Special Education

The Department of Special Education at the University of Maryland is devoted to the preparation of professionals who will work with individuals who have disabilities. Our special education graduate programs prepare leadership personnel including teachers, research and policy specialists, and administrators for school systems, institutions of higher education, local, state, and federal agencies, and social services. Graduate degrees in Special Education emphasize research, teacher preparation, instruction, and policy studies. The MA and MEd programs in special education offer the following options: BS/MEd Combined Program with initial special education certification only for University of Maryland EDSP undergraduate majors; MEd with UM Minor from the Department of Special Education with initial special education certification Master's of Education (MEd) Teacher Certification Program; Master’s of Education (MEd) Specialty Program: the specialty areas include: Behavioral and Learning Disorders, Early Childhood Special Education (including Infancy), Secondary and Transition Special Education, and Severe Disabilities (including Autism); Master’s of Arts (MA) Thesis Program for students interested in conducting research and defending a thesis. Doctoral (Ph.D) Program - The Department of Special Education (EDSP) offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in the following areas: Learning Disabilities, Secondary & Transition Special Education, Behavior Disorders, Severe Disabilities, Early Childhood Special Education, and Policy Studies