Special Education, M.A.T. (P-12 Certification)
The M.A.T. program in special education is designed for career-changers or those persons deciding to become teachers after graduation from college in an area other than education. These persons may or may not have taken education courses as undergraduates but have an interest in working with students with disabilities. The M.A.T. degree requires 60 semester hours of graduate-level course work. The program includes 12 credit hours of directed teaching. Candidates must complete requirements for the S.C. State Department of Education and appropriate accrediting agencies to receive Initial Certification in Special Education. Students must successfully complete a comprehensive assessment prior to directed teaching.
Learning Outcomes
- Special education candidates in the initial MAT preparation program understand how exceptionalities may interact with development and learning and use this knowledge to provide meaningful and challenging learning experiences for individuals with exceptionalities.
- Special education candidates in the initial MAT preparation program create safe, inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments so that individuals with exceptionalities become active and effective learners and develop emotional wellbeing, positive social interactions, and self-determination.
- Special education candidates in the initial MAT preparation program use knowledge of general and specialized curricula to individualize learning for individuals with exceptionalities.
- Special education candidates in the initial MAT preparation program use multiple methods of assessment and data-sources in making educational decisions.
- Special education candidates in the initial MAT preparation program select, adapt, and use a repertoire of evidence-based instructional strategies to advance learning of individuals with exceptionalities.
- Special education candidates in the initial MAT preparation program use foundational knowledge of the field and the their professional Ethical Principles and Practice Standards to inform special education practice, to engage in lifelong learning, and to advance the profession.
- Special education candidates in the initial MAT preparation program collaborate with families, other educators, related service providers, individuals with exceptionalities, and personnel from community agencies in culturally responsive ways to address the needs of individuals with exceptionalities across a range of learning experiences.
Degree Requirements (51 Hours)
The degree requirements include the following:
Concentration Requirements (15 Hours)
Candidates choose one of the following two areas:
Multi-Categorical Disabilities
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDEX 582 | Teaching Mathematics to Students at Risk | 3 |
| EDEX 670 | Nature of Students with Multi-categorical Disabilities | 3 |
| EDEX 671 | Instruction of Students with Multi-categorical Disabilities | 3 |
| EDEX 691 | Collaborative Partnerships in PK-12 Special Education | 3 |
| EDEX 891 | Advanced Educational Procedures for Exceptional Children | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
Severe and Multiple Disabilities
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDEX 610 | Instruction of Students with Severe and Multiple Disabilities | 3 |
| EDEX 615 | Curriculum and Language Instruction for Students with Severe and Multiple Disabilities | 3 |
| EDEX 619 | Nature of Students with Intellectual Disabilities | 3 |
| EDEX 701 | Nature of Students with Autism | 3 |
| EDEX 809 | Single-Case Research Designs in Special Education | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | |
Professional Core Requirements (36 Hours)
For both concentration areas.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDEX 523 | Introduction to Exceptional Children | 3 |
| EDEX 580 | Direct Instruction in Reading for At-Risk Learners | 3 |
| EDEX 640 | Managing Problem Behavior in the Classroom | 3 |
| EDEX 713 | Practicum in Instruction of Exceptional Children I | 3 |
| EDEX 715 | Applied Behavior Analysis in Special Education | 3 |
| EDEX 716 | Functional Behavioral Assessment and Behavior Interventions | 3 |
| EDEX 726 | Seminar in Special Education for Student Teachers | 3 |
| EDEX 790 | Introduction to Assessment in Special Education | 3 |
| Select one course from the following: | 12 | |
| Directed Teaching in Special Education: C (Multicategorical) | ||
| Directed Teaching in Special Education | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 36 | |