Special Education
Minor

Information

The 18 credit minor in Special Education provides opportunities for undergraduate students to enroll in a sequence of education courses to determine if working with students with disabilities is a viable career option. For students interested in pursing this career option, a one-year M.Ed. program, leading to certification as a special educator, is also available. The minor in special education is available to undergraduate students in any major at the University of Maryland. Two courses (6 credits) may overlap with a student's major and the minor in special education. Students pursuing the minor must select one of three age-based specializations: Early Childhood, Elementary, or Secondary Special Education. A cumulative 2.500 grade point average and junior status (60 credits) is required for enrollment in all professional education courses (i.e., all courses required for the minor except EDSP 210/470).

Coursework

*F=Fall Semester Sp=Spring semester Su=Summer session W=Winter Session

The minor incorporates coursework to meet the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) reading requirements that are part of the special education teacher certification. A total of 18 credits are required for the special education minor and all courses presented for the minor must be passed with a grade of "C" or better. No more than six of these credits (two courses) may be taken at an institution other than the University of Maryland.

Minor and M.Ed. Teacher Certification Program

For students interested in pursuing special education teacher certification, a one year M.Ed. program is available after completing the 18-hour minor in special education and an undergraduate degree. To be admitted to this M.Ed. Special Education program, students must apply to the graduate school during their senior year and pass the Praxis I at scores established by the Maryland State Department of Education. All teacher candidates at the University of Maryland must pass Praxis I and Praxis II prior to student teaching.

Minor Advising

The Department of Special Education (EDSP) is responsible for advising students pursuing the minor. Students seeking a minor in special education must meet with the EDSP Undergraduate Program and Advising Coordinator to indicate their desire to enroll in the program, to have their academic records reviewed, to complete the Minor in Special Education form, and to be advised of courses required for the minor. The Coordinator is responsible for overseeing implementation of the minor and advising students on a continuing basis regarding fulfillment of its requirements. Further, the Coordinator is responsible for issuing formal approval confirming that a student has met the requirements, and forwarding the necessary information to the College of Education Office of Student Services. Upon verification that a student has met all requirements (e.g., grades, courses) the Office of Student Services will forward the student's name, minor, and date of completion to the Registrar's Office. The minor will be posted to the student's official transcript concurrent with the posting of the bachelor's degree.

For further information or to declare a Minor in Special Education Contact: