MA in Special Education
Take your teaching degree to the next level.
As a teacher, you make a difference every day. Educators empower students to overcome challenges, embrace their strengths and reach their full potential. Our online Master of Arts in Special Education provides an opportunity to increase that impact — building a future where every student can thrive.
The program’s three pathway options allow for Michigan teachers to earn initial special education teacher licensure with an endorsement in Learning Disabilities (SM) and the option to pursue additional endorsements in the areas of Emotional Impairment (SE) and Cognitive Impairment (SA).
At A Glance
12-18 months to complete, based on chosen pathway
30-40 credits
100% online
Designed for the working teacher
- Our program is approved by the Michigan Department of Education and the Higher Learning Commission.
- A flexible program for working educators that allows you to pursue your professional goals and continue to contribute to the classroom.
- Experience wrap-around support which includes guidance from an Alma College faculty mentor.
Events
Join us to learn more about the program. Registration is required.
Check back soon for 2025 events.
Apply today
Not sure where to begin? We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Our team is glad to answer your questions and walk you through the application and financial aid process. If you’re not sure if the program is right for you, contact the program director or learn more about Talent Together to help you apply for potential funding.
Submit an Alma College Application
Submit an Alma College Application
Submit an Alma College Application
- Send undergraduate transcripts which show a 3.0 GPA in an education-related major to admissions@alma.edu.
- Students under a 3.0 GPA will be considered on an individual basis by the faculty review committee based on academic and professional experience.
- Provide a proof of your teacher certification.
There is no application fee.
The application deadline for this program is May 1.
Meet the Faculty
Meet the Faculty
Meet the Faculty
At Alma, you’ll benefit from close faculty mentorship. Find out more about your professors.
About the program
About the program
About the program
- Attend virtual classes on weekends, where you’ll connect with your instructors and cohort
- Assignments can be completed during evenings and weekends
Upon graduating you’ll learn how to:
- Harness evidence-based practices
- Provide instruction to students with unique learning needs
- Equips certified teachers to serve students across the special education spectrum
- Supervise support staff in your classrooms
Program Expectations
- All master’s courses must be completed with a grade of B or higher.
- If the candidate has taken special education courses at the graduate level, an evaluation of credits will occur, and a possible course substitution will be allowed.
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees
Tuition and fees
Learn more about the tuition and fees and cost of attendance for the MA in Special Education program.
Pathway Options
Pathway Options
Pathway Options
The Master of Arts in Special Education provides certified teachers with a pathway to initial special education teacher licensure with an endorsement in Learning Disabilities (SM) with the option to pursue additional endorsements in the areas of
- Emotional Impairment (SE)
- Cognitive Impairment (SA)
Explore
Student & Alumni Spotlights
No one describes the Alma experience better than those living it. Explore their stories, in their own words, below.
While I was a student, I would come back to my home school and tell the current special education teachers what I was learning in class — and it was all new or different to them. The curriculum is cutting-edge, and the remote aspect of the program makes it accessible to working professionals.
The amount of information that you get about special education is incredibly useful. Dr. Yates and all of our instructors were so helpful. I am thrilled to be able to take these lessons learned and immediately apply them to the work of helping students succeed.
Because the classes are virtual, it allows me to work full time and pursue this degree while working as a teacher. The professors are really helpful and flexible as they know we are all teaching full time!
While I was a student, I would come back to my home school and tell the current special education teachers what I was learning in class — and it was all new or different to them. The curriculum is cutting-edge, and the remote aspect of the program makes it accessible to working professionals.
The amount of information that you get about special education is incredibly useful. Dr. Yates and all of our instructors were so helpful. I am thrilled to be able to take these lessons learned and immediately apply them to the work of helping students succeed.
Because the classes are virtual, it allows me to work full time and pursue this degree while working as a teacher. The professors are really helpful and flexible as they know we are all teaching full time!