MA
Certificate, Certification
The Master of Arts in Leadership in Special Education prepares educators to become transformational supervisors or administrators in diverse and inclusive schools. The curriculum includes advanced study in leadership, pedagogy, and literacy as they pertain to diverse learners.
teacher helping student in class
Program Location

Program Options

The Leadership in Special Education program has three distinct options depending on where you are in your teaching career:

  • Master's Degree for experienced teachers who already hold a K-12 state certification
  • Exceptionalities Certificate for certified teachers and non-certified individuals who hold a master's degree
  • Post-Master's Certification for certified teachers who already hold a master's degree

Additional Study Options

MA in Leadership in Special Education Concentrations

  • Administration
  • Exceptionalities
MA in Leadership in Special Education - Administration Concentration

Required Courses

EDU 543 - Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Educational Research (3)
EDU 556 - Technology for Instruction and Management (3)
EDU 557 - Leadership I Seminar (3)
EDU 560 - Legal Issues for Teachers and Administrators (3)
EDU 563 - Curriculum Development (3)
EDU 567 - Learning Theory and Practice (3)
EDU 569 - Supervision: Empowering Teachers (3)
EDU 688 - Practicum: School Administration and Supervision Part I (3)
EDU 690 - Practicum: School Administration and Supervision Part II (3)

Elective Options

Select three of the following:

SPE 518 - Behavior is Language (3)
SPE 530 - Attention Deficit Disorder (3)
SPE 531 - Autism and Asperger’s Disorders (3)
SPE 533 - Understanding Aggression (3)

Total Credits: 36

MA in Leadership in Special Education - Exceptionalities Concentration

Required Courses

EDU 543 - Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Educational Research (3)
EDU 557 - Leadership I Seminar (3)
EDU 567 - Learning Theory and Practice (3)
EDU 569 - Supervision: Empowering Teachers (3)
EDU 560 - Legal Issues for Teachers and Administrators (3)
EDU 556 - Technology for Instruction and Management (3)
EDU 563 - Curriculum Development (3)

Elective Options

Select five of the following:

SPE 518 - Behavior is Language (3)
SPE 531 - Autism and Asperger’s Disorders (3)
SPE 581 - Evidence Based Practices to Support Students with Dysgraphia (3)SPE 590 Foundations of Language, Literacy, and Dyslexia (new title 2/25)
SPE 591 Understanding Dyscalculia and Dyslexia in Math Education (new title 2/25)
SPE 592 Dyslexia, Decoding, and the Dictionary: Phonetic Strategies for Literacy (new title 2/25)
SPE 593 Integration of Learning Strategies and Executive Function Skills

Total Credits: 36

Post-Master's Certificate in Exceptionalities

This 15-credit, 5-course certificate is to be completed over four terms (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer).

Required Courses

SPE 518 - Behavior as Language (3)
SPE 530 - Attention Deficit Disorder (3)
SPE 531 - Autism and Asperger's (3)
SPE 533 - Understanding Aggression (3)
SPE 631 - Autism Spectrum Disorders (3)

Total Credits: 15

Post-Master's Certification in Special Education

Required Courses

SPE 526 - Special Education for the Classroom Teacher (3)
SPE 543 - Assessment of Special Needs Populations (Secondary) (3) OR
SPE 544 - Assessment of Special Needs Populations (Elementary) (3)
SPE 546 - Methods of Teaching Students with Special Needs (3)
SPE 570 - Individualizing the Curriculum: Strategies for Holistic Intervention (Elementary) (3) OR
SPE 571 - Vocational Skills in Special Education Methods (Secondary) (3)
SPE 576 - Communication Skills for the School-Based Professional (3)

Total Credits: 15

Outcomes

Student Outcomes

As a student in this program, you will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of learning and behavioral characteristics of students with disabilities and service delivery models that support inclusion.
  2. Apply principles of ethical leadership including professional standards and legal requirements to promote inclusive school practices.
  3. Design instructional environments that use evidenced based practices and data analysis to increase achievement of diverse learners.
  4. Demonstrate a variety of skills necessary to plan, implement and assess professional development for adult learners on inclusive school practices

Program Outcomes

At the completion of the program, you will be able to:

  1. Pass all national testing requirements, as applicable, achieving a 100% pass rate for NDMU.
  2. Enhance career and professional development opportunities for employment pathways in the profession, e.g., instructional support teacher, mentor teacher, department head, assistant principal, inclusion specialist.
  3. Design and conduct professional development that supports high achievement of diverse learners.
  4. Collaborate with all stakeholders to create instructional environments that promote and support inclusion and achievement of all students.
http://catalog.ndm.edu/graduate-catalog/school-of-education/ma-in-leadership-in-special-education-exceptionalities

What to Expect Studying at Notre Dame of Maryland University

With award-winning teacher certification programs nationally recognized by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), you can expect to benefit from small class sizes, expert faculty, and practical field experiences.

Flexible Class Schedules

Work with an advisor to develop a personalized program plan: 

  • Courses offered in the evenings at times convenient for working adults.
  • Occasional courses available on Saturdays or online.

Education Careers

Notre Dame is one of the state’s largest and most significant private providers of teacher education.

See Our Award-Winning Teachers

The knowledge, skills and competencies developed in the Master of Leadership in Special Education - Exceptionalities program prepares educators for leadership roles at the classroom, school and district level.

Career Opportunities

  • Mentor
  • Master Teacher
  • Instructional Support Teacher
  • Department Head
  • Specialist
  • Principal