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.
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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.
- 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
- Other Program SpecificsTest scores are waived indefinitely
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
*Test scores are waived indefinitely
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.
You Can Do It
At The University of Alabama we want to help you tell a legendary story, and that begins with a premier education and strong support. You can succeed at earning your degree from wherever you are. Want to know more? Let our graduates tell you their UA Online stories.
Student Spotlight
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Contact Us
Program Information
Kathryn Morrow
Admissions Counselor
(800) 467-0227
blakeleym.bama@ua.edu
Admissions Information
UA Online
(800) 467-0227
online@ua.edu