Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation

This program prepares aspiring and current educators to become certified K–12 special education teachers, with the potential to earn dual certification in elementary education.

With two certification pathways, this program is designed for emergency-certified teachers, paraprofessionals, after-school program aides or other professionals working with children, as well as career changers.

Certification routes include:

• Traditional certification
  • Complete online coursework while gaining classroom experience through internships and residencies in local schools. This route leads to certification in K–12 special education, with the option to add a credential in K–8 elementary education.
• Alternative pathways certification
  • Developed for those currently working as a full-time teacher of record with an Arizona Alternative Teaching Certificate (or equivalent in other states), this route allows you to apply coursework immediately but does not offer dual certification.

If you’re interested in a degree without certification, the Master of Education in special education may be a better program for you.

The knowledge and skills you’ll develop

In this program, you’ll build a strong foundation in teaching and content knowledge while gaining real-world experience through internships and residencies. These professional experiences equip you to:

• Develop instructional programs and strategies for students with disabilities.
• Design experiential learning activities.
• Evaluate student performance and adjust teaching methods.
• Modify materials to support varying learning needs.
• Plan activities that foster confidence and self-esteem.

Earning your elementary education master’s with teacher certification provides an ideal path if you want to teach grades K–8 and already have a bachelor’s degree in any field. Whether you're a substitute teacher, a non-education professional changing careers or an aspiring educator, this program will guide you through coursework, exams and hands-on experiences to become a subject matter expert in the classroom.

You’ll gain practical skills in classroom management, inclusive teaching and learning design, all while receiving support from a top-ranked college of education. Plus, by committing to teach in Arizona after graduation, you may qualify for the Arizona Teachers Academy at ASU tuition scholarship.

Two pathways to certification

This program offers two flexible pathways to teacher certification, tailored to fit your individual needs. Both options blend theory with practice through expert instruction from ASU faculty and hands-on internship and student teaching experiences. While both paths provide valuable learning opportunities, their structures are designed to accommodate different schedules and preferences.

• Traditional certification pathway: Ideal if you’re not yet teaching full time, this route combines online coursework with on-site internships and student teaching. You’ll work with a placement coordinator to secure these experiences, ensuring you gain the practical knowledge needed for certification. The internship typically requires one day a week or two half-days a week, while student teaching is a full-time commitment. It’s important to plan financially, as student teaching demands your full focus with no flexibility in scheduling.
• Alternative certification pathway: If you’re already employed as a full-time teacher under an Arizona Alternative Teaching Certificate (or equivalent in other states), this route allows you to earn certification while continuing to teach. Unlike the traditional pathway, you’ll need to secure your teaching position before applying to ASU, but this option lets you implement what you learn in real-time as you complete the program. If you’re interested in obtaining your teacher certification without earning your Master of Education, ASU also offers this standalone online teacher certification graduate certificate.

Both pathways ensure you receive the support and experience necessary to thrive in the evolving educational environment.

Which Master of Education program is right for you?

Each of ASU’s online Master of Education programs is tailored to fit your specific career goals in education, whether you're pursuing a teaching license or looking to advance your career and knowledge.

If you’re looking to teach grades K–8 and earn certification, this elementary education master’s with teacher certification will be the right choice for you. If you don’t want certification and prefer to focus on expanding your expertise in educational theory, our Master of Education in elementary education program is a better option for you.

Additionally, ASU offers an online Master of Education in secondary education with certification and without certification. These programs’ curriculum prepares you for grades 6–12.

Programs with certification are the most popular option because they meet the widespread requirement for state certification, which all public schools mandate for teaching. While some charter, private and international schools don’t require certification, having it generally opens more teaching opportunities. However, earning a Master of Education without certification can also be beneficial, especially if you’re pursuing roles such as a teacher's aide or instructional assistant, or if you're interested in educational theory and research.

