Special Education (M.Ed.)

Towson University offers multiple Special Education graduate programs to suit the variable needs of those looking to enter this rewarding field!

	M.Ed in Special Education (Special Education Concentration)	M.Ed. in Special Education (Teacher as Leader in Autism Spectrum Disorder Concentration)	Master of Arts (M.A.T.) in Special Education
Who Can Apply?	Those with a current teaching certificate in an area other than special education	Professionals with certification in special education or a related field	Those looking to become teachers but have an undergraduate degree in an area outside of education
What is the Outcome?	A master's degree and initial certification in special education	A master's degree in special education	A master's degree and initial certification in special education
How is this Program Offered?	On campus where students work through coursework at their own pace -OR- in school district cohorts	Through school district cohorts	On campus where students work through coursework at their own pace -OR- a cohort-based, 18-month Accelerated Option

Why Come to Towson for your Master’s Degree in Special Education? 

• During the last several academic years, 100% of our graduates have accepted teaching contracts upon graduation. Special education is a critical shortage area and our graduates are in high demand.
• Our graduates are well prepared to gain special education certification, as 100% of our students successfully complete the Maryland State Department of Education Basic Skills Requirement exam in Special Education.
• Towson University is known as a leader in preparing local teachers for the next step in their career.
• Our faculty offer hands-on, practical application based on their experiences teaching in PreK-12 schools.
• Towson is a smart economical option for students who are funding their own graduate degrees, and current teachers may be able to further defray these costs by seeking tuition reimbursement from their school or district.
• Our on-campus M. Ed. program is flexible and allows students to move at their own pace. Most of our students complete the degree in 2-3 years.

What Does the Program Emphasize?

Special education graduate coursework at Towson emphasizes:

• Effective instructional practices that support all students in diverse classrooms
• Principles of Universal Design for Learning
• Technology and innovation to improve teaching and learning
• Delivery and interpretation of diagnostic and prescriptive assessments
• Collaboration and consultation

The program allows students to tailor their coursework to areas of interest by selecting from one of three areas of special education:

• Infant/Primary (Birth – Grade 3)
• Elementary/Middle (Grades 1-8)
• Secondary/Adult (Grades 6-12)

Who is Eligible for the Program?

This degree leads to initial certification in special education. The program is designed for individuals who hold current teaching certificates in an area other than special education (such as early childhood, elementary, or secondary education). 

why towson?

Program Advantages

• Towson’s extensive history and reputation for advanced teacher preparation
• programs accredited by CAEP and the Maryland State Department of Education
• programs recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
• innovative faculty with extensive research and classroom experience in a variety of special education settings
• late afternoon and evening classes to accommodate working professionals

Convenient Off-Campus Locations

The M.Ed. in special education is also offered off-campus to employees of local school systems through the Towson Learning Network.