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).

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Online MAT in Special Education Application Deadlines

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

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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:

• transcripts showing C grade or better in ENGL 102 (or equivalent)
• transcripts showing C grade or better in oral communication course
• two professional statement essays describing the applicant’s background and interest in this master’s program
• three letters of recommendation
• teacher education resume; follow the resume template when developing your resume
• signed code of ethics and technology use agreement
• interview, scheduled upon application review

*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.

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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

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Online MAT in Special Education Course Descriptions

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?

  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 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.