Strengthen your teaching and leadership abilities by pursuing your Education Specialist degree online at Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM). Our faculty members can personalize the coursework to your education goals, empowering you to improve student performance as a classroom teacher or instructional leader in Alabama.
Online Education Specialist Degrees
Develop Expertise for Leadership Positions at the District or State Level
- Begin an affordable EdS program offered by one of the Best Value Schools, according to U.S. News & World Report1
- Prepare to improve learning outcomes as a teacher or administrator — and boost your salary by acquiring Class AA certification in Alabama
Select the Online Education Specialist Degree for Your Goals
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Why Choose Auburn University at Montgomery for Your EdS Degree?
Qualify for a pay raise, grow as a teacher, develop instructional leadership expertise — you can achieve a lot by earning your Education Specialist degree online at Auburn University at Montgomery. Explore our post-graduate programs and concentrations to find the option that aligns with your goals for improving student performance in Alabama and beyond.
Raise Your Earning Potential Even Higher
Acquiring your EdS degree and Class AA certification helps you make as much as 8% more than teachers with a master's degree.2
Receive Dedicated Support
Auburn University at Montgomery begins empowering your success from the moment you apply, with admissions guidance and a variety of online academic and career resources.
Thrive in Our Online Community
The expert instructors at Auburn University at Montgomery provide a collaborative community that emphasizes shared success among our EdS candidates.
Earn Your Degree in a Flexible Format
We designed our online post-graduate degrees for convenience, allowing you to work full time while completing courses using your laptop or mobile device.
Qualify for Class AA Certification in Alabama
As a regionally accredited university, Auburn University at Montgomery prepares you to attain Class AA certification in Alabama after earning your EdS degree online. This certification demonstrates your higher-level teaching abilities and provides qualifications for leadership roles at the district and state levels.
Class AA Certification Checklist
The steps to teacher certification vary by state, so it's essential to check the requirements for the location where you plan to teach. If you have attained Class A certification in Alabama, here are some of the requirements for moving up to the Class AA level:
- A survey of special education course or an approved diversity course
- Completion of a state-approved Education Specialist program with a 3.5 GPA for courses on the approved program plan
- Practicum completion for initial certification in a special education field
To review additional certification requirements for your online Education Specialist degree, visit your program of interest.
Accreditations and Rankings
Auburn University at Montgomery offers online Education Specialist degrees with accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Get started to experience a nationally acclaimed education recognized by Military Friendly®,5 U.S. News & World Report,1,6 and The Princeton Review,7.
Career Paths for EdS Graduates
Auburn University at Montgomery has prepared more than 32,000 graduates to achieve their goals in education and other career fields. Our online Education Specialist degrees position you for advancement in a variety of roles in Alabama school systems, including the following:
$56,510
School Counselor
average annual salary3
$72,641
Technical Instructional Designer
average annual salary4
$87,950
Education Administrator (K-12)
average annual salary3
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
Apply in minutes
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
- U.S. News & World Report. "Auburn University–Montgomery." Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/auburn-university-at-montgomery-8310/overall-rankings.
- Alabama State Department of Education. "FY 2024 Foundation Program, State Minimum Salary Schedule, Classroom Teachers." Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://www.alabamaachieves.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/LEAACC_20250827_FY2026-Salary-Schedule-for-Teachers_V1.0.pdf.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. "May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Alabama." Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm#13-0000.
- Salary.com. "Technical Instructional Designer Salary in Alabama." Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://www.salary.com/research/salary/recruiting/technical-instructional-designer-salary/al.
- Military Friendly®. "Auburn University at Montgomery." Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://www.militaryfriendly.com/auburn-university-at-montgomery-is-military-friendly/.
- U.S. News & World Report. "Auburn University at Montgomery Rankings." Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/auburn-university-at-montgomery-100830.
- The Princeton Review. "2024 Best Colleges, Best South." Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings?rankings=best-south&sort=name.
