Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T) in Special Education – Adapted Curriculum and Autism
Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T) in Special Education – Adapted Curriculum and Autism
My research interests are Self-determination, friendship networks, family involvement, person-centered planning, and transitions into the community.
Clinical Assistant Professor
Overview
The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Special Education, offered by the Mary Frances Early College of Education, is designed for individuals who hold an undergraduate degree in another field and seek initial teacher certification in adapted curriculum. This program equips students with both foundational and advanced skills necessary for certification through a combination of coursework and practicum experiences.
In this program, you will learn to teach students with moderate to severe autism and developmental disabilities. The training prepares you to work in adapted curriculum classrooms, which serve students who do not follow the general education curriculum commonly implemented in most classrooms.
The adapted curriculum focuses on adapting the general education curriculum, developing functional academic skills, lifelong personal and social skills, vocational training, recreational and leisure skills, and community participation. It also emphasizes behavior management, specialized instructional strategies, and assistive technology. Students most commonly served in adapted curriculum settings include those with moderate to profound intellectual disabilities and moderate to severe autism.
This program also provides:
- A strong emphasis on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Early Childhood Special Education
- Certification spanning preschool through 12th grade
- Flexible pathways for students, including:
- Paraprofessionals currently working in schools
- Provisionally certified teachers seeking full certification
- Traditional students who wish to complete practicum and student teaching (40 hours, unpaid)
- The opportunity to address a critical teacher shortage in Georgia, making a meaningful impact in special education
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
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
Online Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Special Education – Adapted Curriculum
Application Checklist
- Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online. Application fee: $75 Domestic/$100 International.
- Select Campus – Online
- Select Degree Level – Masters
- Select Intended Program – MAT, Special Education (Comm Sci and Special Ed) [MAT_SPED_ONL]
- Select Area of Emphasis – Special Education Adapted Curriculum and Autism
- Select Intended Term – Summer
- Résumé or curriculum vita – Submit online to the Graduate School.
- 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.
- Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
- 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 (previous employers or instructors are encouraged).
Application Deadlines
Domestic Applicants
Summer: April 1
International Applicants
Summer: February 15
Cost
Tuition rates and student fees can change each year.
Based on 2024 credit hour cost, a person completing 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 current tuition.
Online students pay the following fees: Connect UGA, Green, and Technology. The total for those fees in the fall semester of 2024 was $411 for students enrolled in exclusively online courses.
Additional costs may include:
- Textbooks
- Exam proctoring fees
- Technology upgrades
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.
University System of Georgia Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
The purpose of TAP is to foster the professional growth and development of eligible employees. For more information, see Tuition Assistance (refer to the Distance Learning section).
Curriculum
Program of Study
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Special Education
Area of Emphasis in Adapted Curriculum & Autism (P-12) Certification
Total Credit Hours: 37 Hours
| Summer 1 – 9 Credits |
| Course | Title |
| EDSE 6070E | Behavior Management in Special Education Settings (3) |
| EDSE 6020E | Inclusion of Students with Special Needs: PreK – Grade 5 (3) |
| EDSE 7120E* | Dyslexia and Other Learning Disabilities (3) |
| Fall 1 – 10 – 12 Credits |
| Course | Title |
| EDSE 7100E | Foundations and Assessment in Early Childhood Special Education (3) |
| EDSE 7150E* | Designing Reading Interventions for Special Education (3) |
| EDSE 7210E | Behavioral Methods of Instruction (3) |
| EDSE 7440E | Practicum in Special Education (1) |
| Spring 1 – 12 Credits |
| Course | Title |
| EDSE 7200E | Methods and Curriculum in Early Childhood Special Education (3) |
| EDSE 7160E* | Communication and Language Development in Young Children (3) |
| EDSE 7350E* | Literacy Instruction for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (3) |
| EDSE 7460E | Internship in Special Education (3) |
| Summer 2 – 6/9 Credits |
| Course | Title |
| EDSE 7400E | Collaboration Among Families and Professionals (3) |
| EDSE 7260E* | Instructional Design for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (3) |
| EDSE 7440E (optional) | Practicum in Special Education (1-3)–– only needed if P-12 grade bands are not met during fall/spring field experiences– students should check with advisor before enrolling |
Courses with an E-suffix follow the UGA standard for online learning, where more than 95% of the course content is delivered online. Students must have access to reliable high-speed internet, and some E-suffix courses include weekly synchronous meetings. Please check Athena for specific course requirements.
*Reading concentration/PSC Literacy Rule
Licensensure
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
Contact Information
Contact us using the request for information form or call .