The online Master of Arts in Education in At-Risk and Alternative Education (ARAE) at Marian University is designed for educators and youth-serving professionals who want to make a lasting impact on students facing barriers to success.

This innovative program equips you with the knowledge, skills, and compassion needed to support at-risk learners in any educational or community setting—from K–12 classrooms and alternative schools to social service agencies and nonprofit organizations. As part of your degree, you’ll also earn a Trauma Informed Care in Education (TICE) Certificate, ensuring you graduate with both advanced credentials and practical tools.

Traditional education models don’t work for every learner. Students affected by trauma, instability, or special needs are more likely to disengage, fall behind, or leave school altogether. Marian’s ARAE program challenges that reality. Trauma-informed care is woven throughout all 10 courses, building systemic awareness and providing actionable strategies you can immediately apply to create safer, more responsive learning environments.

This program prepares you not just to teach—but to advocate, lead, and support students toward resilience and long-term success.