This program prepares teachers and professionals working in education to advance their careers. You’ll choose courses based on two focal areas to meet your personal and professional goals. You have two options when selecting your focal areas:

• You can choose two Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation focal areas which include but aren’t limited to:
  • Applied behavior analysis.
  • Autism spectrum disorders.
  • Early childhood education.
  • Educating multilingual learners.
  • Education for planetary futures.
  • Environmental education.
  • Gifted education.
  • Global education.
  • Learning design and technologies.
  • Literacy education.
  • Physical activity/physical education.
  • Special education endorsement.
  • Teaching pedagogy.

*Students who are interested in the special education endorsement should speak to an advisor before selecting this focal area as it has additional requirements.

• Or, you can choose one of the above MLFC focal areas and one of the below focal areas from our partner colleges:
  • Data and society (New College of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Arts).
  • Digital audience strategies (Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication).
  • Social justice and human rights (New College of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Arts).
  • Technical writing and communication (College of Integrative Sciences and Arts).

The program culminates with an applied project in which you’ll design and develop an inquiry study that addresses one or more problems related to your focal areas. You should anticipate needing access to a learner to complete coursework.

Why earn an online master’s in education?

You’ll gain a broad perspective of current educational practices and challenges. You’ll also have a deeper understanding of your focal areas and develop essential skills for education professionals. These skills include effective communication, collaboration, leadership, advocacy and innovation.

Your newfound skills and expertise will help you meet your professional goals, whether you’re working with children, youth or adults in nonprofit settings, community institutions, civic organizations or businesses. Through this program, you’ll also develop a unique identity as an educator who's capable of meeting the needs of diverse learners.

Will this master’s certify me to teach?

The online master’s in education doesn’t qualify students to become a certified K-12 teacher. The program is designed for certified teachers and professionals who already have some level of professional experience in the field of education. Yet, individuals who want to start a new career in education can benefit from this degree as well. The program will give them professional knowledge to start a new job in a variety of non-certified education positions.

In this master’s in education with a concentration in educating multilingual learners program, you’ll learn to recognize, articulate and critique the relationship between language, culture and identity. This key skill will allow you to innovate pedagogical best practices within a classroom or learning environment. You’ll also become equipped with the knowledge necessary to collaborate with peers and educators on developing reading, writing and listening assessments. You’ll learn to create and advance strategies for language and learning advocacy while involving community and families as partners.

The successful graduate will be prepared to apply program models to support language acquisition and assess English learner proficiency.

Why study multilingual education?

As student demographics continue to shift, educators and administrators must become familiar with the sociocultural backgrounds of their students, including their language backgrounds. This program was designed by full-time faculty experts in bilingual/dual language education, linguistics and literacy education. The program also supports current and equity-oriented theory, pedagogy and practice surrounding teaching multilingual learners.

Is this an English as a Second Language or TESOL degree?

While this program does support learners seeking English as a second language (ESL) training, the curriculum extends beyond ESL. It includes content appropriate for both educators and individuals working within their communities at nonprofits or other organizations in which language education is beneficial, such as a refugee coordinator or liaison.

This program is not designed for individuals who want to become a certified teacher, a foreign language teacher to English-speaking students, an interpreter or translator, or those pursuing a teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) degree.

This program does not lead to any type of licensure, certification or testing opportunity. Individuals looking to become TESOL certified may be interested in ASU’s online Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages degree program.

ASU offers programs that lead to professional licensure with the state of Arizona and may allow graduates to be eligible for licensure in other states. Please check the professional licensure list for Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation to determine if this program meets requirements in your state. Note that not all programs within the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation lead to professional licensure. Speak with an enrollment coach for more information.

This program centers on the theories, practices and values that shape inclusive literacy instruction. You’ll learn to design responsive curriculum across diverse learning environments and position literacy as a driver for educational change.

Courses are taught by nationally recognized leaders in literacy education who have contributed to literacy initiatives across the U.S. and led major professional organizations.

