Special Education
Support All Children as a Special Educator
The School of Education and Human Sciences Special Education programs prepare compassionate and skilled educators dedicated to enhancing outcomes for young children and youth with delays and disabilities and their families. Through rigorous preparation, evidence-based practices, and a commitment to teaming, collaboration, and advocacy, we strive to empower our graduates to foster inclusive, accessible learning environments and become leaders in the field of special education. Our program makes every effort to create meaningful opportunities for all learners to reach their highest potential and thrive in diverse, inclusive communities.
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Available Degrees and Certificates
If you are currently a special educator or want to start your career in special education, we have concentrations in Collaborative Teacher Special Education (K-6, 6-12) and Early Childhood Special Education (Birth through age 8).
We also offer the Graduate Certificate in Supporting Individuals with Exceptionalities, which serves as an add-on specialty to any bachelor’s or graduate degree. The certificate provides expertise in supporting individuals with delays and disabilities.
The Graduate Certificate in Supporting Individuals with Exceptionalities is designed to ensure that students achieve competency in areas such as the following:
- Characteristics of individuals with disabilities.
- Behavior management techniques to support successful participation in inclusive activities.
- Planning and applying effective instruction for learners with delays and disabilities and family engagement.
This certificate consists of 12 credit hours. Depending on their focus, students will be guided by the faculty advisor in selecting four 3-hour courses. The course list can be found in the UAB Graduate Catalog. opens a new website
Collaborative Teacher K-6 and 6-12 Concentration (100% Online)
This concentration is designed for individuals with an undergraduate degree in a field other than education who do not currently hold teacher certification. Students who complete it will be eligible to apply for Class A certification in Collaborative K–6, 6–12 Special Education.
43 hours.
Early Childhood Special Education Concentration (Blended)
This concentration is designed for individuals with an undergraduate degree in a field other than education who do not currently hold teacher certification. This program helps prepare students to work with young children with delays and disabilities and their families in various settings (early intervention, preschool, or K–3 settings). Students who complete it will be eligible to apply for Class A certification in Early Childhood Special Education.
39 hours.
Collaborative Teacher K-6 and 6-12 Concentration (100% Online)
This concentration is designed for individuals who have a bachelor's degree in education and hold current Class B certification. Students who complete it will be eligible to apply for Class A certification in Collaborative K–6, 6–12 Special Education.
30 hours.
Early Childhood Special Education Concentration (Blended)
This concentration helps prepare students to work with young children with delays and disabilities and their families in a variety of settings (early intervention, preschool, or K–3). Students who complete it will be eligible to apply for Class A certification in Early Childhood Special Education.
39 hours.
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Learn about specific program details, admissions requirements, scholarships, and more!
Curriculum
The curriculum for the Special Education programs are innovative and rigorous, ensuring every candidate gets the proper instruction needed to be a special educator. Depending on the program, students will take classes in positive behavioral supports, IEP program and lesson planning, physical and health care support, and research and problems in reading, to name a few. Review the course catalog for more specific requirements for each degree.
Why Choose a Special Education Graduate Program at UAB
Online and Blended Formats Offered
The Special Education programs are offered in fully online and hybrid options for students who work full-time and want to pursue a graduate degree.
Accredited
The Counsel for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the Alabama State Department of Education accredits the UAB Special Education program. Learn more about Accreditation.
Simple Admissions Process
People
Staff
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Graduate Recruiter Mary Frances Lembke
Faculty
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Program CoordinatorUniversity Professor Jennifer Kilgo EdD -
Program CoordinatorAssistant Professor Mary Rose Sallese PhD