Special Education

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore offers Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)-approved programs in Special Education at the undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate levels. As the only institution on Maryland’s Eastern Shore offering Special Education degree and certification pathways, UMES serves as a critical resource for preparing highly qualified educators to meet the needs of students with disabilities throughout the region and state. These programs are designed to prepare educators who can support the academic, behavioral, social, and transition needs of diverse learners while promoting inclusive and equitable educational environments.

The demand for Special Education teachers continues to remain high in Maryland and across the nation. Special Education is consistently identified as a high-need certification area due to ongoing teacher shortages, increased student needs, and the growing demand for specially trained professionals who can provide individualized instruction and support services. Maryland has invested significantly in educator recruitment initiatives and Grow Your Own programs to strengthen the teacher pipeline, particularly in high-need areas such as Special Education.

Explore our Programs

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Special Education provides candidates with a strong foundation in child development, assessment, evidence-based instructional practices, behavior support, and collaboration with families and multidisciplinary teams. Students participate in progressively structured field experiences that allow them to apply theory in authentic educational settings while developing the professional competencies expected of special educators.

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education is designed for educators seeking advanced expertise in special education practices, leadership, assessment, intervention, and program implementation. Candidates develop the skills necessary to improve educational outcomes for students with disabilities while serving as instructional leaders and advocates within schools and communities.

The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC) in Special Education offers an accelerated pathway for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and seek initial teacher certification in Special Education. The program combines focused professional coursework with supervised clinical experiences that prepare candidates to meet Maryland licensure requirements and enter the profession as effective special educators.

A hallmark of all UMES Special Education programs is the extensive emphasis on clinical practice. In accordance with Maryland educator preparation requirements, candidates engage in structured observation hours, practicum experiences, and supervised internships under the guidance of qualified mentor teachers and university supervisors. These experiences provide opportunities to work directly with students, implement instructional strategies, analyze assessment data, collaborate with school professionals, and demonstrate the competencies required for professional licensure.

Through rigorous coursework, hands-on clinical experiences, and mentorship from experienced faculty and practitioners, UMES graduates are prepared to become effective educators, advocates, and leaders who improve outcomes for students with disabilities and help address the critical need for Special Education teachers throughout Maryland and beyond.