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
33-36
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 include Collaborative K-6 and 6-12, 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
Teacher Salary ScheduleAccess the Alabama State Department of Education Salary Schedule to understand earning potential for educators

Curriculum

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

The programs listed in the current UA Graduate Catalog that lead to Alabama Class A and Class AA professional certificates for service in the public schools may be altered to meet certification standards adopted by the Alabama State Board of Education. Check with the appropriate department head for information about current requirements.

The online EdS in Special Education (Gifted P-12) consists of 33-36 credit hours.

SPE 613 Consultation Processing in Special Education Programs
SPE 617 Special Education, Leadership, Policy, and Law
Foundations of Professional Studies Course
- Students choose one course from the ALSDE-approved list – see academic department or the College of Education’s Office of Student Services
BER 540 Statistical Methods in Education
BER 631 Inquiry as Interpretation: Qualitative I
SPE 681 Issues in Gifted Education
SPE 612 Readings and Research in Special Education Gifted and Talented (6 credit hours)
SPE 682 Advanced Curriculum Workshop in Gifted Education (6 credit hours)
SPE 606 Topical Seminar in Special Education: Bibliotherapy for Exceptional Students (or another advisor-approved elective)
SPE 500 Introduction to Exceptional Children and Youth (required for those who have not completed an appropriate special education survey course)

A passing score on a comprehensive written exam is required.

Candidates admitted to the Class AA program without prior Class A certification in gifted may need to complete additional prerequisite courses.

The UA Graduate Catalog is published annually. State-approved program checklists may be updated more frequently and are thus likely to provide the most up-to date information about requirements. Students should consult their advisors each semester before registering.

The online EdS in Special Education (Early Childhood Special Education P-3) consists of 33-36 credit hours.

SPE 613 Consultation Processing in Special Education Programs
Foundations of Professional Studies Course
- Students choose one course from the ALSDE-approved list – see academic department or the College of Education’s Office of Student Services
BER 540 Statistical Methods in Education
BER 631 Inquiry as Interpretation: Qualitative I
BER 660 Evaluation I: Evaluation Theory and Practice
SPE 606 Topical Seminar in Special Education
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
Advisor-Approved Elective
SPE 500 Introduction to Exceptional Children and Youth (required for those who have not completed an appropriate special education survey course)

A passing score on a comprehensive written exam is required.

Candidates admitted to the Class AA program without prior Class A certification in early childhood special education may need to complete additional prerequisite courses.

The online EdS in Special Education (Collaborative K-6, 6-12) consists of 33-36 credit hours.

SPE 613 Consultation Processing in Special Education Programs
Foundations of Professional Studies Course
- Students choose one course from the ALSDE-approved list – see academic department or the College of Education’s Office of Student Services
BER 540 Statistical Methods in Education
BER 631 Inquiry as Interpretation: Qualitative I
BER 660 Evaluation I: Evaluation Theory and Practice
SPE 623 Issues in Collaborative Education
SPE 624 Advanced Curriculum Workshop in Special Education
SPE 616 Advanced Professional Development
SPE 617 Special Education, Leadership, Policy, and Law
SPE 606 Topical Seminar in Special Education: Behavior OR SPE 533 Assessing Behavior Change
Advisor-Approved Elective
SPE 500 Introduction to Exceptional Children and Youth (required for those who have not completed an appropriate special education survey course)

A passing score on a comprehensive written exam is required.

Candidates admitted to the Class AA program without prior Class A certification in collaborative or an approved area of special education may need to complete additional prerequisite courses.

Admission

Admission to the Educational Specialist in Special Education degree program requires the following:

A master’s degree from an accredited institution with appropriate prerequisite Class A certification
Appropriate master’s level certification in a teaching field
Transcripts from all institutions attended
A 3.0 GPA or higher in a completed graduate degree program
Completed UA Graduate School application
Statement of purpose
Completed requirements for fingerprinting/background clearance
Three letters of recommendation
- Recommendation letters must be from current and former professors and/or supervisory personnel knowledgeable of the applicant’s academic and professional capabilities for all College of Education programs that lead to professional certification

Applications are accepted each semester. Students may begin the program in the fall, spring or summer semester.

If you reside or intend to seek professional licensure outside of the state of Alabama, please review the requirements for that state prior to applying to this program.

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