Graduate Certificate in Special Education at UMPI

Discover our 100% online SED Grad Certification

The University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) offers a fully online Graduate Certificate in Special Education, tailored for educators and professionals aiming to enhance their expertise in supporting diverse learners. This 12-credit program provides in-depth knowledge and practical skills essential for addressing the unique needs of students with disabilities. With a flexible, competency-based format, UMPI’s program allows you to progress at your own pace, making it ideal for working professionals seeking to advance their careers without compromising their current commitments.

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What Is Competency-Based Education?

Designed to leverage your previous knowledge, college coursework, and work experience, competency-based education enables you to earn your degree at your pace as you demonstrate mastery of relevant academic content.

How our YourPace online programs save you time and money:

Prove your knowledge, move ahead—the faster you advance, the more you save
Flat tuition rate per 8-week session, no matter how many courses you complete
With no weekly deadlines, you control the speed of completion*

*Time to completion varies by student and is based on several factors including prior college coursework, relevant work experience, amount of time dedicated to studying, and the number of courses completed each session.

Upcoming Session Dates

The Dates YourPace Students need to know

There are six opportunities throughout the year to begin our YourPace online program. Find the start date below that works best for you and apply before the application deadline. Please note, application and document deadlines are the same. UMPI must receive all documents including official transcripts by the document deadline to be considered. Transcripts can often take 10 or more business days from the request date to be received by UMPI, please plan accordingly.

Term	APP DEADLINE (4:00 PM ET)	DOCUMENT DEADLINE	CONFIRMATION DEADLINE (4:00 PM ET)	REGISTRATION DEADLINE	TUITION DEADLINE	START DATE	CLASS END DATE	Term Length
Spring 2	02/07/25	02/18/25	02/25/25	03/04/25	03/06/25	03/10/25	05/02/25	8 weeks
Summer 1	04/11/25	04/22/25	04/29/25	05/06/25	05/08/25	05/12/25	07/03/25	8 weeks
Summer 2	06/06/25	06/17/25	06/24/25	07/01/25	07/03/25	07/07/25	08/29/25	8 weeks
Fall 1	08/01/25	08/12/25	08/19/25	08/26/25	08/28/25	09/02/25	10/24/25	8 weeks
Fall 2	09/26/25	10/07/25	10/14/25	10/21/25	10/23/25	10/27/25	12/19/25	8 weeks
Spring 1	12/12/25	12/23/25	12/30/25	01/06/26	01/08/26	01/12/26	03/06/26	8 weeks

YourPace Graduate Certificate in Special Education Program Offerings

UMPI’s Graduate Certificate in Special Education is designed to equip educators with the tools necessary to effectively support students with diverse learning needs. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices, collaborative strategies, and data-driven decision-making to foster inclusive educational environments.

Explore Our Online Graduate Certificate in Special Education

The Graduate Certificate in Special Education at the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) is designed for educators and professionals seeking to enhance their skills in supporting diverse learners. This fully online, competency-based program equips you with practical strategies for creating inclusive educational environments, making data-driven decisions, and effectively supporting students with disabilities. The flexible format allows you to complete your studies at your own pace, making it ideal for working professionals.

This certificate is a valuable credential for educators, administrators, and specialists aiming to expand their expertise in special education. Graduates will be prepared to work in various educational settings, providing targeted support to students with unique learning needs.

Upon completion, students will receive a Graduate Certificate in Special Education, enhancing their qualifications and career opportunities. Learn more about how this program can help you make a meaningful difference in the lives of students with diverse abilities.

YourPace Tuition

Learn more about our affordable tuition

The YourPace Graduate SED Certification Online Program offers an affordable flat tuition rate, ensuring you pay the same amount per session regardless of how many courses you complete. With no hidden fees or additional textbook costs, this flexible competency-based education program allows you to save more the faster you finish. Whether you’re looking to accelerate your degree or complete courses at your own pace, you’ll benefit from transparent pricing and a cost-effective learning experience through the University of Maine at Presque Isle.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans on the FAFSA website. UMPI school code 002033

** New pricing to begin Fall 1 2025 – Summer 1 & 2 2025 will hold at the current tuition rates of $1700 and $2350)

Tuition breakdown:

$2,450 per session**

Flat-Rate Tuition

Have questions or need more information about competency-based education?

