Master's Program:
Severe Disabilities

The Department of Special Education at the University of Maryland (UM) offers a Master’s Program in Special Education to prepare individuals to work with students having severe disabilities from grades 1 through 8 (elementary) or grades 6 through 12 (secondary/middle). This program is for those interested in becoming certified in either elementary special education and severe disabilities OR secondary/middle special education and severe disabilities. If you are certified in generic special education (early childhood, elementary, and/or secondary/middle), but not in severe disabilities, you can earn your Master’s degree as well as obtain an additional certification in severe disabilities. Moreover, for those already certified in special education, you can earn a master’s degree in severe disabilities and advance your knowledge as a teacher, supervisor, or as an advocate for families.

Depending on professional goals, entering students may select one of the following Master's degree options:

	The 30 credit hour Master's of Education (MEd) or the 36 credit hour Master’s of Arts (MA) degree designed for those already certified in Special Education who wish to specialize in severe disabilities. The MA degree requires the completion of a Master’s thesis.
	The Master’s of Education teacher certification program in severe disabilities, 45-60 credit hours (depending on prior background), for students who are not certified in special education but wish to pursue certification in special education and earn a master’s degree. Undergraduate work can be in any area.

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