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

Educational Specialist (EdS) in
Special Education

Online

Program Overview

As we continue to learn more about the needs of exceptional learners, it is clear that special educators meet a critical need in our schools. The EdS in Special Education will equip you to meet all students where they are and help them progress to their next step.

  • Program Format

    Online
  • Credit Hours

    33
  • Tuition Per Hour

    $440

Exceptional Needs Require Exceptional Teachers

Arm yourself with the knowledge and skills you need to collaborate with and train classroom teachers so you can work together to meet the needs of every student. Our EdS in Special Education is formatted to fit the life of a full-time educator, allowing you to continue serving students as you apply what you’re learning to enhance your methods. Certification areas within Special Education include Collaborative K-12, Early Childhood Special Education P-3 and Gifted P-12.

  • 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 EntranceMaster's-level professional educator certificate

Curriculum

Select a program below to learn more about the curriculum for each program. Please note that courses are subject to change.

  • SPE 606 Topical Seminar in Special Education: Bibliotherapy for Exceptional Students
  • SPE 612 Readings and Research in Special Education Gifted and Talented
  • SPE 613 Consultation Processing in Special Education Programs
  • SPE 617 Special Education, Leadership, Policy, and Law
  • SPE 681 Issues in Gifted Education
  • SPE 682 Advanced Curriculum Workshop in Gifted Education
  • BER 540 Statistical Methods in Education
  • BER 631 Inquiry as Interpretation: Qualitative I
  • Foundations Course – approved by advisor

A passing score on a comprehensive written exam is required. Additionally, if the Class A certificate is in a teaching field other than Gifted, a passing score on the Praxis is required.

  • SPE 606 Topical Seminar in Special Education
  • SPE 613 Consultation Processing in Special Education Programs
  • SPE 616 Advanced Professional Development
  • SPE 617 Special Education, Leadership, Policy, and Law
  • SPE 621 Issues in Special Education: Early Childhood
  • SPE 622 Advanced Curriculum Workshop: Early Childhood Special Education
  • BER 540 Statistical Methods in Education
  • BER 631 Inquiry as Interpretation: Qualitative I
  • BER 660 Evaluation I: Evaluation Theory and Practice
  • Foundations Course – approved by advisor
  • Approved Elective

A passing score on a comprehensive written exam is required.

  • SPE 606 Topical Seminar in Special Education: Behavior
  • SPE 613 Consultation Processing in Special Education Programs
  • SPE 616 Advanced Professional Development
  • SPE 617 Special Education, Leadership, Policy, and Law
  • SPE 623 Issues in Collaborative Education
  • SPE 624 Advanced Curriculum Workshop in Special Education
  • BER 540 Statistical Methods in Education
  • BER 631 Inquiry as Interpretation: Qualitative I
  • BER 660 Evaluation I: Evaluation Theory and Practice
  • Foundations Course – approved by advisor
  • Approved Elective

A passing score on a comprehensive written exam is required.

Students who enroll in the EdS in Special Education program and do not hold master’s level certification in special education may need to complete additional coursework.

Admission

Admission to the EdS program requires the following:

  • A valid Alabama Class A certificate or equivalent in a teaching field
  • An EdS with Early Childhood Special Education P-3 Certification requires a master’s degree with appropriate Class A certification in Early Childhood Special Education, otherwise, prerequisites will apply

Applications are accepted each semester.

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

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Program Information

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

Admissions Information

UA Online
800-467-0227
online@ua.edu

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