Special Education, Concentration in Learning and Behavior Disorders P-12, Alternative Certification (MAT)

Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education, Concentration in Learning Behavior disorders P-12

Unit: College of Education and Human Development (GE)
Department: Special Education, Early Childhood and Prevention Science
Program Website
Academic Plan Code(s): SPE_MATLBD, SPE_MATLBO

Program Information

This program can be completed 100% online. 

The special education licensure program provides a strong foundation in general education content, special education theory and methods, and teaching experience. Extensive classroom experience allows students to develop the skills, competencies, and confidence for successful teaching, including strategies for inclusion, behavior management, social skill instruction, and modifying instruction in the general curriculum. Students also benefit from the supervision and mentorship of experienced practitioners and field supervisors. The program's special education professors are experienced practitioners who are experts in their fields as researchers, teachers, and administrators.

The Alternative Certification program requires that students who are admitted to this program become employed as an LBD teacher on a temporary provisional certificate. Classes start in the Summer each year, and admitted students must secure employment before the start of the Fall term. Those who are not employed, have the option to pursue the traditional version of this program, which requires field placements and student teaching. Completion of this degree/licensure program will only lead to certification as an LBD teacher (not an Elementary, Middle or Secondary content area teacher).

Although this program has determined that it meets educational requirements for licensure in other US states and jurisdictions, this program is designed specifically to align with Kentucky certification requirements for the supervised student teaching or culminating clinical experience.  Therefore, students in this program are required to complete their student teaching or clinical experience at an approved placement location in the state of Kentucky.  Please contact the program director to discuss possible arrangements to complete culminating experiences in Southern Indiana before enrolling in the program.

Admission Requirements

Candidates who meet the following criteria may be eligible to apply to the Master of Arts in Teaching program:

1. Complete graduate application. This should be completed three to four weeks prior to the application deadline.
2. Bachelor's Degree from Accredited College or University with a Minimum 2.75 Grade Point Average (official transcripts required)
3. Grade of C or better in ENGL 102, or equivalent
4. Grade of C or better in oral communication course
5. TOEFL/IETLS/Duolingo
6. Professional Writing Requirements
7. Three Letters of Recommendation
8. Acceptable interview
9. Signed Professional Code of Ethics/Technology User Agreement/Statement of Understanding of Admissions Guidelines

Questions about admission should be directed to teacher@louisville.edu.

Admission is competitive. Candidates who meet minimum academic requirements are not guaranteed admission to the program.

Program Requirements

Alternative Route in Special Education, Concentration in Learning and Behavior Disorders P-12 (MAT)

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.

Degree 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.

Certification Assessment: Satisfactory dispositions assessment; passing scores on required PRAXIS exams; completion of degree requirements.

Degree Candidacy: Students not enrolled during the semester in which they intend to graduate must register for degree candidacy as outlined in Academic Policies, Procedures, and Requirements.

Praxis Disclaimer: Teacher certification requirements are subject to change. Before registering for certification test(s), please refer to the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) website at epsb.ky.gov/ or ets.org/praxis/ky  for current requirements.

The MAT in Special Education Concentration in Learning Behavior Disorders (Alternative Certification) program prepares students to meet the requirements for certification and/or licensure.  If you plan to pursue professional licensure or certification, you should first determine your state’s criteria for examination and licensure to see how/if our program meets those requirements prior to enrollment. We recommend that you also contact your state’s licensing board directly to verify that the requirements have not changed recently and to answer any questions especially those regarding additional requirements beyond the degree. 

Although this program has determined that it meets educational requirements for licensure in other US states and jurisdictions, this program is designed specifically to align with Kentucky certification requirements for the supervised student teaching or culminating clinical experience.  Therefore, students in this program are required to complete their student teaching or clinical experience at an approved placement location in the state of Kentucky.  Please contact the program director to discuss possible arrangements to complete culminating experiences in Southern Indiana before enrolling in the program.

More information about certification or licensure is available at the following website:  https://louisville.edu/about/departments/academic-planning-accountability/disclosures/professional-licensure.

For programs with an online option, more information about certification or licensure is available here: https://louisville.edu/online/About-Us?tab=disclosures.