Special Education (Teacher Certification), MEd

The MEd in special education (teacher certification) is for those who already have a bachelor's degree in any field and want to become licensed to teach mild-moderate special education or who want to pursue dual-certification in special education and elementary education. The program builds on connections between educational design and decision-making and is designed to foster strong professional growth and leadership development.

All courses are offered remotely, and students select one of two modalities: 

• For our graduate degree programs leading to teacher certification, MLFTC offers students in Arizona the option to take classes in real time, remotely via ASU Sync. Regularly scheduled evening classes take place via Zoom, usually two nights per week. Classes are designed to foster active collaboration and discussion with top-tier faculty members and peers throughout Arizona.

  Teaching residencies and internships will be completed at a school near you. Our Office of Professional Experiences will work with you to identify a placement at a school in your local area where a certified teacher will mentor you.

  If you are currently working as a paraprofessional or classroom aide, you may be able to complete your professional experience at your school — pending access to a class and program alignment.

  All placements must be approved by MLFTC’s Office of Professional Experience.

• ASU Online offers classes via asynchronous instruction. Instructors and students are not in the same physical space and do not meet at the same time, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedules. Students completing their program through ASU Online must apply and be admitted to the Online campus. 

This program can be taken in three continuous semesters allowing students to complete the program in one year. Students can also enroll part-time over additional semesters.

Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College faculty actively engage in the educational research community, bringing new and relevant knowledge into the program. Students engage in their own research through applied project coursework, deepening their knowledge and improving their practice through research, critical evaluation and application of education concepts. 

A series of professional experiences assist students in developing a thorough understanding of teaching and learning as they apply knowledge from their coursework in varied school settings. Individualized guidance through the clinical framework provides students with the support they need to become effective educators.

This program offers two routes leading to Arizona teacher certification: 

• In the traditional certification route, students can pursue dual-certification in Mild-Moderate Disabilities Special Education, K–12 and Elementary Education, K–8. Students complete an internship each semester during the first two semesters. Students also complete two 8-week teaching residencies, including one in a special education setting and one in an elementary education setting.
   
• The alternative certification route provides an alternative pathway to Arizona teacher certification for individuals who are currently employed full-time by a school as a teacher of record. To qualify, individuals must secure a full-time teaching position in an approved content and grade level. This route leads to single certification in Mild-Moderate Disabilities Special Education, K–12. Students in this route are not able to pursue dual certification.

The coursework is similar in both certification routes and culminates in an applied action research project in which students apply what they’ve learned to address a challenge in their classroom.

Graduates from the traditional certification route will earn an institutional recommendation from ASU that is recognized by the Arizona Department of Education for Arizona teacher certification in Mild/Moderate Disabilities, K-12 and Elementary Education, K–8. 

Graduates from the alternative certification route will earn an institutional recommendation from ASU that is recognized by the Arizona Department of Education for Arizona teacher certification in Mild/Moderate Disabilities, K-12.  

In order to teach in an Arizona public school, graduates must pass the appropriate Arizona professional knowledge and/or subject knowledge educator exams: National Evaluation Series or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments. 

This program may also lead to licensure in other states. Learn more about professional licensure: https://admission.asu.edu/academics/licensure

View program handbook