Online application
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Official transcripts (submitted directly from the granting institution) from all colleges/universities attended
- Contact information for three professional references (in the online application)
- Resume
- Statement of purpose/essay (in the online application)
- Upload your essay in PDF format in the online application or email your essay to [email protected]
- Type a brief essay (300-500 words) on the following prompt: As someone with experience supporting individuals with suspected or indicated disabilities, describe why you are seeking a master's degree in special education. What is one aspect of your knowledge or experience that will be strengthened by earning this degree? How will earning this master's degree make a difference to the people and communities with whom you work?
Official transcripts (submitted directly from the granting institution) and other supporting documents may be mailed or emailed.
Mailing Address:Application Processing Center
University of Maine System
P.O. Box 412
Bangor, ME 04402-0412
Email Address:
[email protected]
Courses
Read About Our Online Master's in Special Education Classes
For the MS in Special Education online program, you will complete a total of 10 courses equaling 30 credit hours.

Named #2 in the "2020 Best Online Colleges in Maine" rankings by Guide to Online Schools –GuideToOnlineSchools.com
Named #42 in the "Best Online Master's Degrees in Special Education" rankings, 2021 – BestAccreditedColleges.org
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