Master of Arts in Education Focus in At Risk and Alternative Education – Online
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Earn your master’s in 14 months — 100% online!
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What You’ll Learn
Earn a Trauma Informed Care Education (TICE) Certificate!
Learn to become more effective at identifying and responding to the needs of children who may have been traumatized and are showing signs of their distress in the educational setting. Graduates of the MAE At Risk and Alternative Education automatically earn a certificate along with their degree as TICE curriculum is embedded into all 10 of the courses in the MAE program.*
*Transfer students are not eligible as all 10 courses must be completed at Marian.

Educator-Student Dynamic
TICE examines the personal relationships between educators and students and takes on a more systemic view and holistic approach. You will be empowered to see how, where and why Trauma Informed Care is embedded within the educational system and become prepared to apply what you have learned.
A First-of-its-Kind Curriculum
We want educators to see the whole picture and play a resourceful and knowledgeable role in delivering Trauma Informed Care to their students. Curriculum is all-encompassing, rather than focused on certain facets. This is a unique level of comprehension, where you will learn to perceive things not just from your vantage point, but also accept and understand the systemic universe in which you are embedded.
Insights from the Program Director
“I am proud to share that TICE is incorporated into our curriculum. Noteworthy is that the ‘E’ in TICE is wholly unique to Marian University. We prepare educators to recognize that our students and our efforts are not in a silo. To be highly effective with students at-risk, and the resources to follow through with these students, calls for systemic awareness, of not only what school system resources are available, but also community, or even state, sources of referral.”
“My time in the At-Risk and Alternative Education Program at Marian has been profoundly impactful, both personally and professionally. I have grown tremendously in both arenas, and the result of my studies has set me on a new course. In fact, I would go as far as to say I am a fundamentally different person and better educator as a result of my time in Marian’s ARAE program.”
Benjamin J. Laarman
– 2020 Marian University Graduate, Alternative Education Teacher and Coach at Niagara High School, Niagara, Wisconsin
“Our goal at Marian is to offer a flagship program of excellence in at-risk education. Children deserve equal opportunity and to be prepared for success – not just in school, but also in life. Our graduates change the world and save lives.”
Dr. Anthony Dallmann-Jones
– Director of the At Risk and Alternative Education Program
MPath Online Program Schedule: 7-Week Accelerated
Wisconsin Teachers
Start by Earning Your Alternative Education License
If you are not ready to commit to a master’s program, the add-on license can quickly boost your skills in reaching vulnerable learners. Just two 100% online summer courses, 6 graduate-level credits, are all it takes to earn your Alternative Education license through Wisconsin’s DPI. These credits can be applied later to the MAE At Risk and Alternative Education.
Master of Arts in Education Curriculum
The curriculum consists of ten courses, each seven weeks in length. One of the unique features of Marian’s ARAE program is that all ten courses are specifically focused on at-risk and education strategies. There are no filler courses. The Summer Term is the only occurrence where two courses will overlap. If taken consecutively, the degree can be completed in 14 to 18 months, depending on your entry term.
- Teaching Strategies for At Risk Education
- Differentiated Instruction and Response to Intervention
- Social Justice Education
- Resiliency, Holistic Health, and Stress Management
- Prevention, Intervention, and Community
- Educational Psychology
- Non-Traditional Learners
Teachers who do not wish to complete an MAE degree may choose to earn a Wisconsin alternative education license (WI DPI code 1952) by completing two master’s level courses.
Application Requirements
To be accepted into the Master of Arts in Education, you must have at least a 2.75 GPA from a regionally accredited college or university. Marian University does not require the GRE.
You will be required to complete an application and submit an official transcript showing that your degree was conferred.
Graduation Requirements
To receive the Master of Arts in Education degree, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Completion of the coursework or its equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Grades below C (2.0) are not counted toward meeting degree requirements
- Submission of an application for degree completion