Online and Distance Degrees > Degree Programs > MA in Special Education

Master of Arts (MA) in
Special Education

Online

Program Overview

Enhance your methods for supporting students with diverse learning needs through The University of Alabama’s 100% online master’s degree in Special Education. Certification options include Autism P-12, Collaborative K-6, Collaborative 6-12, Early Childhood Special Education P-3 and Severe Disabilities K-12. Train in evidence-based instructional strategies for children and youth in your school and be prepared to serve as a decision-maker in instructional settings for exceptional learners.

  • Program Format

    Online
  • Credit Hours

    30-36
  • Tuition Per Hour

    $440

Help All Students Reach Their Potential

The Master of Arts in Special Education is designed for educators who hold bachelor’s level teaching certification and is approved by the Alabama Department of Education. You can tailor your coursework to gain certification in Autism P-12, Collaborative K-6, Collaborative 6-12, Early Childhood Special Education P-3 or Severe Disabilities K-12. Completion of the program leads to master’s level certification and prepares you to serve the educational needs of all student learners. Integrate the strengths of learners, parents, general education teachers, special education teachers, related service professionals and the community into your work.

You’ll learn how to create inclusive environments and maximize learning opportunities — including coordinating knowledge bases, diverse school-based practicums and internship experiences — to develop logical, critical, and reflective thinking skills.

The master’s in Special Education (Autism P-12) program provides you with comprehensive training in evidence-based assessment and intervention for children and youth with autism, with real-world experience in applied settings. A research-to-practice approach is emphasized through interdisciplinary training across related fields, including special education, applied behavior analysis, communication and development and educational psychology.

The master’s in Special Education (Collaborative K-6) program prepares you to serve as a resource and advocate for exceptional students and their families. You will gain the skills needed to improve your students’ quality of life and expand their knowledge, and examine how to create a safe, inclusive connection to support these learners’ academic, social, vocational and behavioral needs. You can also take additional courses to obtain your Collaborative K-12 certification.

The master’s in Special Education (Collaborative 6-12) program is tailored to enhance the skills you need to provide innovative, inclusive classrooms and technologies to assist learning. The program positions you to help your secondary school students reach their full potential. You can also take additional courses to obtain your Collaborative K-12 certification.

The master’s in Special Education (Early Childhood Special Education P-3) program strengthens your skills to harness a child’s natural curiosity to develop essential life skills. Learning begins early and this program prepares you with professional experience in early childhood education to be a mentor to your students in lifelong learning.

The master’s in Special Education (Severe Disabilities) program is designed to prepare you to teach students with severe disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, autism, multiple disabilities, physical disabilities or other health impairments. This program equips you to be an effective communicator and mentor for those with severe learning exceptionalities.

  • Application DeadlineApplications accepted year round
  • Fees$10 College of Education graduate fee (per credit hour)
  • AccreditationCouncil for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
  • Required For EntranceBachelor's-level teaching certificate
  • PracticumYes

Curriculum

Select the program names below to learn more about each degree option’s curriculum. Please note that courses are subject to change.

  • SPE 500 Introduction to Exceptional Children and Youth (required for those who have not taken a special education survey course)
  • SPE 501 Diagnosis and Assessment of Exceptional Children and Youth (required for those who have not had an assessment/evaluation course in an undergraduate or another graduate program)
  • SPE 502 Advanced Behavioral Management in Special Education
  • SPE 504 Introduction to Assistive Technology OR SPE 520 Language, Communication and Early Literacy Interventions
  • SPE 531 Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • SPE 532 Evidence-Based Practices for Individuals With ASD
  • SPE 533 Assessing Behavior Change in Individuals With Autism, Developmental Disabilities and Behavioral Challenges
  • SPE 588 Autism Practicum
  • CAT 531 Computer-Based Instruction
  • Foundations Course
  • Adviser-approved elective related to content/special focus area

