Jun 28, 2025  
2025 -2026 Catalog 
    
2025 -2026 Catalog

Education, Special Education, M.Ed.


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Program Director: Dr. Jaylia Prussing

The M.Ed in special education prepares individuals with the necessary personal and professional skills to support individuals with diverse needs and abilities through authentic study, application, and field experiences. Students who complete the degree in special education meet the eligibility requirements for North Dakota special education licensure.

Program Outcomes

University of Mary students who complete the M.Ed. Special Education degree will be prepared to meet the needs of their students by: 

  • Demonstrating a commitment to making learning opportunities accessible to all learners
  • Utilizing a variety of data sources to identify student learning needs and customize instruction, supports, and programs
  • Demonstrating a commitment to developing supportive and collaborative relationships with students, families, colleagues, and community members that foster improved student learning outcomes 
  • Modeling professionalism by adhering to discipline ethical codes of conduct, professional standards, and laws and policies related to learner’s rights and teachers’ responsibilities
  • Synthesizing field literature in response to identified field of study areas in need of improvement and to aid personal growth

Please note: This program is designed for individuals seeking initial licensure as a special education teacher. Dependent upon undergraduate and transfer courses, an additional course may be required to fulfill licensure requirements. Students interested in seeking licensure only may enroll as a non-degree-seeking student.

See Education: Graduate Programs  for additional program information.

Please note: The emphasis area courses in the following degree plans meet the North Dakota Endorsement or Credential requirements in all programs applicable.

Major Requirements


Required Courses:


General Licensure Requirements:


The following course fulfills licensure requirements. This content may be fulfilled through undergraduate coursework and if applicable will be waived.

Total: 36-37 Semester Credits


Program length: varies; minimum 2 academic years / 5 semesters / 80 weeks

Adding the Licensure track will increase the total credits needed for the overall program. Total credits added will vary by student need.

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