Special Education

Master's Program

Accredited by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, and the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Earn your master’s in special education at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Our special education degree is the first (and only) program in the United States to earn Exemplary Status by Quality Matters, a recognized leader in quality assurance for online education. All courses for the special education online master’s degree include quality online activities and evaluations that are research-supported and practice-based, and have been peer-reviewed through a rigorous certification process. Graduates of this program experience an almost 100% job placement rate.

Who Is the Master’s Degree in Special Education Designed For?

This program is designed for K-12 special education teachers and other professionals who want to or currently work with students with disabilities but who are not seeking teacher certification in special education. If you’re not already a certified teacher and plan to teach in Alaska, we also offer several certification and endorsement options that you can earn on their own or in combination with a master’s degree.

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Quick Facts

Degree type:

  • Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Availability:

  • Online with synchronous group and class meetings

Accredited by:

  • Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
  • Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

 

Why Earn Your Master’s in Special Education Online at UAF?

Special education teachers make a crucial difference in the lives of children with special needs. Earning your master’s degree will enrich your skills as an educator and provide the foundation for career advancement. Here are reasons to earn your master’s in special education online at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

  • Earn your master’s degree in special education in-person or online in an Exemplary Program (as certified by Quality Matters) with an almost 100% job placement rate for graduates.
  • Get specialized training for teaching in Alaska in a program that integrates knowledge and experiences unique to the Alaska context. You’ll also be well prepared to teach special education elsewhere in the United States and internationally.
  • Learn from experienced educators and receive practical training through various fieldwork experiences in local-to-you K-12 special education classrooms.
  • Engage with peers via a blend of synchronous (scheduled weekly meetings) and asynchronous weekly modules, with most courses meeting five times a semester using Canvas.
Earn your master’s degree in special education entirely online

  • Designed with flexibility to fit your schedule, the special education degree is delivered online with a blend of synchronous (same time meetings) and asynchronous weekly modules, using Canvas. Most classes require field work experience in K-12 special education classrooms.

Benefit from high-quality online education

  • UAF's Special Education program is the first (and only) program in the nation to earn Exemplary Status by Quality Matters, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that is recognized as a leader in quality assurance for online education. All courses include quality online activities and evaluations that are research-supported and practice-based. All courses have been peer-reviewed as a part of the rigorous certification process.

Earn your master’s degree with initial certification or an additional endorsement

  • Earn initial teacher certification or an additional endorsement along with your master’s degree. The certification program is designed for students who are not certified teachers. The endorsement option is for students who are already certified teachers in another area.

Gain specialized training for teaching in Alaska

  • Our program integrates resources, knowledge and experiences unique to Alaska, preparing culturally responsive educators who honor the communities they serve. Our graduates are also well prepared to teach special education elsewhere in the United States and in international schools.

Take part in the Alaska student chapter of CEC

  • The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is a professional organization that sets the standard for children and youth with exceptionalities, making sure that their education needs are met in legislation, establishing professional standards and pushing initiatives forward to improve the field.

 

Programs and cost options

Master’s With Initial Teacher Certification

Designed for students with a bachelor’s degree or higher who have an interest in becoming certified special education teachers, this program leads to teaching certification and a master’s degree in special education. View course requirements for a master’s with initial teacher certification.

The estimated cost of the program based on current rates: $24,605

Master’s With Additional Endorsement

Earn your master’s degree in special education with an additional teaching endorsement. This online special education program is specifically designed for Alaskan teachers and other professionals who don’t have access to the Fairbanks campus.

The estimated cost of the program based on current rates: $22,595

Initial Special Education Teacher Certification

This online certification program is specifically designed for students with a bachelor’s degree or higher who have an interest in becoming certified special education teachers. View course requirements for initial special education teacher certification.

The estimated cost of program based on current rates: $17,165

Teaching Endorsement in Special Education

Earn a teaching endorsement in special education. This program is designed for K-12 teachers in Alaska with an existing teaching certificate who want to or currently work with students with disabilities.

The estimated cost of program based on current rates: $15,155

 

 

UAF Special Education and Teaching program

 

 
Earned Badges for Online Program

Quality Matters Exemplary Online Program 2019 badgeQuality Matters Learner Support 2019 badgeQuality Matters Teacher Support 2019 badgeQuality Matters Learner Support 2018 badgeQuality Matters Program Design 2018 badgeMilitary Friendly School 2021-2022 badge

 

QM certifications are valid for five years.

 

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Special Education?

School districts in Alaska need special education teachers. In fact, the city of Fairbanks ranks third in the nation for metropolitan areas with the highest concentration of jobs for special education teachers at the kindergarten and elementary school level.

Earning your special education master’s degree will help you develop your professional teaching skills and open the door to new career pathways. It’s also a great way to boost your earning potential. The salary of special education teachers with a master’s degree will typically be at the higher end of the salary ranges.

Each state has its own unique requirements for authorization. If you are planning to seek a professional license or certificate in a state other than Alaska, please see the state listings website.

 

Ashley WalleyAs a full-time working mom, it was important for me to be able to participate in the program via the online opportunities that UAF provides. This program provided me the flexibility, expertise, convenience and knowledge needed to become a special educator.Ashley Walley, Special Education Pre-K Teacher at Anderson Elementary on Eielson Air Force Base

 

What Classes Are Required for the Master’s in Special Education?

The special education teaching program includes specific training in the areas of disabilities, assessment, intervention strategies, current law and the implementation of programs including development of legally defensible federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) documents.

View all required classes for the online master’s in special education

Programs Related to Special Education

 

Get Started on Your Master’s in Special Education

Take the next step toward earning your master’s in special education online at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. We have the resources to help you get started.

Talk to an Advisor

Have questions? We have one of the best advising teams of any graduate school for education in the country. Let us know how we can help.

Transfer to UAF

Transferring to UAF? Contact us to walk through the process and make sure you maximize the credits you’ve already earned.

Apply Now

You can enroll in the online master’s in special education program throughout the year. Take a few minutes to submit your online application today.