Special Education, Concentration in Moderate/Severe Disabilities P-12 - Alternative Certification (MAT)
The Special Education (Moderate/Severe Disabilities) (MAT) with Alternative Certification provides an accelerated pathway to teaching. Designed for those seeking a career change, this program offers provisional certification to work in full-time teaching positions while completing coursework. With a focus on social justice and equity, you’ll join a cohort, receive wrap-around support services, and gain hands-on experience in high-need areas. Benefit from strong partnerships with local schools, scholarship opportunities, and a 25% tuition reduction. Graduates earn Kentucky certification and an MAT in just two years.
Course Catalog
Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education Concentration in Moderate/Severe Disabilities 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_MATMSO
Program Information
This program is completed 100% online.
This program leads to Kentucky certification for Moderate and Severe Disabilities, grades P-12. Applicants to the program should have excellent academic credentials as well as successful experience working with children and/or adults with Moderate and Severe Disabilities (MSD). Completion of this degree/licensure program will lead to certification as an MSD teacher only (not an Elementary, Middle or Secondary content area teacher).
The Alternative Certification program requires that students who are admitted to this program become employed in an MSD classroom on a temporary provisional certificate. Classes start in the Summer each year. 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.
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)
- C or better in ENGL 102 (or equivalent)
- C or better in oral communication course
- TOEFL/IELTS/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
Alternative Route in Special Education, Concentration in Moderate/Severe Disabilities P-12 (MAT)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Student Characteristics | ||
| EDSP 540 | Introduction to Exceptional Children | 3 |
| EDSP 594 | Foundational Concepts in Intellectual and Physical Disability | 3 |
| Pedagogy | ||
| EDSP 520 | Assessment of Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities | 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 644 | Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 |
| Mid-Point Assessment (see requirements below) | ||
| EDSP 518 | Structured Literacy for Diverse Learners | 3 |
| EDSP 546 | Behavior Analytic Approach to Communication | 3 |
| EDSP 570 | Autism: Introduction and Understanding | 3 |
| EDSP 635 | Moderate and Severe Disabilities Practicum | 3 |
| EDSP 647 | Teaching Mathematics to Students with Disabilities | 3 |
| Minimum Total Hours | 36 | |
Mid-Point 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.
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: If not enrolled during the semester in which you are graduating, you will need to register for a degree candidacy as outlined in General 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 Moderate/Severe Disabilities (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.
