Teaching - Special Education (MAT)

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) allows students who have an undergraduate degree in areas other than education the opportunity to earn a master’s degree and gain certification to teach special education to students in kindergarten-age 21. Students can earn state licensure and a master's degree in just two years. The MAT program provides integrated coursework focused on diverse learners, as well as field experiences that require theoretical and practical knowledge application.

The MAT prepares candidates for Learning Behavior Specialist I licensure, which requires teachers to build a knowledge base to identify and intervene with students who exhibit a wide range of disabilities, including:

Learning disabilities
Cognitive impairments
Autism
Social/emotional disabilities
Physical disabilities or other health impairments

MAT candidates complete six semesters, totaling 45 hours of online coursework while engaging in field-based, hands-on learning experiences in public school settings. Students enroll in seven to nine hours each semester and progress through the program as members of a cohort, with each new cohort beginning during the summer term. Field experiences occur during the work day.

Coursework is designed to allow candidates the opportunity to evaluate and conduct research in the classroom. A series of developmentally sequenced field experiences are required for the full age range, all types and ability levels, as well as collaborative opportunities appropriate to the learning behavior specialist. All experiences must be completed prior to student teaching, are supervised by qualified professionals, and are arranged through the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior Student Services Office.

In place of a separate field experience, candidates currently working in special education classrooms can explore proven ways to prepare lessons for the diverse needs of their students.

What can I do with a master's degree in teaching?

With a growing need for special educators nationwide, as well as anticipated continued growth, MAT graduates have a wide range of employment opportunities. Our graduates are licensed to teach students with a wide range of disabilities in kindergarten through age 21.