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

Master of Arts (MA) in
Special Education

Online

Program Overview

Enhance your methods for supporting students with diverse learning needs through The University of Alabama’s 100% online master’s degree in Special Education. Certification options include Autism P-12, Collaborative K-6, Collaborative 6-12, Early Childhood P-3 and Severe Disabilities K-12. Train in evidence-based instructional strategies for children and youth in your school and be prepared to serve as a decision-maker in instructional settings for exceptional learners.

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 hold bachelor’s level teaching certification and is accredited by the Alabama Department of Education. You can tailor your coursework to gain certification in Autism P-12, Collaborative K-6, Collaborative 6-12, Early Childhood P-3 or Severe Disabilities K-12. Completion of the program leads to master’s level certification and prepares you to serve the educational needs of all student learners. Integrate the strengths of learners, parents, general education teachers, special education teachers, related service professionals and the community into your work.

You’ll learn how to create inclusive environments and maximize learning opportunities — including coordinating knowledge bases, diverse school-based practicums and internship experiences — to develop logical, critical, and reflective thinking skills.

The master’s in Special Education (Autism P-12) program provides you with comprehensive training in evidence-based assessment and intervention for children and youth with autism, with real-world experience in applied settings. A research-to-practice approach is emphasized through interdisciplinary training across related fields, including special education, applied behavior analysis, communication and development and educational psychology.

The master’s in Special Education (Collaborative K-6) program prepares you to serve as a resource and advocate for exceptional students and their families. You will gain the skills needed to improve your students’ quality of life and expand their knowledge, and examine how to create a safe, inclusive connection to support these learners’ academic, social, vocational and behavioral needs. You can also take additional courses to obtain your Collaborative K-12 certification.

The master’s in Special Education (Collaborative 6-12) program is tailored to enhance the skills you need to provide innovative, inclusive classrooms and technologies to assist learning. The program positions you to help your secondary school students reach their full potential. You can also take additional courses to obtain your Collaborative K-12 certification.

The master’s in Special Education (Early Childhood P-3) program strengthens your skills to harness a child’s natural curiosity to develop essential life skills. Learning begins early and this program prepares you with professional experience in early childhood education to be a mentor to your students in lifelong learning.

The master’s in Special Education (Severe Disabilities) program is designed to prepare you to teach students with severe disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, autism, multiple disabilities, physical disabilities or other health impairments. This program equips you to be an effective communicator and mentor for those with severe learning exceptionalities.

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

SPE 571 Educating Young Children With Disabilities
SPE 572 Early Childhood Development
Advisor-approved Foundations of Professional Studies course
SPE 576 Assessment of Young Children
CAT 531 Computer-Based Instruction
SPE 502 Advanced Behavior Management for Special Educators
SPE 578 Methods for Teaching Young Children With Disabilities
SPE 575 ESCE Practicum
Advisor-approved elective
BER 550 Evaluation of Classroom Learning (required for those who have not taken an evaluation and learning course)
SPE 500 Introduction to Exceptional Children and Youth (required for those who have not taken a special education survey course)
Total Hours 33-36

SPE 593 Introduction to Severe/Profound Disabilities
SPE 506 Working With Families
SPE 501 Diagnosis and Assessment of Exceptional Children and Youth
CAT 531 Computer-Based Instruction
SPE 502 Advanced Behavior Management for Special Educators
SPE 514 Teaching Consultation Model in Special Education
SPE 594 Methods in Severe Disability
SPE 597 Transition in Special Education
SPE 595 Practicum in Severe Disabilities Education (K-12)
Advisor-approved cognate courses (6 hours)
SPE 500 Introduction to Exceptional Children and Youth (required for those who have not taken a special education survey course)
Total Hours 33-36

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, Severe Disabilities and Gifted and Talented only)
A valid bachelor’s level professional educator certificate or higher in any teaching field (for Collaborative K-6, Collaborative 6-12 and Early Childhood)
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.