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

Master of Arts (MA) in
Special Education

Online

Program Overview

Through The University of Alabama’s online master’s degree in Special Education, you can enhance your methods for supporting students with unique learning needs. Certification options include Autism P-12, Collaborative K-6, and Collaborative 6-12. These flexible programs provide comprehensive training in evidence-based instructional strategies for children and youth in your school.

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 currently hold bachelor’s level teaching certification. Completion of the program leads to master’s level certification in Autism P-12, Collaborative K-6 or Collaborative 6-12. The program prepares teaching professionals to serve the educational needs of all student learners at the elementary or secondary level.

The program will facilitate ideas and professional knowledge necessary to create an inclusive environment and maximize learning opportunities for prospective practitioners and ultimately for children experiencing cognitive, social, behavioral, physical and/or multiple disabilities.

Special Note: The state of Alabama is facing a critical shortage of special education teachers. You can help the state meet this need by earning your special education teaching certification through the Temporary Special Education Certification program. This certification program is for those who want to become an Alabama educator but who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than in teaching/education from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Recognized as a Leader in Online Education
Application DeadlineApplications accepted year round
Fees$10 College of Education graduate fee (per credit hour)
AccreditationNational Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
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

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 only)
A valid bachelor’s level professional educator certificate or higher in any teaching field (for Collaborative K-6 or Collaborative 6-12)
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.