Special Education, Grades K-12
Arizona Teacher Certification
Earn your Special Education Teaching Certificate Online
The Post Baccalaureate courses are designed for individuals who have a bachelor's degree or higher (in any area) from an accredited university and would like to become a certified special education teacher.
Students in the Special Education program are preparing to teach children with mild-moderate disabilities in kindergarten through 12th grade. This program requires in-person field experiences and a twelve-week student teaching experience in a K--12 special education setting.
CIPS Code: 13.1001
Program Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Traditional, Special Education, Post Baccalaureate Educator Preparation Program required.
Program Update: Post Baccalaureate Mild/Moderate Special Education
Beginning Fall 2025, the Mild/Moderate Special Education program has been updated to reflect new course requirements and program enhancements required by the Arizona Department of Education. The information provided below applies to students who begin the program during or after the Fall 2025 term.
Students who have been continuously enrolled prior to Fall 2025 will remain on their original program plan. However, if you are interested in moving to the updated plan, please contact the Educator Preparation Program for guidance and advising support.
Notes
- The total amount of credits required for this program is 42 credit hours.
- Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses required within the program.
- Minimum GPA: 3.00
- Not all classes are offered every semester. Contact an academic advisor for additional information.
- EFE291 requires enrollment in an entire semester; however, only 12-weeks in the classroom. Additional courses may not be taken concurrently.
- All application materials are purged after one year from receipt when program enrollment does not transpire.
Required Courses – Level 1
Required Courses – Level 1
Required Courses: All classes must meet the 3.0 overall GPA. Courses with a final grade of “D” or “F” must be retaken regardless of GPA.
| Course # | Course Title | Credits | Field Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDU235 | The Exceptional Learner | 3 | 20 hours |
| EDU242 | Language Development and Disorder | 2 | 0 |
| EDU244 | Special Education Collaboration and Communication Practices |
1 | 0 |
| EDU268 | Science of Reading Including Systematic Phonics Instruction |
3 | 20 hours |
| EDU276 | Classroom Management and Behavioral Analysis |
3 | 20 hours |
| EDU239 OR EDU240 |
Structured English Immersion Grades K-8 or 6-12 |
3 | 0 |
| EDU267 | Reading Instructional Practices, Interventions, and Assessments |
3 | 20 hours |
| EDO100–102 | Student Teaching Orientation | 0 | 0 |
Required Courses – Level 2
Required Courses – Level 2
Level 2 Prerequisites: Completion of Level I and FORMAL ADMISSION to Level II. All classes must meet the 3.0 overall GPA. Courses with a final grade of “D” or “F” must be retaken regardless of GPA.
| Course # | Course Title | Credits | Field Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDU226 | Methods in Special Education (Available Fall 2026) | 3 | 20 hours |
| EDU297 | Language Arts Methods & Curriculum Development | 3 | 0 |
| EDU223AF | Assessment and Eligibility in Special Education |
3 | 0 |
| EDU293 | Mathematics Methods and Curriculum Development |
3 | 20 hours |
Required Courses – Level 3
Required Courses – Level 3
Level 3 Prerequisites: Completion of all Level 1 and Level 2 coursework with 3.0 overall GPA. Courses with a final grade of “D” or “F” must be retaken regardless of GPA.
| Course # | Course Title | Credits | Field Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| POS220 OR POS221 AND POS222 |
U.S. and AZ Constitution (3) OR Arizona Constitution (1) AND U.S. Constitution (2) |
3 | 0 |
| EDU225 | Professionalism & Ethics in Education | 1 | 0 |
| EFE291 | Special Education: Mild-Moderate Student Teaching |
8 | Minimum 12-weeks full time |
