Teaching (Special Education)
Online Master's Degree
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Overview
The Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education (MAT-SPED) is a licensure program designed for paraeducators. It is a two year, 36-hour, online program that begins each summer. Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree in a non-teaching area and at least one year experience working as a paraeducator. The program allows teacher candidates to earn a Kansas teaching license in High Incidence, Special Education, Grades 6-12. During the course of the program, candidates must be employed as full time paraeducators in accredited Kansas schools, working with secondary students who have high incidence learning needs, or can be hired by a school district as the Teacher of Record using the Limited Apprentice License.
Cost
$406*
- Total per credit hour
36
- Credit hours
-
Total tuition = $14,616*
*Cost per credit hour and total tuition is based on 2024-2025 academic year tuition rates , master's program option, and assuming all coursework is completed online in the 2024-2025 academic year. Cost per credit hour and total tuition will vary if studies span over one or more academic year.
Additional information
- About Master's Program
- Career Options
- Internship Opportunities
- MAT Documents
The 36-hour program is designed to be completed in a two years with six graduate credit hours of coursework being completed each semester. Courses are to be taken in sequence to maximize the learning experience. Course content is presented online by utilizing Canvas, a learning management system.
The Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education prepares paraeducators who have earned a baccalaureate degree in any non-education major (from an accredited university) to take and pass the Principles of Learning and Teaching Praxis test and the Special Education PRAXIS test to earn a Kansas High Incidence Special Education Grades 6-12 teaching license.
A Low Incidence Endorsement can be added after obtaining the High Incidence Special Education teaching license. Contact Amanda Hill, Educational Licensure Officer, for more information at 620-235-6153.
During the course of the program, candidates must be employed as full time paraeducators in accredited Kansas schools, working with secondary students who have high incidence learning needs. All of the courses and course assignments are predicated on working with middle/secondary students with high incidence learning needs.
About Teaching and Leadership Department
Whether you are beginning your career with a Bachelor of Science in Education or want to grow professionally with a Master's Degree or Educational Specialist, we believe this is the place for you! With accredited programs, campus, online and hybrid classes, caring faculty and staff to guide you, you can begin or continue your journey toward a rewarding life in the field of Education and Leadership.
The department offers Alternative Teaching Licensure programs in Special Education and Secondary Education. Certificates that lead to an endorsement to a teaching license in a variety of educational areas are available.
Pitt State has been ranked in the Top 25 Best Online Graduate Education Programs by U.S. News & World Report. The best online master's in education degree programs were chosen based on factors such as accreditation, admissions selectivity and academic and career support services offered to students.