Master of Arts in Education Degree in Collaborative Special Education

Master of Arts in Education Degree

The Master of Arts in Education degree is awarded in the following major fields: school counseling, instructional leadership, early childhood education PK-3, elementary education K-6, P-12 education, secondary education, and special education: collaborative teacher K-6 and/or 6-12. Programs range from 33-60 semester hours. See program requirements below.

Special Education Collaborative Teacher K-6 and/or 6-12 (Alabama State Board of Education Approved)

  1. Prerequisite: valid Class B professional educator certificate in any field or level.
  2. All Collaborative Special Education candidates must have a passing score on the appropriate Praxis II assessments. See Certification Officer for Requirements.
  3. Graduate students pursuing a MAED in Special Education, leading to recommendation of a Class A Alabama Professional Educator Certificate, will follow either the initial or advanced path for coursework. Both paths require core coursework in research, assessment, technology and current issues. Candidates should consult with their education advisor regarding which path of coursework to complete. 

Initial Path - Class A Alabama Professional Educator Certificate in any Teaching Field

The Initial Path is for candidates who hold a Class B Alabama Professional Educator Certificate in any teaching field and want to be recommended for a Class A  Collaborative Special Education Teacher K-6 and/or 6-12 certificate. This path requires completion of a Practicum in Special Education during your last semester, which is completed within a special education environment at the grade level for which certification is sought (K-6 and/or 6-12). 

Required Teaching Field Courses15-18
Behavior Analysis
High-Incidence Exceptional Learning Needs
Low-Incidence Exceptional Learning Needs
Special Education Law
Transitions in Special Education (Only required for 6-12)
Practicum in Area of Specialty
Required Additional Courses15-18
Methods of Action Research for Educators
Applied Action Research for Educators
Instructional Technology
Trends in Special Education
Collaborative Partnerships
Special Education Assessment
Survey of Students with Disabilities (Only required if an approved survey course on exceptional learners is not previously completed)
Total Hours for K-630-33
Total Hours for 6-1233-36

Advanced Path - Class A Alabama Professional Educator Certificate in Collaborative Special Education

The Advanced Path is designed for candidates who hold a Class B Alabama Professional Educator Certificate in Collaborative Special Education and want to be recommended for a Class A Collaborative Special Education Teacher K-6 and/or 6-12 certificate. Candidates in the Advanced Path are able to further their professional knowledge and skills through specialized coursework on focused and current topics in special education.

Required Teaching Field Courses15-18
Dyslexia/Rel Lrng Disabilities
Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Collaborative Partnerships
Transitions in Special Education (Only required for 6-12)
One Advisor Approved Elective
Required Additional Courses15-18
Methods of Action Research for Educators
Applied Action Research for Educators
Instructional Technology
Trends in Special Education
Special Education Assessment
Survey of Students with Disabilities (Only required if an approved survey course on exceptional learners is not previously completed)
Total Hours for K-630-33
Total Hours for 6-1233-36