Special Education
The Special Education program is designed for currently licensed teachers seeking advanced professional preparation to add the special education endorsement to a Type A license. The program encompasses theory, research, and practice relating to individuals who experience disabilities. Program options include a Master of Education (MEd) in Special Education, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Special Education.
The Special Education program offers courses online via Zoom web conferencing and the BlackBoard Learning Management System (LMS) in order to serve the entire state of Alaska. These courses meet weekly on a specific day and time in a virtual classroom. Anyone with reliable internet access, a computer, and microphone can participate in our online courses.
Graduate applications for the MEd and Graduate Certificate in Special Education are accepted year-round. Program faculty review applications and make admissions recommendations during the summer. Candidates admitted to the Special Education program begin coursework in the fall immediately after acceptance.
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.