Over the past year, the University of Maryland College of Education has collaborated with colleagues and community partners to bring new specializations and programs to students.
Arabic Language Specialization Certification
M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, World Languages Education Specialization
A collaboration between the College of Education and the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures in the College of Arts and Humanities, this specialization will help increase the number of Arabic language teachers and learners in the state. The specialization leads to PK-12 teaching certification.
Online Specialty in Autism Spectrum Disorders
M.Ed. in Special Education
This part-time, fully online specialty program caters to working professionals across the state of Maryland and beyond. This master’s degree equips graduate students with the knowledge and skills to use strategies for students with complex communication needs and to provide responsive instruction for students with autism that increases positive behaviors, self-determination and academic skills using evidence- and research-based methods.
Specialty in Creative Initiatives in Teacher Education (CITE)
M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
In this hybrid specialty program, students learn how to turn their ideas into tangible results for young students, develop research-based teaching skills, establish cultural proficiency and enhance classroom management. CITE students can earn their teaching certification for grades 1-6.
Post-Masters Certificate Program for Counseling Services for Immigrant and Refugee Students
School Counseling Program
One in 7 Maryland residents is an immigrant, and Prince George’s County Public Schools has reported a 30% increase in international students for the 2024-25 school year. This certificate program equips counselors to help the growing immigrant and refugee student population navigate cultural and academic challenges. The curriculum centers around immigration and education, immigrant child counseling and consultation, family and social support systems, and issues in the education of multilingual learners.
The Maryland Early EdCorp Registered Apprenticeship Program
As the state’s first Child Development Associate (CDA) registered apprenticeship program for early childhood educators, this program focuses on serving children and families with complex needs related to language barriers, poverty or disability. A new initiative will concentrate on helping paraeducators and assistant teachers in preschool programs complete their CDA credentials, with a focus on inclusive practices.
Photo: A Maryland Early EdCorp apprentice works with a young child. Photo by Sage Levy
