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 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
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.

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 of Professional Studies Course
SPE 606 Topical Seminar in Special Education: Bibliotherapy for Exceptional Students (recommended advisor-approved elective)
SPE 500 is required if a special education survey course has not been taken

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.

The EdS with Gifted (P-12) Certification requires a master’s degree with appropriate Class A certification in Gifted; otherwise, prerequisites will apply.

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 of Professional Studies Course
Approved Elective – approved by advisor
SPE 500 is required if a special education survey course has not been taken

A passing score on a comprehensive written exam is required.

The 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.

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 of Professional Studies Course
Approved Elective – approved by advisor
SPE 500 is required if a special education survey course has not been taken

A passing score on a comprehensive written exam is required.

The EdS with Collaborative (K-6, 6-12) Certification requires a master’s degree with appropriate Class A certification in Collaborative or an approved area of special education; otherwise, prerequisites will apply.

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 pre-requisite coursework.

Admission

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

A master’s degree from an accredited institution
Appropriate master’s level professional educator Class A certification
Transcripts from all institutions attended
A 3.0 GPA or higher in a completed graduate degree program
Statement of purpose
Completed UA Graduate School application
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.

This program leads to Alabama Class AA certification in Collaborative Education (K-6, 6-12), Early Childhood Special Education (P-3) or Gifted (6-12). 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.

The programs listed in the current UA Graduate Catalog that lead to Alabama Class A and Class AA professional certificates may be altered to meet certification standards adopted by the Alabama State Board of Education.

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