Special Education Mild to Moderate Disabilities
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Quick Facts
Arizona Online
Asynchronous Online
The Special Education: Mild to Moderate Disabilities masters program is accredited by the Arizona Department of Education and is designed to prepare you to teach students with mild-to-moderate disabilities. Classes are offered in an asynchronous online format for maximum flexibility. Students pass a written comprehensive exam during the final semester of their program. Coursework during the program prepares students for this exam. There is not a thesis requirement.
Build Practical Expertise
Develop the evidence-based skills to effectively teach and support K-12 students with disabilities.
Turn Data into Action
Use assessment data to develop meaningful IEPs and make individualized instructional decisions.
Keep Teaching While You Learn
Complete your degree while continuing to teach, with field experiences designed to connect learning directly to practice.
Prepare for special education roles across K–12 settings, including:
- Resource and intervention classrooms
- Inclusive and co-taught classrooms
- Specialized special education classrooms
- Academic and behavioral support roles
- Special education case management
SERP 502: Behavior and Principles of Disability: Assessment and Intervention
SERP 503: Special Education Law and Policy
SERP 504: Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in SPED
SERP 508A: Mathematics Assessment & Instruction for Special Education
SERP 597E: Consultation and Collaboration
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Official transcripts showing a grade point average of B or higher (3.0 on a 4.0 scale).
- A two-page personal statement describing your experience working with children or youth who have disabilities and how you expect the MA Special Education - Mild to Moderate Disabilities program to improve your impact with children or youth with disabilities.
- Evidence of previous teaching experience. If you do not hold a teaching certificate, we require evidence of experience working with children or youth with disabilities.
- Three professional references who can complete a survey about your ability to do graduate-level work and interact effectively with K-12 students in a classroom.
Submit a video response to a brief student-centered case study to demonstrate your problem-solving and communication skills. No prior special education knowledge is required.
Ready to learn more?
We recommend reading the student handbook for details about our department and our program. For more information, contact Dr. Jennifer White.
Department Contact Information
Department of Disability and Psychoeducational Studies
Education Building, Room 412
520-621-7822