NEW: Master of Science in Education – Inclusion Education

UNE is pleased to announce a new online Master of Science in Education – Inclusion Education (MSEd-IE) offered by the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.

The MSEd-IE program is an approved program for preparation for the Teacher of Students with Disabilities 282 Endorsement in the State of Maine and is offered 100% online.

Prepares educators to become special education teachers

Within this program, students will learn the best practices in inclusion including how to model, teach, and nurture behavioral skills. Our faculty members include highly qualified and experienced educators with first-hand knowledge of inclusion best practices.

What is “inclusion education”?

An inclusive classroom provides students with disabilities the opportunity to learn alongside their peers in age-appropriate, general education classrooms. Integrating students with disabilities into a general education classroom is a highly worthwhile endeavor. Our program strives to give education professionals the skills to successfully lead an inclusive classroom.

The need for specialized inclusion educators is great

Inclusion education is a distinguished profession facing a major challenge: 49 of 50 states report a shortage of special education teachers and related personnel.

According to the 2018 Education Week Research Center analysis of IDEA and CCD data, the United States has an average of 1 dedicated educator for every 17 special education students.

Within the profession, 82% of special educators and Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) from across the nation say there are not enough certified instructors available to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

Who should enroll in the Master of Science in Education – Inclusion Education program?

If you’re a current, certified teacher looking to earn your master’s degree or expand your skillset, these in-depth courses and UNE’s expert faculty will help you develop the skills necessary to lead an inclusive classroom.

Educators with this endorsement have wider career prospects, as certified special education teachers are always in demand in Maine and across the country. More importantly, the skills you develop will help you become a better teacher for all of your future students regardless of their ability level.

Educators practicing in the State of Maine can make sure they’ve completed all necessary requirements for certification as outlined on the Maine Department of Education’s website found here: maine.gov/doe/cert/requirements

Educators from outside of Maine pursuing special education certification need to have their coursework officially approved by their state’s Department of Education. Links to individual state requirements can be found here: online.une.edu/education/map

Program Highlights

30-credit hour program
Complete your degree in as few as under two years
Multiple start times: spring, summer, and fall
100% online – no campus visits required
Leads to a 282 Endorsement for Teachers of Students with Disabilities in the State of Maine
Dynamic faculty of practitioners, researchers, and educators
No GRE required
Regionally accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

Courses for the Master of Science in Education – Inclusion Education include

EDU 600 Teacher as Leader
EDU 720 Special Education Law for the Classroom
EDU 721 Using Technology within Inclusion Education
EDU 722 Special Education Assessment in Inclusion Settings
EDU 723 Teaching and Learning in Inclusion Settings
EDU 725 Behavior Considerations in the Inclusive Setting
EDU 726 Telling Your School’s Story Through Data Analysis
EDU 727 Understanding the Whole Child in the Inclusive Setting
EDU 730 Universal Design for Learning
EDU 690 Action Research

Accredited by NECHE

This new MSEd-IE is accredited by NECHE, the highest accrediting body available to the University of New England.

Accreditation is the review of the quality of educational institutions and programs. In the United States, accreditation is a major way that the public knows that an institution or program provides a high-quality education.

For more information, and to enroll

If you have any questions about the coursework or program requirements, please contact a specialized enrollment counselor at (800) 994-2804 – or reach out via email at education@une.edu. You can also:

Get the MSEd – Inclusion Education Flyer