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Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College
Special Education (Teacher Certification), MEd
Learn more about Special Education (Teacher Certification), MEd.
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The Master of Education in Special Education offers two options for students seeking Arizona teacher certification in mild-moderate disabilities special education for grades K–12. In either format, you'll build strong connections between theory and practice through quality classroom instruction and extensive professional experiences. The degree culminates with an applied action research project, in which you will engage in your own research by critically evaluating education research related to an action research problem, applying education concepts to your classroom experience, and reflecting on your practice to modify and improve instruction.
Time to completion
Total hours: 33 for degree, plus 12 hours for single certification, or 22 hours for dual certification
Time to completion: 4 semesters (including fall, spring and summer)
Locations & start dates
MAC
Tempe campus (Fall and Spring)
West campus (Fall)
InMAC
Downtown Phoenix campus (Fall)
Credentials
This degree qualifies you for an Arizona educator certification in one or both of the following, depending on which format you pursue:
- Mild/Moderate Disabilities, K–12 (InMAC)
- Mild/Moderate Disabilities, K–12, and Elementary, K–8 (MAC)
You may be required to pass exams required by the state. Learn more from the Arizona Department of Education.
This program may also lead to licensure in other states. Learn more
Careers
This degree prepares you for a career as a:
- K–12 special education teacher
- K–8 general education teacher
- Educator in public, charter or private schools
- Educator working in non-school settings
- Special education director
Professional experiences
MLFTC Professional Pathways internships and residencies allow you to apply knowledge from your coursework in varied school settings, empowering you to develop a thorough understanding of teaching and learning. Individualized guidance provides the support you need to be successful in today’s rapidly evolving educational environment. Choose one of two formats:
Masters and Arizona Certification (MAC) — A traditional format that leads to dual certification. You'll take classes at an ASU campus two nights a week and are required to complete daytime internships for at least two semesters. During the last semester of the program, students complete a full-time split student teaching experience: half the semester in a special education classroom and the other half in an elementary classroom.
Induction, Masters and Arizona Certification (InMAC) — Provides an alternative pathway to teacher certification for full-time teachers on an intern teaching certificate. You must secure a full-time teaching position and take classes one night per week, a format that allows you to earn a salary and benefits while completing your degree. This is a popular option for Teach For America corps members.
Enrich lives and transform your career with a special education master's degree from Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College — one of the top-ranked graduate colleges of education in the world.
Cost & aid
The cost of attendance varies widely. To get an idea of what you can expect to pay, view ASU’s standard cost of attendance.
There are many ways to reduce your costs, including scholarships and grants just for education students. Explore your options
Admission requirements
You must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.
You must also have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution and have at least two years of pre-K through grade 12 teaching experience as a teacher of record. Minimum GPA: 3.0 (in the last 60 hours of your first bachelor's program) or 3.0 in an applicable master's program.
Professional licensure
ASU offers programs that lead to professional licensure with the state of Arizona and may allow graduates to be eligible for licensure in other states. Please check the professional licensure list for Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College to determine if this program meets requirements in your state. Note that not all programs within Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College lead to professional licensure. Contact our enrollment team for more information: GradEducation@asu.edu
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