Program Overview

The Towson University M.Ed. in Special Education with a focus on Multiple Language Learners program at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) is for post- baccalaureate students who are certified to teach in ESOL-ELD and Special Education. Courses meet once a week in 8-week sessions in a hybrid format, which allows students to take two classes per semester but only have one class at a time. Students are admitted in the spring every year. The M.Ed. program is a cohort program which admits a limited number of students each year, on a first come, first served basis. Towson University anticipates accepting 12 ELD-ESOL professionals and 12 Special Education professionals for this cohort. Students are encouraged to apply and submit all required documents early, but no earlier than six months prior to the start of the program. 

Why Apply?

  • Three-year cohort program with evening courses
  • Potential Endorsement Certification in Special Education
  • Potential Endorsement Certification in ESOL-ELD
  • Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)
  • MCPS provides full tuition cost as an MCPS Employee benefit.
  • Accelerated Tuition Benefits & MCPS Direct Billing
  • The student is expected to pay Student & University fees.
  • Special Education Praxis Support
  • ELD-ESOL Praxis Support

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, students must:

  • Be an employee of Montgomery County Public Schools
  • Have a GPA of 3.0 (a GPA between 2.50 and 2.99 may qualify an applicant for conditional admission)
  • Submit a complete application including:
    • Official College or University Transcripts
    • A copy of MSDE teaching certificate
    • Resume
    • One letter of recommendation
    • Written Statement

After admissions, but prior to starting classes, students will attend an orientation at USG. Students should plan to apply in the fall for entrance into the program the following fall (one year prior).