Special Education, Concentration in Learning Behavior Disorder P-12 (MAT)
Special Education: Learning and Behavior Disorders, P-12 (MAT) Application Deadlines
Guide the Future
The MAT in Special Education, with a Concentration in Learning Behavior Disorders (P-12), leads to certification as an LBD teacher, preparing educators to teach students with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, and mild intellectual disabilities across all grade levels, from kindergarten to high school. This program focuses on equipping candidates with the expertise to support students in diverse settings, including traditional classrooms, resource rooms, and self-contained classrooms. By completing this degree and licensure program, candidates will be well-prepared to meet the varied needs of their students, ensuring inclusive and effective educational experiences. Eligible students benefit from UofL’s Tuition Reduction initiative, saving approximately 25% on graduate tuition.
Course Catalog
Master of Arts in Teaching in 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.
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:
- Complete graduate application. This should be completed three to four weeks prior to the application deadline.
- Bachelor's Degree from Accredited College or University with a Minimum 2.75 Grade Point Average (official transcripts required)
- Grade of C or better in ENGL 102, or equivalent
- Grade of C or better in oral communication course
- TOEFL/IETLS/Duolingo
- Professional Writing Requirements
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Acceptable interview
- 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
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Student Characteristics | ||
| EDSP 540 | Introduction to Exceptional Children | 3 |
| EDSP 675 | Characteristics, Needs, and Respones 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 & Behavior Disorders | 3 |
| EDSP 644 | Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| EDSP 518 | Structured Literacy for Diverse Learners | 3 |
| Mid-Point Assessment (see requirements below) | ||
| EDSP 647 | Teaching Mathematics to Students with Disabilities | 3 |
| EDSP 614 | Transition Programs and Services for Children and Youth with Disabilities | 3 |
| EDSP 607 | Student Teaching; Learning and Behavior Disorders | 3 |
| EDSP 510 | Legal Issues in Special Education | 3 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 30 | |
Midpoint Assessment: Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; grade no lower than "B-" in all coursework; electronic documentation of 200 hours of diverse and approved field experiences; satisfactory performance on all Hallmark Assessment Tasks to date; Target performance or better on all rubrics.
Degree 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.
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 Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education program with a concentration in Learning Behavior Disorders P-12 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.
Special Education: Learning and Behavior Disorders, P-12 (MAT)
Classes start in the Spring each year. Students must complete weekly field hours in school or community placements that serve individuals with learning and behavior disorders. Prior to the end of the program a 12-week student teaching placement must be successfully completed. Completion of this degree/licensure program will only lead to certification as an LBD teacher (not an Elementary, Middle or Secondary content area teacher).
Licensure to teach students with learning and behavior disorders prepares candidates to teach students with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, and mild intellectual disabilities at all grade levels from kindergarten through high school. Students with learning and behavior disorders may spend all or part of their time in traditional classroom settings but may also receive special education instruction for part of the day in resource rooms, or in self-contained classrooms within the school.
- Individuals interested in teaching students with learning and behavior disorders
- Individuals with a bachelor's degree outside of the field of education
- Individuals with strong academic credentials
Teacher education candidates should visit the Educator Preparation Program page and review the expectations listed under the "Review These Teaching Profession Expectations" section.
Students would primarily be certified to teach students with learning and behavior disorders (LBD) in Kentucky.
The program leads to LBD certification only. Individuals completing this program would not be certified to teach in a typical classroom (Elementary, Middle or Secondary) unless they completed an additional certification program.
Before applying to the program, please contact Betty Hampton, Director of Graduate and Student Services, (502-852-0411 or betty.hampton@louisville.edu) to discuss the application process.
Department of Special Education
Brandon Gossett
Office: 502-852-0574
College of Education and Human Development
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292
100% Online
Special Education, Concentration in Learning and Behavior Disorders can be completed 100% online!
