Online EdS in Special Education
Advance as a Thoughtful Leader in Special Education
100% Online
1.5 Years
30 Credit Hours
$465 per Credit (In-State)
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Expand on Your Special Education Expertise in the Classroom
Teaching students with disabilities is a rewarding calling, but one that requires expert skill sets. By earning an Education Specialist in Special Education degree from Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM), you’ll strengthen your knowledge and skills in the classroom and better equip yourself to lead.
With multiple concentrations to choose from and classroom-based assignments, you can hone skills in your specific area of teaching and accelerate your career.
Teacher Certification Options
The Education Specialist in Special Education program at AUM will prepare you to advance from Class A to Class AA certification in Alabama. Upon completion of this online program, you’ll be ready to submit your application to the Alabama State Department of Education.
Certification requirements vary by state. Be sure to review the requirements for the location where you plan to teach after completing your program.
Certification DetailsProgram Details
- Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- AUM is ranked among the Best Value Schools for 20241
- Military Friendly® Gold Status for 2023-20242
- No GMAT testing requirements for qualifying students
Tailor Your Special Ed Degree for Your Classroom
Depending on the age of your students, AUM’s online education specialist degree allows you to choose a concentration that works best for you. Each of our unique concentrations is built to expand on your knowledge in the classroom, better equipping you to lead and solve problems.
Grow in Knowledge as a Special Ed Teacher
10 Online Courses
Class AA Preparation
Further develop your understanding of the advanced principles of special education with AUM’s online EdS in Special Education degree. In addition to a practicum in your chosen concentration, you’ll take courses in law and leadership, special education issues and trends, policies and practices, technology for inclusion, and more. This fully online program will prepare you to advance from Class A to Class AA certification in Alabama.
Course Highlights
- Advanced Study of Consultation and Collaboration
- Research in Special Education
- Seminar in Special Education
- Technology for Inclusion
Get Started to Earn Your Education Specialist Degree Online
Application Deadline 01/05/25 Spring 2025 Semester
Start Date 01/13/25 Spring 2025 Semester
Beginning your online application to the Education Specialist in Special Education program at AUM is simple. Our enrollment team will be able to assist you as you fill out your application, and you can get started online at any time. For more information on admissions requirements, you can reference the chart below.
| Online Application Form | Apply Now |
| Application Fee | $25 |
| Degree and Minimum GPA | Applicants to the EdS in Special Education program must hold a graduate degree, and a Class A teacher certification in any teaching field, and have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. |
| Transcripts | Official transcripts of all completed coursework from your previous college experience. |
| Additional Requirements | Alabama Certificate of Teachers Fingerprint Inquiry Clearance. |
| Transfer Credits | Transfer up to 12 credit hours. Request information for details. |
AUM offers rolling admissions, so it’s always a great time to apply. If you have questions, request information to connect with our admissions team.
Admissions DetailsDiscover a Cost-Effective Way to Boost Your Special Education Career Potential
It’s important to get a high value return out of the degree you pay for. That’s why at AUM, we’re proud to be ranked among the best value schools by U.S. News & World Report.1 Our Education Specialist in Special Education program is a cost-effective way to dive deeper into the art of teaching special education and boost your earning potential with a higher certification. You can find more information on various program costs in the chart below.
| Cost per Credit Hour | $465 for Alabama residents and $511 for non-residents |
| Total Number of Credit Hours | 30 |
| Total Estimated Cost, Minus Fees | $13,950 – $15,330 |
| Additional Fees |
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| Other Costs to Budget For | You may have costs in addition to tuition, such as textbooks, supplies and fees. Take these into consideration as you budget for your degree |
Military Benefits
Auburn University at Montgomery is proud to support the educational goals of military veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, guardsmen, and their families. We participate in the Yellow Ribbon program, and Military Friendly® ranked us among the Top 10 schools for 2023-2024. Moreover, our Veteran and Military Resource Center offers an array of resources for fostering a smooth admissions process and online student experience.
Financial Aid Opportunities
At AUM, we strive to make your online degree program as affordable as possible, with cost-effective tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. We encourage you to complete your FAFSA® form to determine your financial aid eligibility — the school code for Auburn University at Montgomery is 008310.
Tuition DetailsAdvance to Class AA Certification in Alabama
By earning your Education Specialist in Elementary Education degree online, you’ll be prepared to advance from a Class A certification to a Class AA certification in Alabama, increasing your earning potential and level of expertise.
Certification requirements vary from state to state, but Alabama standards comprise of three different certification levels. Below, you can see what minimum education is required for each level in Alabama.
- Class B: Bachelor’s degree
- Class A: Traditional or alternative master’s degree
- Class AA: Education Specialist degree
How to Obtain Class AA Certification
Upon completion of your Education Specialist in Special Education degree from AUM, you’ll be eligible to apply for a Class AA certification in Alabama. This process is done through our College of Educator’s Teacher Certification Office.