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Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from UMPI?

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UMPI is ranked as one of the top 10 Regional Colleges in the North for graduates with least debt—UMPI is the top institution in Maine and all of New England to appear on this list. – U.S. News & World Report, 2024.

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Requirements for these SED Graduate Certification program offerings

We’ve made the admission process simple and streamlined so it’s easier for you to get started. Those interested in earning their competency-based education Graduate degree in SED should have an undergraduate degree and possess some prior college credit and/or work experience.

Admission Requirements:

No Application Fee

Minimum 3.0 GPA

We’ve streamlined the admission process so it’s easy for you to get started. Here is the information you need to apply:

Admission Requirements (Graduate)

The University requirement for admission to any master’s degree program is the demonstration of the completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or from a recognized foreign institution. Matriculation into the program will be granted upon receipt of their officially conferred degree. Once matriculated, students will be eligible to enroll in classes.
Applicants must submit an official transcript from the college or university from which their bachelor’s degree or equivalency was granted, excluding the University of Maine System (UMS) campuses. (UMS transcripts are accessible to UMPI.)
Official transcripts from any institution from which you have earned graduate credit are required for credit transfer evaluation. A maximum of six credits can be applied to graduate programs. Graduate-level credit may be evaluated provided the credits were earned from a regionally accredited U.S. university or a comparable international university.
Official transcripts must be sent by the institution directly to edocs@maine.edu or an institution-approved transcript service (Parchment and the National Student Clearing House).
Applicants whose GPAs are less than 3.0 are required to submit a personal statement. The personal statement (not to exceed 500 words) should reflect the applicant’s ability to write at the graduate level, with attention to appropriate grammar, spelling, form, and structure in preparing the statement. Applicants are asked to respond to the following:
- Explain how you will ensure your academic success in this graduate program and overcome challenges you may have experienced with your undergraduate program of studies.

International students are eligible to apply and enroll; however, an I-20 will NOT be provided as this is a fully online degree program. In addition to the standard admissions requirements, international students must also meet the additional requirements specific to international applicants.

Specific Requirements for International Students

Students from around the world are eligible and welcome to apply. Please note that additional requirements related to English Proficiency and international transcripts may be applicable. For full International Students YourPace Admissions requirments, please use the botton below.

International Requirements

YourPace SED Graduate Certification Courses

The University of Maine at Presque Isle’s YourPace SED Certification Program is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today’s special educationl landscape. Select the tab below to explore the degree option that aligns with your goals and start building a strong foundation for your future success.

Graduate Certificate in Special Education Courses

SED Certificate Competency-Based Domains and Course Mapping

The Graduate Certificate in Special Education at the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) is a fully online, competency-based program designed for educators and professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in supporting diverse learners. This program meets the specialized training requirements for educators working with students who have disabilities, ensuring they possess the knowledge and skills needed to provide high-quality, inclusive education.

UMPI’s Graduate Certificate in Special Education program is designed to accommodate individuals from various backgrounds, offering flexible learning options that allow you to complete your coursework at your own pace. The program prepares educators to deliver targeted support, develop individualized education plans (IEPs), and foster an inclusive learning environment for all students.

Whether you are looking to advance your career in special education or gain specialized skills to better support diverse learners, UMPI’s Graduate Certificate in Special Education provides a pathway to achieve your goals.

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NECHE

The University of Maine at Presque Isle is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

University of Maine System

UMPI is a respected member of the University of Maine System.

C-BEN

UMPI is proud to be a member institution in the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN).

What can you do with a SED Graduate Certification?

Next Step: Admissions

We’re so excited that you’re considering the University of Maine at Presque Isle! As a student at UMPI, we want your experience to be anything but ordinary! So what makes UMPI extraordinary? Our Learning Environment, Our Student Engagement and Our Location!

No matter what stage of life you are in, we can help you take the plunge into higher education and put you on YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS!

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