Special 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 department 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. We strive 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.

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED
SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

The Department of Special Education offers degrees and certifications across undergraduate through doctoral studies.

Undergraduate degrees and Class B certifications include multiple abilities (four certifications: K-6 special education, B-3^rd special education, Pk 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, early childhood special education (birth-3rd grade) and gifted. 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 (B.S.E.)

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, Pk general education)
Program Coordinators: Sharron Maughn and Lisa Burgess

Collaborative Special Education
(Class B k-12 special education certification)
Program Coordinator: Amy Williamson

Master of Arts (M.A.)

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, early childhood special education, gifted, 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 off-campus 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.

Collaborative Special Education
Program Coordinator: Amy Williamson

Early Childhood Special Education
Program Coordinator: Ragan McLeod

Gifted
Program Coordinator: Kristen Lamb

Autism
(non-certification)
Program Coordinator: Lauren Rollins

Severe Disabilities
Program Coordinator: Kagendo Mutua

Education Specialist (Ed.S.)

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 off-campus 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 (Ed.D.)

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 off-campus 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 (Ph.D.)

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 (link to application here). The PhD focuses on courses and experiences that provide a foundation across research, teaching and service.

PhD in Special Education
Program Coordinator: Sara McDaniel