Though your coursework, you’ll:

• Design instruction for children, adolescents and adults.
• Examine access to literacy education.
• Explore digital tools and multimodal texts.
• Use assessment as a tool for inquiry and reflection.
• Support diverse learners through inclusive approaches.

You’ll also complete an interactive capstone project where you’ll plan, implement and evaluate a professional development initiative for educators in your community.

Who’s a good candidate for this program?

This program is ideal for educators, literacy advocates and professionals who place literacy at the center of their work, including:

• Educators in K-12 and postsecondary settings
• Professionals working in publishing, nonprofits or education policy
• Career changers passionate about advancing literacy

While this program doesn’t lead to teacher certification, it may support your transition into roles like instructional coach, curriculum specialist, literacy program director or community literacy advocate. As a graduate, you’ll have the skills to make a strong impact in these roles by focusing on research-based instruction and leadership development.

This program explores evidence-based techniques for supporting autistic individuals in educational, clinical, community and workplace settings. You’ll analyze ASD characteristics, dispel misconceptions and evaluate credible sources to guide families and caregivers. Through case studies and peer collaboration, you’ll develop strategies to design and implement effective support systems.

How our ABA and ASD master’s programs compare

ASU offers graduate programs in autism spectrum disorders and applied behavior analysis (ABA). While neither programs lead to teacher certification, these programs benefit educators, administrators, interventionists, psychologists, speech therapists and families with specialized skills related to either ASD or ABA. For those interested in a graduate program that leads to teacher certification, consider ASU’s online Master of Education in special education – teacher certification.

• Master of Arts in special education – autism spectrum disorders
  • This program focuses on understanding ASD and providing a range of support to help autistic individuals thrive. Coursework aligns with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) autism special education standards and emphasizes evidence-based strategies for learning and development. You’ll complete a practicum, gaining hands-on experience through 45 direct contact hours under supervision. Working with an autistic individual in a school, community or family setting is required to meet program requirements.
• Master of Arts in special education – applied behavior analysis (ABA)
  • Through this program, you’ll learn behavior assessment and intervention, preparing you to support individuals with ASD, ADHD and other learning and behavioral needs. This program follows a systematic, research-based approach to behavior modification, leading to eligibility for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) examination.

Both programs provide practical experience and evidence-based training, helping professionals create meaningful, individualized support strategies.

This global education master’s program equips students to research and analyze social programs, as well as inform national and international education policy. You’ll develop the skills to become a global-minded educationalist whose work transcends borders, cultures and disciplines. You’ll also gain an understanding of the importance education plays in the sustainable futures of people and the planet, aligned with the UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals 4, Education 2030.

Additionally, this program encourages interdisciplinary, career-focused learning. You can enroll in three elective courses that tailor your program to career paths in early childhood education, immigrant and refugee education, special education, technology applied to education and more. Upon completion, you’ll be a competitive candidate for various leadership positions in the education sector.

Who’s a good candidate for this program?

This program might be a good fit if you work in an international education setting, especially if you’re responsible for administrating, planning and evaluating educational programs and policies. Relevant professional backgrounds can include working abroad or with international populations in the U.S. You’re also a good candidate if you’re a K-12 teacher looking to add international perspectives to your practice, are passionate about global education issues, want to engage in applied research in your setting or plan to enter the field professionally. Additionally, this program can be a step toward a doctoral degree, such as ASU’s online Doctor of Education in leadership and innovation, or a PhD.

Please note: While this program’s curriculum can help inform teaching practices, it does not lead to teacher certification.

Is this program the same as an international education master’s?

Yes, this global education master’s has the same learning outcomes as an international education master’s. The curriculum combines theory and practice in courses that address local and global educational challenges. You’ll apply social science methodologies and engage in collaborative projects that focus on creating innovative solutions.

Graduates are prepared to examine and help design systems that provide quality education to international and national populations. This includes evaluating and improving innovative and sustainable practices. You’ll also be able to analyze the impact of global education policy through socioeconomic, political and historical lenses.