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
Online EdS in Special Education
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.
Tailor Your Special Ed Degree for Your Classroom
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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
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.
Advance 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
Not sure which program is right for you? Check out your options and learn more about the different certification classes. Click here
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.
CAEP-Accredited Programs
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits the online special education degrees.
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.
5 Years of Teaching Experience
$61,524
per year2
10 Years of Teaching Experience
$66,838
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
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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.
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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.
- Alabama State Department of Education. "FY 2025 Foundation Program, State Minimum Salary Schedule, Classroom Teachers." Retrieved November 5, 2025, from https://www.alabamaachieves.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/TEA_20240821_Salary-Schedule-for-Teachers-2024-2025_V1.0.pdf.