  • SPE 500 Introduction to Exceptional Children and Youth (required for those who have not taken a special education survey course)
  • SPE 501 Diagnosis and Assessment of Exceptional Children and Youth
  • SPE 502 Advanced Behavior Management for Special Educators
  • SPE 503 Master’s Seminar in Special Education
  • SPE 514 Teacher Consultant Models in Special Education
  • SPE 583 Creative Problem-Solving
  • SPE 590 Introduction to Mild Disabilities
  • SPE 591 Advanced Academic Methods – Elementary
  • SPE 593 Introduction to Severe/Profound Disabilities
  • SPE 594 Methods and Severe Disabilities
  • SPE 596 Practicum in Collaborative (K-6 Grades)
  • CAT 531 Computer-Based Instruction
  • Foundations Course

  • SPE 500 Introduction to Exceptional Children and Youth (required for those who have not taken a special education survey course)
  • SPE 501 Diagnosis and Assessment of Exceptional Children and Youth
  • SPE 502 Advanced Behavior Management for Special Educators
  • SPE 503 Master’s Seminar in Special Education
  • SPE 514 Teacher Consultant Models in Special Education
  • SPE 583 Creative Problem-Solving
  • SPE 590 Introduction to Mild Disabilities
  • SPE 592 Advanced Academic Methods – Secondary
  • SPE 593 Introduction to Severe/Profound Disabilities
  • SPE 594 Methods and Severe Disabilities
  • SPE 597 Transition in Special Education
  • SPE 596 Collaborative Practicum (6-12 Grades)
  • CAT 531 Computer-Based Instruction
  • Foundations Course

  • SPE 571 Educating Young Children With Disabilities 
  • SPE 572 Early Childhood Development
  • Advisor-approved Foundations of Professional Studies course
  • SPE 576 Assessment of Young Children 
  • CAT 531 Computer-Based Instruction
  • SPE 502 Advanced Behavior Management for Special Educators
  • SPE 578 Methods for Teaching Young Children With Disabilities 
  • SPE 575 ESCE Practicum 
  • Advisor-approved elective 
  • BER 550 Evaluation of Classroom Learning (required for those who have not taken an evaluation and learning course)
  • SPE 500 Introduction to Exceptional Children and Youth (required for those who have not taken a special education survey course)
  • Total Hours 33-36

  • SPE 593 Introduction to Severe/Profound Disabilities
  • SPE 506 Working With Families
  • SPE 501 Diagnosis and Assessment of Exceptional Children and Youth
  • CAT 531 Computer-Based Instruction
  • SPE 502 Advanced Behavior Management for Special Educators
  • SPE 514 Teaching Consultation Model in Special Education
  • SPE 594 Methods in Severe Disability
  • SPE 597 Transition in Special Education
  • SPE 595 Practicum in Severe Disabilities Education (K-12)
  • Advisor-approved cognate courses (6 hours)
  • SPE 500 Introduction to Exceptional Children and Youth (required for those who have not taken a special education survey course)
  • Total Hours 33-36

Admission

Admission to the MA program requires the following:

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • A valid bachelor’s level professional educator certificate or higher in special education (for Autism and Severe Disabilities)
  • A valid bachelor’s level professional educator certificate or higher in any teaching field (for Collaborative K-6, Collaborative 6-12, Early Childhood Special Education and Gifted)
  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or a 3.0 average for the last 60 hours in a degree program, or a 3.0 or higher in a completed graduate program

A completed application package for all certifications includes unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a Graduate School application.

Applications are accepted each semester.

Do I need to have teaching experience before applying?

No, you can apply for this program without having prior teaching experience.

Can I apply for the program if I’m a special education aid?

It depends. If you hold a valid teacher certification, you are eligible to apply for the program.  If you do not hold a valid teacher certification, you are not eligible to apply.

Do you accept out-of-state students for the program?

Yes, we accept students both in state and out of state as long as they have a valid teacher certification.

 

Find more information and learn about restrictions related to these degree programs that may exist regarding licensure in the state in which you reside.

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Program Information

Hannah Homan
Admissions Representative
800-467-0227
hannahh.bama@ua.edu

Admissions Information

UA Online
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online@ua.edu

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