Special Education, Concentration in Moderate/Severe Disabilities P-12 (MAT)

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_MATMSD, SPE_MATMSO

Program Information

This program can be 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. Completion of this degree/licensure program will lead to certification as an MSD teacher only (not an Elementary, Middle or Secondary content area teacher).

Students must complete weekly field hours in school or community placements that serve individuals with moderate and severe disabilities. Prior to the end of the program a 12-week student teaching placement must be successfully completed.

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/IELTS/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

Midpoint Assessment: Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; no grade lower than B- in all coursework; Electronic documentation of 200 hours of diverse and approved field experiences; 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: 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 Moderate/Severe Disabilities 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.