Students in Loyola's graduate programs in special education are prepared to provide effective services to adolescents with a wide variety of disabilities, and to take leadership roles in the field of special education. The program emphasizes research-validated intervention techniques, specialized instructional methods, differentiated instruction, comprehensive assessment, transition planning, and advanced professional skills necessary for providing quality services to adolescents with special needs, particularly those with high-prevalence disabilities such as language or learning disabilities, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, emotional/ behavioral disorders, and mild intellectual disabilities. 

This program meets Maryland State Department of Education's requirements for initial certification in generic special education (grades 6-12), and it is also ideal for teachers seeking advanced professional development. The program attracts applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds and careers. Once accepted, candidates meet with an academic advisor to determine a personalized program plan of prerequisites (if needed), courses, and experiences based upon prior academics, teaching, and volunteer history. Program graduates are prepared to support the comprehensive needs of students in a variety of educational settings across the middle and high school grades and to take leadership roles in the field of special education. 

Appropriate licensure exams must be taken, and scores received prior to the last day of the semester. Passing scores on the licensure exams are required in order to receive the approved program stamp and be eligible for licensure. Students are eligible to receive the program stamp for up to one year after their degree conferral date. Licensure exam requirements are listed on the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) website. Candidates submit an electronic application for graduation to the Office of the Registrar during the first week of the final semester.