Program Requirements
The purpose of the MAT in Special Education is to prepare well qualified teachers who demonstrate knowledge and skills in identifying and implementing research-based practices to improve academic and social outcomes for individuals with disabilities. The MAT allows persons with undergraduate degrees in something other than special education to complete their master’s degree and acquire initial teaching certification in one area of special education (LD, BD, ID). The MAT in Special Education is offered at the University Center in Greenville and requires 43 credit hours to be completed across 15 months. The program requires full-time enrollment and consists of online and in-person instruction, as well as extensive field experiences in public school settings.
The Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education adheres to the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Professional and Ethical Principles and Standards for Professional Practice in Teaching and Assessment. Coursework and practical experiences address these standards, and candidates’ knowledge, skills and dispositions across the principles and standards are assessed through course assignments, observation and evaluation of teaching in practicum experiences, and state and national teaching exams (PRAXIS).
The program is administered in a cohort model with annual enrollment restricted to 20 students per year. Students begin the program during the First Summer term with a projected graduation the following summer. The program application deadline is April 1.
To enter the MAT program in Special Education, applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. An application package for admission must include (1) online application; (2) undergraduate and graduate transcripts (cumulative minimum grade-point average of 3.00 on undergraduate work); (3) two recommendations from persons who can address the applicant’s capacity for graduate level work in special education; (4) current résumé; (5) competitive GRE scores on verbal, quantitative and writing assessments, or acceptable scores on the Miller Analogies Test; and (6) an essay that addresses knowledge, accomplishments, and future career goals related to special education. An interview, in person or virtually, that reflects strong communication skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm for teaching and learning is also required. International applicants are not required to submit TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores, but must demonstrate acceptable language skills as determined by a writing sample and interview.
To ensure full consideration, applicants should complete the online application with accompanying materials by the April 1 deadline.
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