Master of Arts in Education Degree in Collaborative Special Education

Empower your career and enhance your teaching expertise with UNA’s accredited, fully online Master’s in Collaborative Special Education program. Tailored for certified teaching professionals, this program prepares you for Alabama’s Class A Teacher Certification in Collaborative Special Education K-6 and/or 6-12 grade levels.

Through flexible online coursework, engaging field experiences, and specialized instruction with an emphasis on practical application, you’ll develop the skills and competencies to support and educate students with exceptional needs. The curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world practice, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in their classrooms.
modality

Modality
Online

costs

Costs
$495 per credit hour

credientials

Credientials
M.A.Ed. Collaborative Special Education

time

Time to Complete
Approximately two years, four to five semesters

What can I do with a Master of Arts in Education Degree in Collaborative Special Education?

Graduates with a master's degree in Collaborative Special Education may be eligible for certification in special education. This program may qualify those without prior special education certification for initial certification, while those already holding a Class B certification in special education may pursue advanced certification. In addition to teaching in classrooms, graduates may pursue careers such as curriculum specialists, behavior specialists, or field-relevant therapists. 
They may also engage in advocacy, work as trainers or program managers, serve as educational consultants, organize recreational activities, etc. Additionally, holders of an M.A.Ed. may qualify to teach as Adjunct faculty at an accredited university’s undergraduate programs or become candidates for an Ed. D. or Ph.D. program at another university.
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Course Requirements

  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, must select one of the following paths.  Both pathways require core coursework in research, assessment, technology and current issues.

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 K-6 and/or 6-12 Collaborative Special Education certificate. This path requires the completion of a practicum experience during your last semester, which is completed through practical assignments, classroom instruction, and supervisor observations (on location and/or remote) across K-6 and/or 6-12 special education settings.

Required Teaching Field Courses 15-18
EEX 635
 Behavior Analysis
EEX 640
 High-Incidence Exceptional Learning Needs
EEX 642
 Low-Incidence Exceptional Learning Needs
EEX 650
 Special Education Law
EEX 653
 Transitions in Special Education (Only required for 6-12)
EEX 678
 Practicum in Area of Specialty
Required Additional Courses 15-18
EED 601
 Methods of Action Research for Educators
EED 602
 Applied Action Research for Educators
EED 605
 Instructional Technology
EEX 606
 Trends in Special Education
or EEX 630
 Collaborative Partnerships
EEX 620
 Special Education Assessment
EEX 605
 Survey of Students with Disabilities (Only required if an approved survey course on exceptional learners is not previously completed)
Total Hours for K-6 30-33
Total Hours for 6-12 33-36

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 recommended for a Class A K-6 and/or 6-12 Collaborative Special Education 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 Courses 15-18
EEX 621
 Dyslexia/Rel Lrng Disabilities
EEX 622
 Autism and Developmental Disabilities
EEX 623
 Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
EEX 630
 Collaborative Partnerships
EEX 653
 Transitions in Special Education (Only required for 6-12)
One Advisor Approved Elective
Required Additional Courses 15-18
EED 601
 Methods of Action Research for Educators
EED 602
 Applied Action Research for Educators
EED 605
 Instructional Technology
EEX 606
 Trends in Special Education
EEX 620
 Special Education Assessment
EEX 605
 Survey of Students with Disabilities (Only required if an approved survey course on exceptional learners is not previously completed)
Total Hours for K-6 30-33
Total Hours for 6-12 33-36

Why the University of North Alabama?

With small class sizes and a supportive online learning environment through Canvas, students benefit from engaging in peer discussions, personalized instructor feedback, and ongoing guidance from dedicated faculty members. This program’s focus on supporting students with special needs aligns with the growing demand for educators who are well-versed in inclusive teaching practices, making our graduates highly sought after in the field.

Furthermore, our strong partnerships with local and regional school systems provide valuable field experiences and networking opportunities, enriching the learning journey for our students.

Accreditations

The University of North Alabama is accredited by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctorate-level degrees.

Education degrees at UNA are additionally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
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