Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Special Education – General Curriculum

Overview

Offered by the Mary Frances Early College of Education, The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Special Education- General Curriculum is designed for individuals seeking initial certification who hold undergraduate degrees in other fields, and who do not hold a teacher certification. The four semester program provides rigorous preparation while meeting the needs of working adults including paraprofessionals, and provisionally certified teachers. 

A M.A.T.  degree in Special Education-General Curriculum is for those interested in teaching students with mild disabilities who are following the general education curriculum. Training in this emphasis area prepares teachers to work in inclusive and direct service models while supporting students with learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, mild intellectual disabilities, and autism. In addition, this degree program of study leads to a Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia/Dyslexia Endorsement demonstrating the completion of intensive training in identification and intervention for students with dyslexia.

Highlights

1. Ranked #5 Best Online Master’s Degree Program in Special Education by US News & World Report. 
2. Earn a Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia/Dyslexia Endorsement
3. Superb faculty knowledgeable in quality online learning
4. Scholarship opportunities available
5. Designed with working adults in mind
6. Online classes with low professor-to-student ratios
7. Certification spans preschool through 12th grade
8. Highly marketable certification area

Accreditations

The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Georgia also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Professional preparation: Earned, or will have earned, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution before the date of enrollment at the University of Georgia.

GPA: Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 for all courses taken.

The state requires that all candidates have a minimum 2.5 GPA on undergraduate or previous graduate work. Go to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission website for details.

Online Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Special Education – General Curriculum  Application Checklist

1. Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online.  Application fee: $75 Domestic/$100 International.
2. Select Campus – Online 
3. Select Degree Level – Masters
4. Select Intended Program – Special Education (Comm Sci and Special Ed) [MAT_SPED_ONL]
5. Select Intended Term – Summer 
6. Résumé or curriculum vita – Submit online to the Graduate School.
7. Statement of Purpose – Submit a one-two page statement of purpose online to the Graduate School. The statement of intent should clarify the candidate’s relevant background, interests, and goals in relation to the program.
8. Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
9. Letters of Recommendation – Submit three letters of recommendation online to graduate school. Letters should be from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Applicants 

• Summer:  April 1

International Applicants

• Summer:  February 15

Cost

Tuition rates and student fees may change each year. 

Based on 2024-25 credit-hour cost, a person who had completed this program at the recommended pace would have paid $15,372 in tuition for a Georgia Resident and $42,552 in tuition for an out-of-state student.

Please use the Estimated Cost Calculator on the Bursar’s Office website to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year’s tuition. 

Fees for those students enrolled in exclusively online programs are $411 per semester. 

Potential additional costs include:

• Textbooks
• Exam proctoring fees
• Technology upgrades 

The complete cost of attendance can be found at https://osfa.uga.edu/costs/.

Financial Aid

Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid for information about financial assistance.

Corporate Assistance

Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.

Military Assistance

Active-duty military, veterans, and military families should visit Veterans Educational Benefits to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.

Technology Requirements

• Computer with current operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Additional peripherals such as webcam, headphones, and microphone are required.
• High-speed internet access.

Curriculum

The program of study requires 36 credit hours of coursework. This does not include EDSE 2000E, Survey of Special Education (3 hours) or transfer equivalent, which is a prerequisite for many of the required courses.

Coursework includes instructional methods, behavioral theory and classroom management, collaboration, assessment, and reading interventions. Students gain advanced knowledge and skills in teaching students with disabilities in inclusive settings and in providing specially designed instruction. Students will complete two field experiences and a semester-long internship either through job-embedded placements for those currently working in schools, or through school placements arranged through the program. 

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM Online Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education Emphasis in General Curriculum (P-12) Certification 

Summer 1 – 9 Credits
Course	Title
EDSE 7120E	Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities [3 credit hours]
EDSE 6070E	Classroom and Behavior Management for Individuals with Disabilities [3 credit hours]
EDSE 7250E	Teaching Writing to Students with Disabilities  [3 credit hours]

Fall 1 – 9 Credits
Course	Title
EDSE 7440E	Practicum in Special Education [3 credit hours]
EDSE 7220E	Instruction of Students with High-Incidence Disabilities [3 credit hours]
EDSE 7020E	Assessment of Students with Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities [3 credit hours]

Spring 1 – 9 Credits
Course	Title
EDSE 7460E	Internship in Special Education [3 credit hours]
EDSE 6040E	Contemporary Issues in Special Education [3 credit hours]
EDSE 7150E	Designing Reading Interventions for Special Education [3 credit hours]

Summer 2 – 9 Credits
Course	Title
EDSE 7770E	Practicum in Intensive Reading Intervention [3 credit hours]
EDSE 7050E	Positive Behavior Supports  [3 credit hours]
EDSE 7400E	Collaboration Among Families and Professionals [3 credit hours]

**MAT students are required to pass a written comprehensive exam for program completion 

**MAT students are required to have a Pre-Service Certificate issued prior to beginning their program. See this page for more information about how to obtain a Pre-Service Certificate. 

Licensure

This program is designed to enable you to practice in a licensed profession through initial certification in the state of Georgia. If you apply to this program from a state outside of Georgia with the plan to work in Georgia, you will be given the opportunity to attest to that intention when you apply.

An enrollment coach will contact you to determine your circumstances and ensure that this program will be effective for you.

Additional information and disclosures regarding state licensure for professional practice in this field can be found at the UGA Licensure Disclosure Portal. 

Faculty

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Contact Information

Contact us using the request for information form or call 706-452-7945.

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