Special Education - College of Education

The Department of Special Education seeks to enhance the quality of life for individuals, their families, educators and employers by helping each student to realize their potential.

Our faculty, staff and students research and leverage evidence-based interventions and assessments to support collaborative, inclusive, equitable approaches across home, school and community with a focus on the strengths and needs of all children, students, educators and families. We seek to instruct and equip teachers with knowledge using research-based practices that prepare them to meet the needs of students from birth into adulthood through home, school and community. Our department strives to conduct research, support existing research and translate it into our practices to enrich the lives of diverse learners in any environment.

We are passionate about the field of special education and appreciate your interest in our programs described below.

LEARN More ABOUT
OUR Graduate Programs

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED
SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Our department offers degrees and certifications across undergraduate through doctoral studies.

Undergraduate degrees and Class B certifications include multiple abilities (four certifications: K-6 special education, birth-3rd special education, pre-K general education, K-6 general education) and collaborative education (K-12 special education).

At the master’s level, we offer Class A certification master’s degrees in autism, severe disabilities, collaborative, and early childhood special education (birth-3rd grade). This program is offered online.

At the EdS level, we offer Class AA certification across collaborative, gifted, transition and autism. This program is offered online. Additionally, our practitioner-focused EdD is offered online, and our PhD is offered in person.

Undergraduate (BSE)

Our undergraduate degrees offer a wide range of certifications for preservice teachers seeking to teach in classrooms. Our courses are in person and intentionally scheduled to allow for rich and varied local practicum and internship experiences. Each program is offered in cohorts and is limited to 25 students per cohort. Students should declare special education as their undergraduate degree of interest by spring of their sophomore year. The MAP program requires an application and interview.

Multiple Abilities Program
(MAP; Class B K-6 special education, birth-3rd special education, K-6 general education, pre-K general education)
MAP Undergraduate Application

Collaborative Special Education
(Class B K-12 special education certification)

Programs Coordinator: Elizabeth Michael

The minor in Autism and Neurodiversity Studies is designed to equip future educators and professionals with specialized knowledge and skills to serve individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Minor in Autism and Neurodiversity Studies

Master of Arts (MA)

Funding Alert: Project STAR (Service, Teaching, Advocacy, and Rehabilitation) for MA in Severe Disabilities

(More Information) STAR is a 5-year federally funded personnel preparation project to train 30 masters-level scholars for positions as special education teachers and vocational rehabilitation counselors to work with transition-age students with severe disabilities and to evaluate the impact of an evidence-based approach to interdisciplinary training. STAR scholars will participate in shared interdisciplinary coursework, sequenced field experiences, and mentorship opportunities to gain experience and expertise in working with transition-age students with severe disabilities. Benefits Full tuition for duration of program Annual stipend to support participation in the on-campus Summer Capstone Institute Master of Arts in Severe Disabilities or Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling STAR Scholars develop specialized interdisciplinary expertise in evidence-based practices in transition

The five master’s degrees in special education all offer Class A certification and are all offered online. You can choose an area of interest across Collaborative Special Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Autism (not leading to BACB) or Severe Disabilities. Many of the required courses are offered as a core, then you will have specialized courses in your area of choice. All courses are offered online at the distance learning rate for tuition. Courses across the program are synchronous, asynchronous and hybrid. Synchronous courses are offered in the evenings to allow for full-time employment. These online degrees are open to anyone with an undergraduate Class B certification across the U.S. Depending on full-time or part time enrollment the program will take 1-2 years with summer courses available.

Master of Arts in Collaborative SPE, Early Childhood SPE, Autism or Severe Disabilities
Programs Coordinator: Lauren Rollins

Education Specialist (EdS)

The special education EdS degree leads to Class AA certification in Alabama. This program is fully online and includes numerous areas of focus: collaborative, gifted, autism, severe/transition and early childhood special education. This program is open to anyone with a Class B certification and master’s degree by application. Tuition is offered at the distance learning rate. Courses are offered synchronous, asynchronous and hybrid. Synchronous courses meet in the evenings to allow for full-time employment.

EdS in Special Education
Program Coordinator: Robin Ennis

Doctor of Education (EdD)

The special education EdD program is an online doctoral program focused on preparing advanced special education practitioners and leaders. This program is capped at 25 students per cohort and requires a Capstone Project in place of a traditional dissertation. Synchronous courses meet in the evening to allow for full-time employment. Tuition is offered at the distance learning rate. The EdD offers core courses across special education and electives in areas of interest.

EdD in Special Education
Program Coordinator: Lucy Barnard Brak

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The special education PhD program is a traditional in-person doctoral program offered by application only and in person. The PhD is focused on preparing graduates for positions in academic or research settings. Graduate assistantships may be provided as they are available. The PhD focuses on courses and experiences that provide a foundation across research, teaching and service.

PhD in Special Education
Program Coordinator: Sara McDaniel

When inquiring, please explain why this program is a good fit for your interests, goals, and areas of academic or professional development. In your response, discuss how the program’s strengths, resources, curriculum, research opportunities, or faculty expertise align with what you hope to achieve. Please also identify two or three faculty members you would be particularly interested in studying with and explain why their work connects to your interests and goals.