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Online Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education

The online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Special Education is designed to prepare career-changing professionals and those with a bachelor’s in a field other than education to teach students with disabilities.

Offered by the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisville (UofL), this special education-focused master's equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to teach students who have disabilities that affect their academic achievement and behavior. By learning how to implement effective instructional methods in the classroom, you can make education accessible for all students.

This program offers a choice between a traditional pathway and an alternative certification pathway. Applicants pursuing the alternative certification pathway are granted a temporary, provisional teaching certification upon admission. Specializations are available in Moderate to Severe Disabilities (MSD) and Learning and Behavior Disorders (LBD).

How Much Will I Pay?

$622 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour active-duty tuition rate

This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.

Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs.


Tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted.For additional information on educational expenses and the Cost of Attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.


Tuition & Aid    

Online MAT in Special Education Program Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the field through comprehensive classroom experiences.
  • Learn from knowledgeable, experienced practitioners, researchers and teachers.
  • Take advantage of flexible learning and personal attention, customized to your goals.
  • Start the Alternative Certification program in the Spring or Summer Term (those who wish to start in the Fall will enroll in the Traditional option first until they obtain employment).


START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION



100% ONLINE COURSES

Complete your degree on your own time through fully online coursework and learning tools.

Learn More
36 CREDIT HOURS

Take 30-36 credit hours in Special Education to complete your master's and initial teaching certification.

Learn More
$622 PER CREDIT HOUR

The College of Education and Human Development is giving back to teachers with a 25% tuition reduction.

Online learning video - Moderate and Severe Disabilities P-12 (Alternative Certification)

Teachers give their best to their students
and UofL is giving their best to teachers!

Starting in Summer 2019, the College of Education and Human Development will offer a 25% Tuition Reduction for Teachers enrolling in approved teacher education programs—online and on-campus.


Read more in a Q&A with Betty Hampton, Director of Graduate Services for the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at UofL.

Online MAT in Special Education Outcomes

What Can I Learn as an Online MAT in Special Education Student?

The expertise you’ll develop as a student in this master's 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 procedures 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 Career 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).

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION

Online MAT in Special Education Application Deadlines


Application Deadline Term Start Date
June 1 Fall August
October 15 Spring January
May 1 Summer June

Applicants who wish to enroll in the alternative certification program can start in the Spring or Summer Term. Those who wish to start in the Fall will enroll in the Traditional option first until they obtain employment.

How to Apply for the Online Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education

  1. Start your application for graduate admission
  2. Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
  3. Upload required materials*
  4. Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: gradadm@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Graduate School, 2211 S. Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292.
  5. Create a financial plan

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION


Online Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education Admissions Requirements and Materials

To be considered for admission, applicants must have:

  • a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
  • a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)

*Required application packet materials include:

*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.

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

Out-of-State Applicants for the Online MAT in Special Education

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.

Online MAT in Special Education Enrollment Requirements

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


Start Your Application

Online MAT in Special Education Courses

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
    Midpoint Assessment: Completion of all courses listed above; satisfactory dispositions assessment; Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; no grade lower than B- in all coursework; satisfactory performance on all Hallmark Assessment Tasks; Target performance or better on all rubrics.
    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
    Midpoint Assessment: Completion of all courses listed above; satisfactory dispositions assessment; Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; grade no lower than B- in all coursework; satisfactory performance on all Hallmark Assessment Tasks; Target performance or better on all rubrics.
    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

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION


Online MAT in Special Education Course Descriptions


EDSP 510 Legal Issues in Special Education
Prepares special education teachers to fully understand and implement both the spirit and the letter of federal and state laws, regulations, and procedures related to students with disabilities.


EDSP 512 Methods for Students with Learning and Behavior Disorders
Provides an overview of instructional methodology used to teach students with Learning and Behavior Disorders.


EDSP 516 Assessment Procedures for Students with Learning and Behavior Disorders
Analyzes and evaluates the assessment procedures for children with learning disabilities in academic and social settings.


EDSP 518 Structured Literacy for Diverse Learners
This course addresses evidence-based methods and strategies used to teach literacy skills to diverse learners. Prepares candidates to teach the five components of reading through explicit systematic and sequential instruction.


EDSP 520 Assessment of Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities
Addresses knowledge and skills needed to conduct assessment procedures, interpret data and use assessment data in educational decision-making for students with moderate/severe disabilities in a legal and ethical manner.


EDSP 540 Introduction to Exceptional Children
A survey course designed to acquaint students with all types of exceptional children - physically and mentally handicapped, socially and emotionally disturbed, and the gifted; methods of adapting education to meet the needs of these children.


EDSP 546 Behavior Analytic Approach to Communication
This course prepares practitioners to use principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to assess and teach communication skills to individuals with disabilities and develop knowledge of current Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technology and assessment procedures.


