Master of Arts in Teaching—Special Education

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Special Education

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Special Education equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to transform and enhance the lives of children with disabilities. The MAT is designed for those seeking a master's level initial teacher licensure in P-12 Mild Intervention. If you are passionate, enthusiastic, and determined to begin or advance your career as an educator, the MAT in Special Education program is here to help.

24Hands-on classroom experience at multiple grade levels.

4Prepares graduates for initial licensure in Special Education (P-12).

0Includes coursework in behavioral interventions and assessment techniques0

Our Program

  • Courses are primarily online and hybrid (online/on-campus), combining both flexibility and the benefits of hands on learning.
  • On-campus classes are held in the evenings between 5 and 8pm to accommodate students who are working during the day.

  • The Indiana Department of Education has identified a teacher shortage for Exceptional Needs (both mild-intervention and intense intervention). Many of our students are employed on emergency permits, while they pursue licensure and degree.

  • Designed to meet the Indiana Department of Education licensure requirements.
  • Aligns with the standards set by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).

Become a Champion

"As the great Rita Pierson said, 'Every child deserves a champion.' Being a special educator is a challenging and rewarding career. The special education preparation program at IUSB will prepare you to provide the supports and interventions students with disabilities need to equitably access their education."

Lindsey Brander, Associate Faculty, Supervisor of Exceptional Learners at Elkhart Community Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

No. This is an initial licensure program! We welcome applicants from a wide variety of academic disciplines.

Students must complete the 30-credit program, designed to be finished within two years, and pass the state-required Praxis exams before applying for their mild-intervention licensure.

For the most up to date tuition and fee information, please visit the Bursar’s website at https://administration.iusb.edu/bursar/index.html.

Yes, the MAT in Special Education program is financial aid eligible. For more information about financial aid, scholarship, and grants, please visit the Financial Aid Office website at https://students.iusb.edu/financial-aid/graduate-students.html.

Yes, student teaching is required. If you have questions, please contact the Director of Student Teaching & Clinical Practice, Michael Harley at mlharley@iu.edu.

Attending graduate school is like having a part-time job. Students should plan to spend 15-20 hours per week on their studies. Many of our students work full-time while pursuing their graduate degree. We encourage students to be realistic about time management and carefully consider whether they are able to commit the time and effort needed to succeed in a graduate program.

No. Courses are offered online and in a hybrid format, which means some class sessions will be on-campus and other class sessions will be online. We believe this course delivery format provides the best of both in-person and online learning, including vibrant classroom environments and discussions, as well as flexibility.

Online coursework in this program is primarily asynchronous, meaning that you can access instructional material and engage in the course at times that are convenient for you. Please note that the instructor still establishes the course schedule with specific due dates that students must follow.

Online learning requires significant amounts of reading and engagement. Faculty strive to create interactive learning environments, in which students regularly interact with one another asynchronously through discussion forums, recorded video, chat, and scheduled meetings.

To succeed, online students must be self-motivated and able to manage their time appropriately. Students should expect to spend anywhere from 15-20 hours per week on graduate coursework.

Yes! Whether you will be taking your first or tenth online course, we encourage you to review the Canvas tutorials available through the Academic Centers for Excellence: https://students.iusb.edu/academic-success-programs/academic-centers-for-excellence/canvas-resources.html.

“No. There is a separate Intense Intervention License Addition program. Contact edschool@iu.edu for more information.

You can submit an application at any time! The deadline to apply for the upcoming Fall cohort is July 1. The graduate academic advisor will review your application for completion before sending it to faculty for review.

You have questions and we love that! You can contact the Education Advising Office at edschool@iu.edu with any questions.

Admission Requirements

  • Complete online graduate application
  • Official transcript(s) from undergraduate program showing earned bachelor's degree (If you graduated from an IU campus, you do not need to send your transcript as we have access to it)
    • If your undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, you may be required to take the GRE. Contact the Graduate Advisor for more details.
  • Two professional letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Teaching Philosophy. (Respond in up to one page per question)
    • How do you think children and youth learn?
    • What is the value and purpose of special education?
    • Describe your comfort level with technology. What types of technology do you use daily? When you have difficulty with technology, what do you do?
    • Discuss what is meant by: We believe in the value of learning for all students in collaboration with others.

Submit an application!

Applications are due by July 1

Classes begin in August.

Ready to join us?

Apply Now

Step-by-Step Application Guide