AUM's online Education Specialist in Elementary Education program offers a variety of concentrations to help you specialize your degree to your career needs. The courses in these concentrations are designed to build on your existing knowledge of education and help you grow in your teaching career.

Online EdS in Elementary Education
Build on Your Foundation as an Elementary Educator
Study with expert faculty and become a leader in your school with an Education Specialist in Elementary Education degree from Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM). In this program, you’ll strengthen your knowledge of content, curriculum, and student needs, while preparing for Class AA certification.
This program also offers concentrations that will help you tailor your degree to your own interests. Get started now to move toward your future in education.
Tailor Your Elementary Education Specialist Degree
Why Choose AUM for Your Online Education Degree?
Expand your teaching proficiency, increase your salary, transition into administration — there are many reasons to pursue your teaching degree online with AUM. Because we offer advanced education programs in numerous focus areas, you can build the right qualifications for your aspirations.
Qualify for a Higher Salary
Alabama teachers with master’s degrees make as much as 15% more than those with a bachelor’s degree, and completing an EdS or EdD program helps increase your pay even more.1
Feel Supported Every Step of the Way
AUM provides personal guidance from the moment you apply through graduation. You can access academic and career resources online, getting support for succeeding as a student and a teacher
Join an Empowering Online Community
AUM's instructors apply their teaching experience to personalize each online course and provide an engaging community that promotes collaboration and shared success among students.
Experience the Convenience of AUM Online
Our online education degrees deliver the flexibility needed to continue teaching while completing your courses, with the option to take classes using your laptop or mobile device.
Teacher Certification Options
Earn your Education Specialist in Elementary Education degree at AUM and advance from Class A to Class AA certification in Alabama. Upon completion of this online program, you'll be prepared 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.
Obtain Class AA Certification in Alabama
During your course of study in AUM's online Education Specialist in Elementary Education program, you'll prepare yourself to advance from a Class A certification to a Class AA certification, 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 Elementary 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.

CAEP-Accredited Programs
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits the online special education degrees.
Careers for Education Specialists in Elementary Education
AUM is proud to offer our students support through the Career Development Center, which exists to educate, empower, and create opportunities for your career success. By earning your EdS in Elementary Education degree, you’ll be opening the door to new opportunities, higher pay, and a Class AA certification. Regardless of what stage you’re at in your career, this degree will help you become a stronger leader and unlock your full potential.
Instructional Coordinator
$74,720
per year2
School Principal
$104,070
per year2
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
Fit Your Degree Into Your Life
Study on your own schedule with self-paced coursework and multiple start dates each year, so you can begin when you're ready.
Get Support Every Step of the Way
From academic advising to tutoring and career services, a real team is ready to help you feel confident from your first class to graduation.
Start Your Journey Today
Whether you're weighing your options or ready to enroll, AUM's engagement specialists can help you find the right online degree program and answer your questions along the way. Connect with our team to learn more or apply now to take the next step toward your career goals.
Sources
- Auburn University at Montgomery. AUM's College of Education Alumni Employment Update 2020-2021. Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://www.aum.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/AUM_Alumni_Employment_Update_2020-2021.pdf.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Elementary, Middle, and High School Principles." Retrieved November 7, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm.