What will I learn as a MAT in Special Education student?

The expertise you’ll develop as a student in the Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education program will prepare you to become a special education educator—regardless of your undergraduate background.

You’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of how to work with all types of exceptional children and methods of adapting education to meet their unique needs. Specific expertise gained from the program includes:

• Focused expertise in your chosen specialization—either Moderate to Severe Disabilities (MSD) or Learning and Behavior Disorders (LBD).
• Interdisciplinary, service-focused understanding of the basic adult needs of persons with developmental disabilities and how to help these individuals achieve maximum quality of life.
• Exploration of the principles and procedure in the field of applied behavior analysis.
• How to design, implement and evaluate behavioral programs in an effective and ethically responsive manner.

What is the job outlook for someone with a MAT in Special Education?

This program leads to MSD or LBD certification only. Individuals completing this program would not be certified to teach general education (Elementary, Middle or Secondary) unless they completed an additional certification program. Graduates of this program will primarily be certified to teach students with moderate and severe disabilities or learning and behavior disorders in Kentucky.

The 2019-2029 occupational outlook for special education teachers is expected to grow 3% nationwide, which is as fast as the average national occupation growth rate and have a median annual salary of $61,420 (bls.gov).

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Applicants who wish to enroll in the Alternative Certification program can start in the Summer Term. MAT Alternative Certification applicants must obtain full-time employment before the fall semester, teaching students in a special education classroom.

Steps to Apply

1. Complete Graduate Application
2. Submit application fee of $65 (non-refundable)
3. Submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work completed at region accredited institutions
   • C grade or better in ENGL 102 (or equivalent)
   • C grade or better in oral communication course
4. Check for Scholarships

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Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution*
• Minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4-point scale
• Current Teacher Education Resume - use of the resume template is required
• 3 letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic and/or professional capabilities
• Signed code of ethics/technology statement uploaded to your online application – use the Professional Code of Ethics and CEHD Technology Agreement form [PDF]
• Interview with a satisfactory outcome
• Personal essays uploaded with your application – each essay should be double-spaced (Times New Roman 12 point font) and no more than 3 pages
• Essay #1
  • In what ways has your cultural heritage and background influenced the way you learn, and impacted your interactions with others who come from a different cultural background? Describe an example of an injustice or inequity that you witnessed, experienced, or became aware of, and your response at that time. Then, explain how you would respond if it occurred again. Finally, explain how you would support respect for diversity in your future classroom, and how you would demonstrate a commitment to social justice and equity.
• Essay #2
  • In thinking about the characteristics of an effective teacher, name one characteristic as your greatest strength and explain why this characteristic is important to effective teaching. Name one or two characteristic(s) you need to develop to become an effective teacher, and your plan for improvement.
  • Please note that we already assume you “love kids” and “have patience.” Your answers should be based on careful reflection and may include such dispositional qualities as: initiative, flexibility, intellectual curiosity, creativity, preparation/organization, responsibility, reflection, collaboration, dedication, and/or dependability.

*See the Graduate School Transfer of Credit Policy for more information.

Out-of-State Applicants

Out-of-state certified teachers should be advised that we cannot guarantee that our program will meet licensure, salary, advancement or other requirements in their state. As part of the admission process, we will require a written statement confirming their interest in the program for personal development and that they understand the program is designed to meet Kentucky certification requirements only. For more information, please contact our academic advisor at betty.hampton@louisville.edu.

Enrollment Requirements

Upon admission to the program, students will work directly and collaboratively with their assigned advisor to complete any additional requirements before enrolling.

For questions about application and enrollment to the online MAT Special Ed, please email online@louisville.edu or call 800.871.8635.

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The MAT in Special Education is a 30-36 credit hour program depending on your concentration. Our curriculum is designed to help you develop your knowledge of student characteristics and teaching pedagogy.

• MSD Concentration

  Course Title	Hours
  Student Characteristics
  EDSP 540 Introduction to Exceptional Children	3
  EDSP 594 Foundational Concepts in Intellectual and Physical Disability	3
  Pedagogy
  EDSP 518 Structured Literacy for Diverse Learners	3
  EDSP 520 Assessment of Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities	3
  EDSP 546 Behavior Analytic Approach to Communication	3
  EDSP 570 Autism: Introduction and Understanding	3
  EDSP 609 Moderate/Severe Disabilities Curriculum and Methods I	3
  EDSP 611 Moderate/Severe Disabilities Curriculum and Methods II	3
  EDSP 614 Transition Programs and Services for Children and Youth with Disabilities	3
  EDSP 635 Moderate and Severe Disabilities Practicum	3
  EDSP 644 Applied Behavior Analysis	3
  EDSP 647 Teaching Mathematics to Students with Disabilities	3
  Minimum Total Credits Required	36

• LBD Concentration

  Course Title	Hours
  Student Characteristics
  EDSP 540 Introduction to Exceptional Children	3
  EDSP 675 Characteristics, Needs, and Responses to Students with EBD	3
  Pedagogy
  EDSP 512 Methods for Students with Learning and Behavior Disorders	3
  EDSP 516 Assessment Procedures for Students with Learning and Behavior Disorders	3
  EDSP 644 Applied Behavior Analysis	3
  EDSP 518 Structured Literacy for Diverse Learners	3
  EDSP 647 Teaching Mathematics to Students with Disabilities	3
  EDSP 614 Transition Programs and Services for Children and Youth with Disabilities	3
  EDSP 645 Learning and Behavior Disorders Practicum	3
  EDSP 510 Legal Issues in Special Education	3
  Minimum Total Credits Required	30

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Course Descriptions

• Can I teach elementary school with this degree?

  No, this program leads to MSD or LBD certification only. Individuals completing this program would not be certified to teach general education (Elementary, Middle or Secondary) unless they completed an additional certification program. Graduates of this program will primarily be certified to teach students with moderate and severe disabilities or learning and behavior disorders in Kentucky. Out-of-state certified teachers should be advised that we cannot guarantee that our program will meet licensure, salary, advancement or other requirements in their state, and are encouraged to review our Application tab for more information.

• Where can I find state licensure information?

  You can view our Professional Licensure Notifications and Disclosures resource.

• Which term should I apply for?

  Applicants who wish to enroll in the Alternative Certification program can start in the Summer Term. MAT Alternative Certification applicants must obtain full-time employment teaching students in an early childhood classroom before the start of the fall semester. If you have questions, we recommend speaking to someone within the department. You can contact our academic advisor at betty.hampton@louisville.edu.

• Can I start teaching with this degree?

  If you pursue the alternative certification pathway within the MAT, you would be able to immediately seek full-time employment as a special education educator in the state of Kentucky. While you must complete the MAT program to receive your master’s degree and your initial teaching certification, once admitted as an alternative certification student, you will be granted a temporary, provisional certification allowing you to get started on your new career right away!

• Is financial aid available for this program?

  Yes, there is financial aid available for this program. You can learn more by visiting our Financial Aid tab on the Tuition page.