Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)—Special Education

Next Term Application Deadline

04.24.2025

Total Credits

Next Term Starts

05.12.2025

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Become a qualified K-12 licensed intervention specialist through the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)—Special Education program at the University of Cincinnati Online. Our program is specifically designed for paraprofessionals, career-changing professionals, and those with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education. Delivered 100% online, our program allows you to move forward with earning your master’s degree and work towards your initial teacher certification at the same time. We recognize the changing and complex role of special educators and prepare our students to implement effective instructional methods to make education accessible for all students.

Already have a teaching license? The Master of Education in Special Education program may be a better fit for you.

What will I learn?

Once admitted you’ll choose from one of the following tracks:

Mild to Moderate: this track is intended to prepare teacher candidates to teach children and youth ages 5 through 21 with mild to moderate educational and behavioral needs in a variety of inclusive settings. The program focuses on curriculum design and implementation, interdisciplinary teaming, and working with families.
Moderate to Intense: this track is intended to prepare teacher candidates to teach children and youth ages 5 through 21 with significant intellectual, communication, behavioral, or sensory needs. The program focuses on curriculum design and implementation, interdisciplinary teaming, and working with families.

Your academic experience will involve 33 credit-hours of core and concentration coursework that includes:

Foundations of Reading and Writing for Intervention Specialists
Assistive Technology & Universal Design for Learning
Overview of Special Education Law
Phonics Theory & Practice
Promoting Positive Behavior

What is my Career Outlook?

MAT graduates will be eligible to teach special education populations in grades K-12. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for special education teachers is presently $61,030, and those with a master’s degree earn on average 24% more than those who solely hold a bachelor’s degree. Qualified, compassionate special education teachers are in high demand, with 42 states and Washington D.C. experiencing a shortage in the 2022-23 school year.

Licensure

Federal regulations require the University of Cincinnati to publicly disclose whether completion of certain programs that lead or may lead to professional licensure or certification would meet a given state’s educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in an occupation (regardless of whether the program is on-ground, online, or hybrid). To learn whether a University program meets a given state’s educational requirements, please visit the University of Cincinnati State Authorization webpage.

Program Highlights

100% online instruction.
Part-time flexibility.
Three start dates a year.
Nationally renowned faculty.
Start-to-graduation support: Every student enrolled online is assigned a dedicated Student Success Coordinator.
Consistently ranked among the nation’s best Graduate Education programs by U.S. News and World Report.

Meet Our Faculty

Dr. Kate Doyle and Dr. Christi Carnahan are two of the leading minds behind the University of Cincinnati’s Special Education programs. Hear how they found their passion for special education.