Special Education
The Special Education program at UAA prepares educators and leaders to make a difference for students with disabilities in Alaska’s schools and communities. Our programs are designed for certified teachers, administrators, and related service providers who want to expand their expertise and advance their careers.
All courses are offered online in live, interactive, and asynchronous sessions that connect educators across the state. Coursework blends research-based strategies, practical tools, and Alaska-focused applications—so graduates are ready to lead change in their classrooms, districts, and communities.
Students can pursue a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Special Education, a Graduate Certificate in Special Education, or a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Leadership in Special Education. Each program is approved by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) and reflects the real needs of Alaska’s schools.
The Special Education program is designed to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in Alaska. However, the program might not meet the educational requirements for other states' professional licensure or certification. Please see UAA’s Licensure and Certification website for more information.
Important Notice about Planning a Practicum or Internship
The Special Education Practicum/Internship application deadline for Fall semester
is the second Friday of February. The deadline for Spring semester is the second Friday
of September
Program Information
Master of Education, Special Education
Catalog links to current catalog year; see the catalog archives to view previous years.
Program Overview
The MEd in Special Education (SPED) is for currently certificated teachers who do not yet have a master's degree and would like to add the Special Education Endorsement.
Student outcomes for the program are based on the professional standards of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Students who complete the Special Education degree program will be able to:
- Utilize a variety of assessments to identify specific areas of student strengths and weaknesses and use the results to guide instruction.
- Individualize instruction to meet the specific needs of students with disabilities in inclusive settings.
- Support and promote inclusiveness and equity for students with diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
- Apply the legal and ethical principles associated with special education.
- Promote a positive social environment for all students, particularly those with significant emotional and/or behavioral disorders.
- Develop and maintain an atmosphere of collaboration with teachers, parents, administrators, and paraprofessionals.
- Critically analyze and apply principles of research.
- Demonstrate literacy regarding theoretical perspectives associated with human development and learning.
Advising
Enrolled students can go to DegreeWorks to view degree progress 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For program advising, contact Dr. Krista James.
Graduate Certificate, Special Education
Catalog links to current catalog year; see the catalog archives to view previous years.
Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Special Education (SPED) is for currently certificated teachers who already hold a master's degree and would like to add the Special Education Endorsement.
Student outcomes for the program are based on the professional standards of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Students who complete the Special Education degree program will be able to:
- Utilize a variety of assessments to identify specific areas of student strengths and weaknesses and use the results to guide instruction.
- Individualize instruction to meet the specific needs of students with disabilities in inclusive settings.
- Support and promote inclusiveness and equity for students with diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
- Apply the legal and ethical principles associated with special education.
- Promote a positive social environment for all students, particularly those with significant emotional and/or behavioral disorders.
- Develop and maintain an atmosphere of collaboration with teachers, parents, administrators, and paraprofessionals.
- Critically analyze and apply principles of research.
- Demonstrate literacy regarding theoretical perspectives associated with human development and learning.
Advising
Enrolled students can go to DegreeWorks to view degree progress 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For program advising, contact Dr. Krista James.
Graduate Certificate, Advanced Leadership Special Education
Catalog links to current catalog year; see the catalog archives to view previous years.
Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Leadership in Special Education (SPED) is designed for school- and district-based administrators, special education teachers, and related service providers seeking advanced preparation in serving students with special needs. The program develops leadership capacity to improve outcomes for students with disabilities and qualifies completers for an Advanced Leadership in Special Education Endorsement on the Alaska Type A Teacher or Type B Administrator certificate.
Courses are offered online via Zoom and Blackboard to serve educators throughout the state. Students participate in live virtual sessions that foster collaboration and real-world application of leadership, law, and instructional practices in special education.
Student outcomes for this certificate are based on the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) Program and the Council for Exceptional Children Standards. Students graduating with a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Leadership in Special Education will be able to:
- Apply leadership strategies that promote collaboration among stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and support staff.
- Analyze and address systemic barriers to inclusive education within educational institutions.
- Apply knowledge of diverse learning styles and disabilities to design and implement individualized educational plans (IEPs).
- Use evidence-based instructional strategies and interventions to support the academic and social-emotional growth of students with disabilities.
- Demonstrate the ability to assess student progress and make data-driven instructional decisions.
- Interpret assessment data to inform instructional planning and IEP development.
- Ensure compliance with legal requirements related to assessment and reporting for students with disabilities.
- Understand and apply federal and state laws related to special education, including the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Section 504, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Advising
Enrolled students can go to DegreeWorks to view degree progress 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For program advising, contact Dr. Krista James.