Special Education - Mild-Moderate Disabilities (MA)
Main Campus, Tucson, United States
Master of Arts in Special Education - Mild to Moderate Disabilities
University of Arizona
Special Education
Program Overview: MA in Special Education - Mild to Moderate Disabilities
The Special Education: Mild to Moderate Disabilities MA program at the University of Arizona is accredited by the Arizona Department of Education and is designed to prepare you to teach students with mild-to-moderate disabilities. Students who successfully complete the program and student teaching are eligible to apply for the Provisional Mild to Moderate (K-12) Special Education Teaching Certificate in the state of Arizona.
Courses in the program are delivered in a variety of formats, including online and in-person, with evening and hybrid class options for maximum flexibility. Core coursework covers essential topics such as introduction to special education, behavior principles and disability, and special education law and policy, while specialization courses focus on academic assessment, basic academic skills instruction, and language development for exceptional children.
The program is housed within the Department of Disability and Psychoeducational Studies, which is dedicated to advancing human and economic development through the empowerment and effective inclusion of culturally diverse individuals with disabilities. Graduates are equipped for high-demand roles in special education or to support inclusive practices in general education classrooms.
Key Program Highlights
- Accredited by the Arizona Department of Education with a pathway to K-12 Special Education Teaching Certification
- Flexible delivery with evening, hybrid, and online course options to accommodate working professionals
- One-year accelerated completion option available for eligible students, reducing overall program cost by at least 20%
- Embedded fieldwork and supervised teaching experiences in real special education settings
Curriculum and Course Modules
The MA in Special Education - Mild to Moderate Disabilities combines rigorous core coursework in special education foundations with specialized courses tailored to teaching students with mild-to-moderate disabilities. You and your advisor will collaboratively plan the order of courses, any additional required or optional coursework, and the overall length of your program.
SERP 500: Introduction to Special Education
3 creditsProvides a comprehensive foundation in the field of special education, covering disability categories, legislation, service delivery models, and current issues affecting students with disabilities.
SERP 502: Behavior Principles and Disability
3 creditsFocuses on the use of behavior principles to positively support individuals with disabilities, with emphasis on evidence-based strategies for behavior management and intervention planning.
SERP 503: Special Education Law and Policy
3 creditsExamines the legal foundations of special education including IDEA, Section 504, and ADA, and their implications for educational practice and policy implementation in K-12 settings.
SERP 507A: Academic Assessment - Mild-Moderate Disabilities
3 creditsCovers systematic assessment approaches for identifying and evaluating the academic needs of students with mild-to-moderate disabilities, including formal and informal assessment tools and IEP development.
SERP 511A: Basic Academic Skills for Mild-Moderate Disabilities
3 creditsFocuses on the systematic assessment and instruction of core academic skills including reading and mathematics for students with disabilities, covering instructional planning, curriculum modification, and remediation of persistent error patterns.
SERP 534: Language Development for the Exceptional Child
3 creditsExplores language acquisition and development in children with disabilities, addressing assessment, intervention strategies, and instructional techniques to support language and communication skills.
Additional Coursework and Electives
Admission Requirements
Admission to the MA in Special Education - Mild to Moderate Disabilities at the University of Arizona is competitive. Applicants are evaluated on academic achievement, relevant experience with children or youth with disabilities, and their potential to succeed in graduate-level coursework. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on preparing a strong application.
Academic Requirements
- Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required
- Minimum GPAA grade point average of B or better (3.0 on a 4.0 scale)
- Personal StatementA two-page personal statement describing your experience working with children or youth with disabilities and how you expect the program to improve your impact
- Letters of RecommendationThree professional letters of recommendation, preferably from persons who can attest to your ability to do graduate-level work and interact effectively with children and youth
- InterviewAn interview with a faculty member, which may be conducted in person, by phone, or via teleconferencing
English Language Requirements
- TOEFL iBTContact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
- IELTSContact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
- Duolingo English TestContact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
The University of Arizona College of Education and Graduate College offer a variety of funding opportunities for graduate students in special education, including scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and loan forgiveness programs. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on identifying and applying for available funding.
Civitan Special Education Endowed Scholarship
Established by the Tucson Chapter of Civitan International, this scholarship supports undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in Special Education and Rehabilitation, with preference given to students with disabilities.
Graduate Access Fellowship (GAF)
USD 2,000 per semester for Master's studentsOffered by the UA Graduate College to incoming domestic graduate students who demonstrate academic achievement despite facing challenging social, economic, or educational obstacles, with demonstrated financial need.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program
Up to USD 17,500 in loan forgivenessA federal program that forgives up to USD 17,500 of federally subsidized and unsubsidized loans for qualified special education teachers who fulfill a commitment to service in eligible schools.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects and Outcomes
Graduates of the MA in Special Education - Mild to Moderate Disabilities are prepared for high-demand roles across K-12 education settings. The program equips you to teach, advocate, supervise, or plan programs for children and adults with disabilities, combining theoretical knowledge with real-world classroom experience to expand your career potential.
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings and Recognition
The University of Arizona is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU) and is recognized as a leading public research institution. Its College of Education consistently earns strong placements in national rankings for graduate education programs.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Education | U.S. News & World Report | #54 |
| Rehabilitation Counseling | U.S. News & World Report | #7 |
| Speech-Language Pathology | U.S. News & World Report | #6 |
| National Universities (Overall) | U.S. News & World Report | #109 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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