You’ll need to meet these requirements to earn Class AA certification through AUM’s traditional EdS in Special Education program:
- A valid Class A Professional Educator Certificate in the same teaching field(s) used as a basis for admission to the Class AA program.
- A survey of special education course is required unless that course was taken for prior level certification. An individual who completed a survey of special education course must take a diversity course that focuses on methods of accommodating instruction to meet the needs of students with disabilities in inclusive settings, multicultural education, teaching English language learners, rural education, or urban education. A course used to meet this requirement for one level of certification may not be used to meet the requirement for a higher level of certification.
- Satisfactory completion of a state-approved program with a minimum GPA of 3.50 on all courses on the approved program plan will be required.
- Successful completion of a practicum shall be required for initial certification in a special education teaching field.
At the present time, there is no testing requirement for Class AA certification for teachers except for teachers who earn initial Class AA certification as a collaborative special education teacher (K-6) or (6-12). Such teachers must meet the Alabama State Department’s Praxis II requirements.
Increase Your Special Education Earning Potential
AUM’s online EdS in Special Education program prepares you to enhance your special education career. As a student at AUM, you’ll have access to our Career Development Center, which exists to educate, empower, and create opportunities for success. You’ll also learn skills that will make you a competitive job candidate and expand your earning potential.
Through the support you receive and the skills you develop, you’ll be empowered to take your career to the next level.
Salaries for Teachers with EdS Degrees in Alabama
5 Years of Teaching Experience $60,317 per year3
10 Years of Teaching Experience $65,527 per year3
Program Outcomes
Mastering specific leadership and communication skills is vital in the special education classroom, and AUM’s online education specialist program will help develop those skills. Through practical coursework, you’ll learn to support the emotional, social, and behavioral growth of students with disabilities, unlocking your full potential as a teacher. You’ll also prepare to advance your certification in Alabama, which will raise your earning potential.
What You’ll Learn
- Demonstrate deep content and pedagogical knowledge in their field of study
- Use knowledge of students to construct positive learning environments
- Learn to include all students, treat them equitably, and effectively communicate with various stakeholders of diverse backgrounds in a positive manner
- Create an inclusive learning environment to address all students’ needs (academic, social, etc.)
- Strategically plan for and implement engaging instruction relevant to learning environments
- Purposefully plan assessment opportunities to measure learning outcomes, interpret data, and use data collected to provide feedback and data-based opportunities for growth
- Incorporate appropriate field-based use of technology to enhance the learning environment
- Demonstrate “educators are lifelong learners” mindset
- Partner with families and community organizations to create true partnerships for effective learning environments
Meet Our Faculty
At AUM, you’ll feel supported by expert faculty members who bring valuable teaching and professional backgrounds to each online class. Our online instructors have completed extensive training in designing and teaching online courses, further elevating your experience as an online student.
Dr. Sara Bicard
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Sara Bicard, Professor
Dr. Sara Bicard received a PhD in Special Education/Applied Behavior Analysis from The Ohio State University in 2002. She has been a board-certified behavior analyst since 2001. Her experience with students with learning and behavioral disorders primarily has been classroom-based as a middle school inclusion teacher, but also clinical as a behavior analyst for the Florida foster care system.
Since coming to AUM in 2011, Dr. Bicard has taught a variety of graduate courses, such as: Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers, Advanced Assessment for Diverse Learners, Advanced Study of Teaching Math and Reading Skills to Students with Exceptionalities, Research in Special Education I and II, and Special Education Law and Leadership. The goal of her research and writing is to identify effective and efficient instructional strategies and materials for individuals with learning difficulties through utilizing applied behavior analysis tactics and strategies. One of the most rewarding projects of her career has been as the co-director of the WarhawkFit Program for Consumers with Developmental Disabilities, which provided fitness screenings and individualized wellness programs for adults with developmental disabilities in the AUM Wellness Center.
A Quality Experience for Online Learners
Earn your degree online from Auburn University at Montgomery to experience a quality education with the flexibility to succeed in class and your career. You can complete your coursework using your laptop or mobile device with opportunities to study when and where it’s convenient.
- Academic support: Access online advising and tutoring
- Career services: Prepare to succeed after graduation
- Help desk: Get technical assistance for your program
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View ProgramSources
- .S. News & World Report. “Auburn University at Montgomery Rankings.” Retrieved January 18, 2024, from https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/auburn-university-at-montgomery-8310/overall-rankings.
- Military Friendly®. “Auburn University at Montgomery.” Retrieved January 18, 2024, from https://www.militaryfriendly.com/auburn-university-at-montgomery-is-military-friendly/.
- Alabama State Department of Education. “FY 2024 Foundation Program, State Minimum Salary Schedule, Classroom Teachers.” Retrieved January 4, 2024, from https://www.alabamaachieves.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/LEAACCT_2023630_FY-2024-Salary-Schedule-for-Teachers_V1.0.pdf.