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Master of Education (M.Ed.) Degree with a concentration in Special Education
Online Master’s Degree in Special Education
Designed for educators seeking to earn their mild/moderate special education teaching certification in the state of Arizona, this program combines graduate-level study with practical classroom experience. Through coursework grounded in evidence-based instruction, culturally responsive practice, and learner-centered instructional design, candidates work to gain experience in curriculum planning, assessment, behavior supports, literacy development, and educational technology integration. Candidates also receive structured mentorship and supervision throughout their internship experience, helping bridge theory with real-world application.
Upon program completion, AIU will submit its Institutional Recommendation to the Arizona State Board of Education. However, it is the candidate’s responsibility to complete the certification process with the state.
Next start date
Program Credits
45
Each Course Length
5 Weeks
Location
Online,
Classes start on Jun 17, 2026
Program Outline
The Master of Education in Special Education is designed for individuals seeking to earn their mild/moderate special education teaching certification in the State of Arizona while completing a graduate degree in education. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based instructional practices, inclusive learning environments, and strategies to support the academic, cognitive, social, and emotional growth of students with exceptionalities.
Throughout the program, candidates explore topics such as literacy instruction, educational assessment, classroom management, special education law, individualized education program (IEP) development, and technology-supported instruction. Coursework includes a supervised internship experience which provides hands-on opportunities to apply learning in real classroom settings while receiving mentorship from faculty and field supervisors.
Approved by the Arizona State Board of Education as an Educator Preparation Program and accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), the program helps graduates prepare to pursue Arizona teacher certification to confidently serve students, families, and school communities.
Admission Requirements
In addition to AIU’s general graduate admissions requirements, prospective candidates must meet the following in order to be officially admitted to this program:
- Hold a valid emergency teaching certificate, alternative teaching certificate, or standard teaching certificate for the State of Arizona
- Hold current employment contracted for at least one academic year as a teacher of record with an Arizona PreK-12 educational institution that
- is an AIU educational alliance member, and
- has signed (or will agree to sign) an internship partnership agreement with the University, and
- Have identified a supervising teacher mentor†
†Supervising teacher mentor must possess an Arizona Teacher Certification and a current classification of highly effective or effective pursuant to ARS §§ 15-537.
Licensure Disclosure
AIU has made a determination that this curriculum meets the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the following state: AZ.
AIU has made a determination that this curriculum does not meet the state educational requirements for licensure or certification in the following states: AL, AK, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY.
Last update 6/17/2026
Courses
Course Name
& Number
Course Number
Credits
Program Core
| Research-Based Literacy Instruction ELEM514 | ELEM514 | 4.5 | ||||
| Foundations of Education: Professional Knowledge, Ethics, and Dispositions MED502 | MED502 | 4.5 | ||||
| Education Law: US and AZ Constitutions MED504 | MED504 | 4.5 | ||||
| Human Development, Language Acquisition, and Literacy MED507 | MED507 | 4.5 | ||||
| Assessment, Evaluation, and Data Literacy MED508 | MED508 | 4.5 | ||||
| Teacher Education Capstone MED510 | MED510 | 4.5 | ||||
| 0 | ||||||
| Structured English Immersion and Learning Exceptionality in Elementary Education SEI501 | SEI501 | 4.5 | ||||
| or | ||||||
| Structured English Immersion and Learning Exceptionality in Secondary Education SEI502 | SEI502 | 4.5 | ||||
| 0 | ||||||
| Instructional Foundations and Technology Supports for Mild to Moderate Disabilities SPED501 | SPED501 | 4.5 | ||||
| Learning Environments, Behavioral Supports, and Assessment in Special Education SPED503 | SPED503 | 4.5 | ||||
| Special Education Law, IEP Development, and Transition Planning SPED505 | SPED505 | 4.5 | ||||
| 45 Total Credit Hours | 45 Total Credit Hours | |||||
OUTCOMES
- Demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills required for effective practice as a professional educator or education leader.
- Develop instructional strategies and educational programming informed by educational theory to meet appropriate individual and group learning needs.
- Critically assess the growth and development of all learners.
- Facilitate language development, language acquisition, literacy development, and communication as appropriate for the learner population.
- Design appropriate, evidence-based learning support and interventions for learners with exceptionalities, in alignment with federal and state legal requirements.
- Integrate current educational technology tools and systems in educational design and programming.
- Support the cognitive, social, and emotional development of learners.
- Collaborate with families, communities, and other stakeholders to enhance the educational experience and support student learning.
Classes Overview
-
Instructional Foundations and Technology Supports for Mild to Moderate Disabilities
This course helps teacher candidates prepare to design, implement, and evaluate instruction for learners with mild to moderate disabilities. Candidates explore the foundations of instructional design, including specially designed instruction (SDI); research-based literacy practices; language development and disorders; technology supports; and inclusive instructional methodologies.
-
Learning Environments, Behavioral Supports, and Assessment in Special Education
This course helps teacher candidates prepare to create supportive, inclusive learning environments grounded in effective behavioral strategies, proactive management techniques, and ethical assessment practices.
-
Special Education Law, IEP Development, and Transition Planning
This course is designed to equip candidates with the knowledge and skills to navigate the legal, procedural, and collaborative responsibilities of special educators. Candidates work to develop competencies in IEP development, transition planning, family engagement, and cross-disciplinary teamwork.
Course content subject to change.
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FAQ
This online master’s degree in special education covers evidence-based instructional practices, literacy instruction, educational assessment, classroom management, special education law, IEP development and technology-supported instruction. The curriculum is designed to help candidates support the academic, cognitive, social and emotional growth of students with exceptionalities.
Yes. The Master of Education in Special Education is approved by the Arizona State Board of Education as an Educator Preparation Program and accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), helping graduates prepare to pursue special education teacher certification in the state of Arizona.
Admission requirements for this special education master’s degree online are aligned with Arizona Board of Education requirements. Because this program is designed for individuals preparing for Arizona teacher certification, applicants should also confirm any certification-related eligibility requirements.
A master’s in special education online can help graduates prepare to pursue Arizona special education teacher certification according to Arizona requirements and continue to serve students with exceptionalities in school settings. Graduates may apply their training in areas such as inclusive instruction, IEP development, assessment, classroom management and collaboration with families and school communities.
Yes. Coursework is paired with supervised internship experiences that allow candidates to apply what they learn in real classroom settings while receiving mentorship from faculty and field supervisors. Time commitments can vary based on course load and certification requirements.
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Classes start June 17, 2026
