Special Education, MAT

Program Description

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.