EDSP 570 Autism: Introduction and Understanding
Increase understanding of individuals with Autism/Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) across the life-span. Characteristics of this population, namely communication, social and behavioral attributes will be examined as they are manifested across all ages in the context of the family and community. Historical, diagnostic, and identification issues will be addressed.


EDSP 594 Foundational Concepts in Intellectual and Physical Disability
This course provides an overview of characteristics associated with intellectual and physical disabilities. Students will learn to establish support systems for addressing the educational and health needs of these learners.


EDSP 609 Moderate/Severe Disabilities Curriculum and Methods I
Design and implementation of curriculum for students with moderate/severe disabilities through individual and group instructional plans using a variety of systematic instruction procedures to teach discrete and chained tasks/behaviors.


EDSP 611 Moderate/Severe Disabilities Curriculum and Methods II
Design and implementation of instruction based on alternate achievement of grade level academic standards that meet the needs of students with moderate/severe disabilities within special education and collaborative classroom settings.


EDSP 614 Transition Programs and Services for Children and Youth with Disabilities
Addresses the needs of personnel working with secondary special education students making the transition from school to adulthood. Provides information on the basic adult needs of persons with developmental disabilities, an interdisciplinary service model to meet those needs, and systematic planning and coordination of services that are required for persons with disabilities to achieve maximum quality of life.


EDSP 635 Moderate and Severe Disabilities Practicum
A field-based developing-teacher experience that provides active classroom involvement with students diagnosed with moderate, severe, or multiple disabilities while under the supervision of trained educators and University faculty.


EDSP 644 Applied Behavior Analysis
Students explore the principles and procedures in the field of applied behavior analysis. Observational methods, single subject designs, and behavior promotion, reduction, and generalization strategies are reviewed in relation to the needs of students with disabilities. Participants are required to develop individual project proposals that demonstrate their ability to design, implement, and evaluate behavioral programs in an effective and ethically responsive manner.


EDSP 645 Learning and Behavior Disorders Practicum
A field-based experience where the candidate will observe, assist, assess, and instruct students with learning and behavior disorders.


EDSP 647 Teaching Mathematics to Students with Disabilities
This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.


EDSP 675 Characteristics, Needs, and Responses to Students with EBD
Study and application of principles appropriate for the education and management of behavior disorder children in the regular classroom.

Online MAT in Special Education Success Team




Online MAT in Special Education FAQ


  • 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?
  • Which term should I apply for?

    Applicants who wish to enroll in the Alternative Certification program can start in the Spring or Summer Term, and must obtain full-time employment teaching students in a special needs classroom before the start of the Fall Semester. Those who wish to start the program in the Fall semesters will enroll in the Traditional option until they obtain employment.

    If you have questions, contact our academic advisor, Betty Hampton 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.


How Much Will I Pay?

$622 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour active-duty tuition rate

This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.

Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs.


Tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted.For additional information on educational expenses and the Cost of Attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.


Tuition & Aid    

Online MAT in Special Education Program Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the field through comprehensive classroom experiences.
  • Learn from knowledgeable, experienced practitioners, researchers and teachers.
  • Take advantage of flexible learning and personal attention, customized to your goals.
  • Start the Alternative Certification program in the Spring or Summer Term (those who wish to start in the Fall will enroll in the Traditional option first until they obtain employment).


START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION



100% ONLINE COURSES

Complete your degree on your own time through fully online coursework and learning tools.

Learn More
36 CREDIT HOURS

Take 30-36 credit hours in Special Education to complete your master's and initial teaching certification.

Learn More
$622 PER CREDIT HOUR

The College of Education and Human Development is giving back to teachers with a 25% tuition reduction.

Online learning video - Moderate and Severe Disabilities P-12 (Alternative Certification)

Teachers give their best to their students
and UofL is giving their best to teachers!

Starting in Summer 2019, the College of Education and Human Development will offer a 25% Tuition Reduction for Teachers enrolling in approved teacher education programs—online and on-campus.


Read more in a Q&A with Betty Hampton, Director of Graduate Services for the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at UofL.

Online MAT in Special Education Outcomes

What Can I Learn as an Online MAT in Special Education Student?

The expertise you’ll develop as a student in this master's 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 procedures 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 Career 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).

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION

Online MAT in Special Education Application Deadlines


Application Deadline Term Start Date
June 1 Fall August
October 15 Spring January
May 1 Summer June

Applicants who wish to enroll in the alternative certification program can start in the Spring or Summer Term. Those who wish to start in the Fall will enroll in the Traditional option first until they obtain employment.

How to Apply for the Online Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education

  1. Start your application for graduate admission
  2. Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
  3. Upload required materials*
  4. Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: gradadm@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Graduate School, 2211 S. Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292.
  5. Create a financial plan

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION


Online Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education Admissions Requirements and Materials

To be considered for admission, applicants must have:

  • a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
  • a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)

*Required application packet materials include:

*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.

