Apr 16, 2024  
Graduate School Course Catalog 2018-2019 
    
Graduate School Course Catalog 2018-2019 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Teaching, M.A.T.


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OVERVIEW

The Special Education Program prepares graduates to be professional educators and leaders in the field of special education for candidates with disabilities in the licensure areas of general curriculum and adapted curriculum in special education, behavioral-emotional disabilities, and learning disabilities. The mission of the Special Education Program is to prepare teachers to effectively teach and nurture candidates with special needs, to address issues of language and cultural diversity, and to collaborate with parents, other professionals, and candidates in the delivery of evidence based educational programs.

The Master of Arts in Teaching is a 39-54 hour program for candidates who have a background in education, but do not have a license in special education. The program provides candidates with initial license competencies in knowledge of special populations, adapting curriculum, assessing candidates, writing IEPs and instructional methodology. After completion of the basic courses, candidates take courses in applied research, leadership and technology with advanced study of current research and policy in special education. Candidates with limited or no background in education will need up to 15 hours of prerequisites prior to being fully admitted to the MAT program. Candidates receive an initial license in Special Education General Curriculum and an advanced license in their specialty area. Candidates may concentrate in Behavioral/Emotional Disabilities or Learning Disabilities.

Licensure Only Programs

Licensure Only programs are available in Special Education: General Curriculum and Special Education: Adapted Curriculum. Candidates with undergraduate degrees may apply for a Licensure Only Program in Special Education: General Curriculum or Special Education: Adapted Curriculum through the Graduate Admissions Office. Students seeking Licensure Only in Special Education: Adapted Curriculum should contact the Program Coordinator for details.

I. Admission Requirements


  1. A bachelor’s degree from a recognized or accredited institution; A minimum 2.5 GPA overall at the undergraduate level. Prospective candidates with a GPA between 2.5 and 2.749 must earn a minimum grade point average of 2.75 or a 3.0 average for the last four semesters of study for the bachelor’s degree;
  2. Two letters of recommendation submitted by persons who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s teaching or work experience, who have worked in a supervisory role with the applicant, and who have direct knowledge of the applicant’s teaching skills;
  3. An interview with special education faculty;
  4. A writing sample indicating the applicant’s ability to write in a clear, concise, and professional manner; Official transcripts of all previous degrees.

II. Program Requirements


Common Requirements for all concentrations - 12 hours


General Curriculum Competencies (Initial Licensure Requirements) - 24 hours


Adapted Curriculum Concentration (Initial Licensure Requirements) - 24 hours


Adapted Curriculum Concentration (Initial Licensure Requirements) with Behavioral/Emotional Disabilities - 30 hours


Behavioral/Emotional Disabilities


Prerequisite:  Completion of General Curriculum or Adapted Curriculum license

General Curriculum Concentration (Initial Licensure Requirements) with Learning Disabilities - 30 hours


Learning Disabilities - Advanced License with General Curriculum


Total credits for each specialty area - 42-57 hours


III. Exit Requirements


  1. Completion of courses on the student’s plan of study.
  2. Candidate must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above and no more than one C during their program
  3. Successful presentation and defense completion of the e-portfolio.
  4. Successful completion of a comprehensive examination.

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