Special Education (M.Ed.)

The special education program prepares highly qualified educators who possess the knowledge, disposition, and skills necessary to take the lead in establishing effective teaching and learning environments for a diverse population of learners. These educators are capable of collaborating with other classroom teachers as team leaders or consultants, and they also utilize these skills collaborating with parents and guardians, school communities, and with the larger profession. The program can meet current educator licensure requirements in the state of New Hampshire in General Special Education.

Admission Criteria

In determining admission of students to teacher education graduate programs, several criteria are used:

1. Undergraduate record and GPA
2. Recommendations
3. Basic Academic Skills Assessment
4. Clearance on a Criminal History Records Check
5. Additional required application materials can be found at the Graduate School website under programs.

Degree Requirements

Prerequisites for General Special Education Certification

1. All candidates are required to complete a course in mathematics teaching methods and a course in reading teaching methods.  At UNH, the course that meets the reading teaching methods requirement is EDUC 806. Courses that meet the mathematics teaching requirement are MATH 601 and/or  MATH 703.  Equivalent courses taken at another college or university may be substituted.
2. All students are required to complete EDUC 650 or EDUC 850 and EDUC 656 or EDUC 856. Equivalent courses taken at another college or university may be substituted.
3. Successful completion of EDUC 500 , EDUC 935A, EDUC 694, or related, recent prior classroom experience.
4. Credits for prerequisite courses will not count toward those needed for the M.Ed. degree.

Special Education (M.Ed.) Requirements

The M.Ed. degree requires a minimum of 36 hours of graduate-­level credits. The exact number of credit hours will depend on the student's background, competencies, and professional goals, and will be determined by the advisor.

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If a student is not interning, 12 credits of elective courses may be substituted. 

Grading Policy

Graduate credit is granted only for coursework completed with a grade of B- or higher. Any grade below B- will not count for graduate credit and will count toward the accumulation of nine (9) failing credits which may require the student to withdraw from the program.

Accelerated Master's Overview

Accelerated Master’s programs offer qualified University of New Hampshire undergraduate students the opportunity to begin graduate coursework in select graduate programs while completing a bachelor’s degree. Accelerated master's programs are designed to provide students with an efficient and cost-effective pathway to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree or graduate certificate, enhancing career opportunities and long-term earning potential. 

Accelerated Master's Highlights

• Begin studying advanced topics while an undergraduate student with the opportunity to complete a master’s degree or graduate certificate early.
• Master’s degree program students: Earn up to 12* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
• Graduate certificate program students: Earn up to 8* graduate (800-level) course credits while completing a bachelor’s degree. This coursework will count as dual-credit toward both the bachelor’s degree and the graduate certificate.
• Students complete the bachelor’s degree, and then officially matriculate into the master’s or graduate certificate program to complete the remaining required graduate-level coursework.

*Some exceptions apply. 

Accelerated Master's Admission Requirements

• A minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA is required.*
• A minimum of 90 undergraduate credits must be completed prior to enrolling in graduate (800-level) courses.
• Streamlined Graduate School Application (two letters of recommendation; most standardized tests and application fee are waived).*

*Some exceptions apply.

Accelerated Master's Requirements

• Students must attend a mandatory orientation session.
• Students must submit a special registration form each semester for dual-credit courses and note any DegreeWorks exceptions.
• Students may defer graduate matriculation for up to one year after earning their bachelor’s degree in most programs.
• See the Accelerated Master’s Catalog Policy and Accelerated Master’s Website for additional information and a list of programs. Note that some programs have additional requirements (e.g. higher-grade expectations) compared to the general policy.

Special Education (M.Ed.) Accelerated Option

This graduate degree program is approved to be taken on an accelerated basis in articulation with the following undergraduate program(s):

The Special Education program at the University of New Hampshire seeks to prepare highly qualified educators who possess the knowledge, dispositions, and skills necessary to establish effective and inclusive teaching and learning environments. We prepare educators who provide exceptional services and support to people identified with disabilities and their families. In this program, students gain the skills necessary to assess, plan, and monitor the educational progress of k-12 learners identified with disabilities.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Graduates will be knowledgeable in the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to all students.
• Graduates will be committed to students and their learning.
• Graduates will be responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.
• Graduates will be effective organizers of the learning environment.
• Our graduates will be thoughtful and reflective practitioners who learn from experience.
• Our graduates will be committed to collaboration which facilitates student growth and learning.
• Our graduates will be informed decision-makers and agents of change.
• Our graduates will be active members of learning and professional communities.

Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures

The University of New Hampshire offers a number of academic programs designed to lead to professional licensure or certification in New Hampshire. However,  completing a UNH degree/program does not guarantee professional licensure or certification. Eligibility may also depend on factors like years of work experience, professional examinations, passing a background check, and other criteria.

UNH does not guarantee that its professional licensure programs will satisfy the criteria of professional licensure boards in other states. Some states maintain different requirements for professional licensure or certification and requirements can change frequently. Federal regulations require the University to make public disclosure of certain information regarding professional licensure or certification programs, regardless of the modality the program is offered (i.e., in-person or online). The University provides guidance below but recommends students contact their state/territory licensing or certification board to ensure a program meets specific state/territory requirements.

Visit the Office of the Registrar's website for information about whether this program meets professional licensure requirements in your state.