Department of Special Education
MAT Program Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How is the MAT different from the traditional MA program in Special Education?
A. Masters Degree Program in Special Education requires students complete 69 credit hours in order to graduate with a Masters Degree as well as certification in ESE (previously varying exceptionalities). Also, the current MA program does not include ESOL endorsement. The MAT program is a 48-hour program that leads to certification in ESE (previously varying exceptionalities) and an endorsement in ESOL. The MAT reduces the number of hours by infusing and integrating content through instructional blocks. Course work for the current Plan II Masters Degree Program and the MAT are not interchangeable. These programs are two different programs.
Q. Do I need to complete the entire sequence of coursework with my cohort?
A. The MAT curriculum consists of several “blocks” of content and some stand-alone courses. The Blocks must be taken in order with your cohort. The stand-alone courses may be taken at other times.
Q. Do I have to be employed as a teacher in order to be accepted into the MAT?
A. You do not have to be employed as a teacher to be admitted, but you will need to be employed as a teacher by the fall semester of the first year. The curriculum includes action research projects that must be completed in your classroom. You will also be assigned mentors at your school that will provide job-embedded professional development opportunities. The program can provide assistance in obtaining a teaching position.
Q. What if I am already certified in Elementary Education or Secondary Education, can I still be admitted to the MAT?
A. Yes, but you should discuss this with an advisor in the program. Elementary and Secondary Education majors will not be required to take as many stand alone courses, but they will be required to complete all of the block courses. The block courses may contain some content that education majors have already had in their undergraduate coursework. Since the MAT is specifically designed for employed out-of-field teachers in special education who do not hold a professional certificate in teaching, preference will be given to those students when making decisions regarding admission.
Q. Is there financial assistance available?
A. Please contact the Program Coordinators about tuition assistance.
Click here to apply online for the MAT Program
