Learning Extends Beyond The Classroom
The Department of Education strives to advance the practice of education and related careers. We offer state of the art undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs to achieve our goal of developing culturally and ethnically sensitive instructional leaders. The Department seeks to nurture minds, advance knowledge, and promote life-long learning.
Chair’s Welcome
Chair’s Welcome
Welcome to the Department of Education at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), where we are committed to preparing compassionate, knowledgeable, and highly skilled professionals who make a meaningful difference in schools, communities, and organizations.
Our department offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate programs designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s educational and human service professions. Whether you are beginning your journey as a future teacher, advancing your expertise as a practicing educator, pursuing a career in counseling, earning a Psychology minor to deepen your understanding of human behavior, or preparing for educational leadership, UMES provides the academic foundation, clinical and field experiences, and professional support necessary for success.
At UMES, learning extends beyond the classroom. Through field experiences, internships, community partnerships, research opportunities, and mentorship, our students gain the practical skills and confidence needed to serve diverse populations and become leaders in their professions.
We invite you to explore our programs, connect with our faculty, and discover how the Department of Education can help you achieve your academic and professional goals. We are proud of our tradition of excellence and look forward to supporting you on your journey.
Welcome to the UMES Department of Education—where educators, counselors, leaders, and advocates are prepared to transform lives and strengthen communities.
Dr. Kimberly Poole-Sykes
Chair, Department of Education
Director, Counselor Education
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
kjpoolesykes@umes.edu
doe@umes.edu
Explore our Program
Among our featured programs are Special Education and Counselor Education, two high-demand undergraduate and graduate programs that serve critical workforce needs across the region. As the only degree-granting programs of their kind offered on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, these programs provide students with accessible pathways to careers in education, counseling, and human services while supporting local schools, agencies, and communities. Through rigorous coursework, clinical experiences, and strong partnerships with regional stakeholders, both programs prepare graduates to become knowledgeable, ethical, and effective professionals dedicated to improving the lives of others.
Undergraduate Programs
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Special Education – A comprehensive undergraduate program that prepares candidates to teach and advocate for students with disabilities across diverse educational settings. This program is MSDE approved.
- Minor (B.S.) in Psychology – An undergraduate program that provides students with a strong foundation in the scientific study of human behavior, cognition, development, and social interaction. Through coursework and research experiences, students develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills that prepare them for graduate study and careers in education, human services, healthcare, business, and related fields.
Graduate Programs
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education – An advanced degree program designed for educators seeking specialized knowledge, leadership skills, and expertise in evidence-based practices that support learners with exceptional needs. This program is MSDE approved.
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC) in Special Education – A flexible pathway for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and wish to develop competencies in special education or pursue certification requirements.
- Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counselor Education – A graduate program that prepares students to become skilled, ethical, and culturally responsive counseling professionals. Through academic coursework and supervised clinical experiences, candidates develop the knowledge and competencies necessary to support the academic, personal, social, and mental health needs of diverse populations in schools, community agencies, and other helping professions. The program offers two specializations: School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The School Counseling specialization is approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and prepares graduates for certification as school counselors. The Clinical Mental Health Counseling specialization provides a comprehensive pathway that seamlessly prepares graduates to pursue licensure as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC).
- Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) – A graduate-level teacher preparation program designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree and seek initial teacher certification. The program combines advanced pedagogical coursework with extensive clinical and field-based experiences to prepare candidates for successful careers in secondary education. UMES offers certification pathways in Art, English, Biology, Chemistry, Family and Consumer Sciences, Social Studies, and Technology Education. Graduates develop the instructional knowledge, content expertise, and professional skills necessary to create engaging learning environments and meet the diverse needs of today’s students.
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership – An advanced leadership program designed for experienced educators and professionals seeking to lead and transform educational organizations. The program emphasizes strategic leadership, organizational improvement, policy analysis, and data-informed decision-making to prepare graduates for leadership roles in P–12 schools, higher education, and community-based organizations.
Special Programs
- High School Teacher University – A three-week Summer Institute that provides a residential campus experience featuring dual-enrollment teacher preparation coursework, classroom observations, college admissions support, leadership development, and mentoring from accomplished educators. Designed to increase the recruitment, retention, and development of educators of color, the program creates pathways into the teaching profession while helping cultivate the next generation of educators and educational leaders on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and throughout Maryland.
Contact
Email: doe@umes.edu
2021 Hazel Hall,
Princess Anne, Maryland 21853
Monday – Friday:
8:00 am – 4:30 pm
(410)-651-7958