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

Out-of-State Applicants for the Online MAT in Special Education

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.

Online MAT in Special Education Enrollment Requirements

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


Start Your Application

Online MAT in Special Education Courses

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
    Midpoint Assessment: Completion of all courses listed above; satisfactory dispositions assessment; Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; no grade lower than B- in all coursework; satisfactory performance on all Hallmark Assessment Tasks; Target performance or better on all rubrics.
    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
    Midpoint Assessment: Completion of all courses listed above; satisfactory dispositions assessment; Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; grade no lower than B- in all coursework; satisfactory performance on all Hallmark Assessment Tasks; Target performance or better on all rubrics.
    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

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION


Online MAT in Special Education Course Descriptions


EDSP 510 Legal Issues in Special Education
Prepares special education teachers to fully understand and implement both the spirit and the letter of federal and state laws, regulations, and procedures related to students with disabilities.


EDSP 512 Methods for Students with Learning and Behavior Disorders
Provides an overview of instructional methodology used to teach students with Learning and Behavior Disorders.


EDSP 516 Assessment Procedures for Students with Learning and Behavior Disorders
Analyzes and evaluates the assessment procedures for children with learning disabilities in academic and social settings.


EDSP 518 Structured Literacy for Diverse Learners
This course addresses evidence-based methods and strategies used to teach literacy skills to diverse learners. Prepares candidates to teach the five components of reading through explicit systematic and sequential instruction.


EDSP 520 Assessment of Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities
Addresses knowledge and skills needed to conduct assessment procedures, interpret data and use assessment data in educational decision-making for students with moderate/severe disabilities in a legal and ethical manner.


EDSP 540 Introduction to Exceptional Children
A survey course designed to acquaint students with all types of exceptional children - physically and mentally handicapped, socially and emotionally disturbed, and the gifted; methods of adapting education to meet the needs of these children.


EDSP 546 Behavior Analytic Approach to Communication
This course prepares practitioners to use principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to assess and teach communication skills to individuals with disabilities and develop knowledge of current Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technology and assessment procedures.


EDSP 570 Autism: Introduction and Understanding
Increase understanding of individuals with Autism/Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) across the life-span. Characteristics of this population, namely communication, social and behavioral attributes will be examined as they are manifested across all ages in the context of the family and community. Historical, diagnostic, and identification issues will be addressed.


EDSP 594 Foundational Concepts in Intellectual and Physical Disability
This course provides an overview of characteristics associated with intellectual and physical disabilities. Students will learn to establish support systems for addressing the educational and health needs of these learners.


EDSP 609 Moderate/Severe Disabilities Curriculum and Methods I
Design and implementation of curriculum for students with moderate/severe disabilities through individual and group instructional plans using a variety of systematic instruction procedures to teach discrete and chained tasks/behaviors.


EDSP 611 Moderate/Severe Disabilities Curriculum and Methods II
Design and implementation of instruction based on alternate achievement of grade level academic standards that meet the needs of students with moderate/severe disabilities within special education and collaborative classroom settings.


EDSP 614 Transition Programs and Services for Children and Youth with Disabilities
Addresses the needs of personnel working with secondary special education students making the transition from school to adulthood. Provides information on the basic adult needs of persons with developmental disabilities, an interdisciplinary service model to meet those needs, and systematic planning and coordination of services that are required for persons with disabilities to achieve maximum quality of life.


EDSP 635 Moderate and Severe Disabilities Practicum
A field-based developing-teacher experience that provides active classroom involvement with students diagnosed with moderate, severe, or multiple disabilities while under the supervision of trained educators and University faculty.


EDSP 644 Applied Behavior Analysis
Students explore the principles and procedures in the field of applied behavior analysis. Observational methods, single subject designs, and behavior promotion, reduction, and generalization strategies are reviewed in relation to the needs of students with disabilities. Participants are required to develop individual project proposals that demonstrate their ability to design, implement, and evaluate behavioral programs in an effective and ethically responsive manner.


EDSP 645 Learning and Behavior Disorders Practicum
A field-based experience where the candidate will observe, assist, assess, and instruct students with learning and behavior disorders.


EDSP 647 Teaching Mathematics to Students with Disabilities
This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.


EDSP 675 Characteristics, Needs, and Responses to Students with EBD
Study and application of principles appropriate for the education and management of behavior disorder children in the regular classroom.

Online MAT in Special Education Success Team




Online MAT in Special Education FAQ


  • 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?
  • Which term should I apply for?

    Applicants who wish to enroll in the Alternative Certification program can start in the Spring or Summer Term, and must obtain full-time employment teaching students in a special needs classroom before the start of the Fall Semester. Those who wish to start the program in the Fall semesters will enroll in the Traditional option until they obtain employment.

    If you have questions, contact our academic advisor, Betty Hampton 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.



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