Special Education, MAT

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with a focus in Special Education is designed specifically for educators in Kentucky who are teaching in a special education classroom under a temporary provisional certificate (Option 6). The program offers a unique opportunity to earn the master’s degree while gaining essential classroom experience. Students select the program track that aligns with their desired certification: moderate/severe disabilities or learning and behavior disorders. Students in the program teach during the day and attend classes in the evenings online.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be eligible to take the Praxis II exam, paving the way for official certification in either moderate/severe disabilities or learning and behavior disorders.

Admission Requirements

CV – The CV or resume must include prior education/degrees, the institutions attended (including years), prior teaching certification and/or other professional certification/licensure (if any), and employment history.
Personal Statement – Within the personal statement, applicants must include a biographical sketch that addresses the evolution of their professional career, research interests, and their professional goals as they relate to the doctoral program of study. Applicants must also indicate their proposed departmental area of emphasis from among the following: Assistive Technology (AT), Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Special Education (IECE), Learning and Behavior Disorders (LBD), Moderate and Severe Disabilities (MSD), or Rehabilitation Counseling (RC)
Writing Sample – Applicants must include a sample of professional academic writing such as a Master’s thesis, published manuscript, or a major paper from previous graduate study.
Three letters of recommendation – Recommenders should address the applicant’s ability (demonstrated or perceived) to work with students with disabilities.
An interview will be conducted.

Applicants must meet the Graduate School admission requirements.

The GRE is not required for admission to this program.

Core Courses

All students take the following core courses for a total of 24 credit hours:

Concentrations

Choose one of two concentrations:

Learning and Behavior Disorders Concentration

The following courses are designed for individuals who are currently teaching students with learning and behavior disorders (e.g., specific learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, emotional-behavioral disability) and are teaching under a temporary provisional certificate. Complete these three courses:

Moderate and Severe Disabilities Concentration

The following courses are designed for individuals who are currently teaching students with moderate to severe (e.g., intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, multiple disability) and are teaching under a temporary provisional certificate. Complete these three courses: