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myBama
Center for Interconnected Behavioral & Mental Health Systems

Graduate Programs

Interested in pursuing a graduate degree in
Special Education or School Psychology?

Here are the College of Education’s related programs:

Master of Arts

The five master’s degrees in Special Education offer Class A certification and are online. You can choose an area of interest across: Collaborative Special Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Autism (not leading to BACB) or Severe Disabilities. Many of the required courses are offered as a core prior to specialized courses in your area of choice. These degrees are open to anyone with an undergraduate Class B certification.

The master’s degree in Educational Psychology (School Psychometry) combines educational psychology with psychometric assessment techniques, equipping students with the skills to conduct psychological evaluations, interpret test results and develop strategies to support academic and emotional growth. This degree is offered online and leads to Class A certification. The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP).

Education Specialist

The EdS degree in Special Education leads to Class AA certification in Alabama and is fully online. It includes the following areas of focus: Collaborative, Gifted, Autism, Severe/Transition and Early Childhood Special Education. Courses are offered synchronous, asynchronous and hybrid. The program is open to anyone with a Class B certification and master’s degree by application.

The College offers two options for an EdS in Educational Psychology (School Psychology):

Option 1 leads to Class AA certification and is in person only on the main UA campus. This program is accredited by CAEP and recognized and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Graduates are eligible to apply for the NCSP. For Class AA certification, graduates may apply via the National School Psychologist Approach. 

Option 2 is a distance learning/hybrid program designed for working professionals. It is accredited by CAEP and recognized and approved by the Alabama State Department of Education as well as NASP. Graduates are eligible to apply for Class AA certification in School Psychology and may independently apply for the NCSP through the portfolio submission process with NASP.

Doctor of Education

The Special Education EdD program is online and focuses on preparing advanced special education practitioners and leaders. It is capped at 25 students per cohort and requires a Capstone Project in place of a traditional dissertation. The program offers core courses across Special Education and electives in areas of interest.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Special Education PhD is a traditional in-person doctoral program offered by application only. The degree is focused on preparing graduates for positions in academic or research settings. Graduate assistantships may be provided as available. The program provides a foundation across research, teaching and service.

PhD in Special Education

Program Coordinator: Sara McDaniel

When inquiring, please explain why this program is a good fit for your interests, goals, and areas of academic or professional development. In your response, discuss how the program’s strengths, resources, curriculum, research opportunities, or faculty expertise align with what you hope to achieve. Please also identify two or three faculty members you would be particularly interested in studying with and explain why their work connects to your interests and goals.

The School Psychology PhD program focuses on the provision of school psychology services that are based on a strong foundation of research, preparing students for direct school-based practice and for careers as faculty members, researchers and practitioners. This degree leads to national certification, is offered on campus only and is accredited by CAEP as well as approved by the NASP.