Delivery
Online
Special Education (K-12), M.A.T. – Online
Program Overview
Are you a passionate educator ready to make a profound impact on the lives of students with disabilities? UNC Charlotte’s Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Special Education program empowers individuals who have already completed the Graduate Certificate in Teaching Special Education (K-12): Adapted Curriculum or Special Education (K-12) General Curriculum to advance their skills and knowledge and qualify for the M-level North Carolina Professional Educator’s License.
Ideal for
- Educators with the Graduate Certificate in Teaching Special Education from UNC Charlotte
- Teachers seeking to transition to special education who are enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Teaching Special Education from UNC Charlotte
- Educators aiming for leadership roles in special education who are enrolled in or have completed the Graduate Certificate in Teaching Special Education from UNC Charlotte
Program Contact
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Deepen your expertise and impact
Build upon your existing knowledge: Advance your teaching skills and gain in-depth knowledge of research, leadership, and collaboration strategies.
Convenient 100% online format: Study and participate from anywhere with a flexible schedule perfect for working professionals.
Immersive and interactive learning: Experience engaging coursework that connects theory to real-world classroom practice.
Develop essential skills: Master advanced classroom management techniques and content teaching expertise, conduct impactful research, and collaborate effectively with colleagues.
Qualify for the M-Level Professional Educator’s License: Qualify for the M-level North Carolina Professional Educator’s License and step into leadership roles to make a significant difference in the lives of your students.
Complete an individual master’s project: Apply your learnings to a specific area of interest and showcase your expertise in promoting positive student outcomes.
Courses
Common Courses (8 credit hours)
- RSCH 7113: Single-Case Research (3)
- SPED 6202: Behavioral Assessment (3)
- SPED 6390: Collaboration and Transition-Focused Education (2)
Concentrations (5 credit hours)
Select one of the following concentrations and its requirements based on the concentration completed during the Graduate Certificate in Teaching Special Education:
- General Curriculum Concentration Courses
- SPED 5377: Advanced Literacy for Students with Disabilities (3)
- SPED 5379: Disability Supports in Content-Area Classrooms (2)
- Adapted Curriculum Concentration Courses
- SPED 5371: Person-Centered Planning for Students with Extensive Support Needs (2)
- SPED 6225: Behavior Analytic Intervention in Communication (3)
Capstone Experience (1 credit hour)
- SPED 6691: Seminar in Professional and Leadership Development
The capstone experience for the M.A.T. is fulfilled by completing the culminating evidence project (Data-based Decision Project) in SPED 6691.
Admissions & Requirements
The Master of Arts in Teaching program is designed for students who have already completed the Online Graduate Certificate in Special Education (K-12) in either the General Curriculum or Adapted Curriculum concentration through UNC Charlotte. When applying, please select the concentration that matches the certificate you completed. Note: Courses from both the Graduate Certificate program and the M.A.T. program must be completed within 7 years.
- Complete the Graduate School Admission Application.
- Completion of UNC Charlotte’s Graduate Certificate in Teaching Special Education (K-12).
- A minimum graduate GPA of 3.5 in the Graduate Certificate in Teaching Special Education (K-12).
- Students with a GPA below 3.5 in the Graduate Certificate may be considered for admission to the M.A.T. program with scores above the 30th percentile on the GRE Test.
- Copies of unofficial transcripts from all academic coursework beyond high school.
- One recommendation from a full-time faculty member who has taught the applicant in the Graduate Certificate in Teaching Special Education (K-12). Applicants will provide reference contact names and email addresses through the application portal.
- A statement of purpose of no more than two pages describing the applicant’s objective in undertaking the master’s degree study in special education.
- A copy of resume, listing the applicant’s professional experience.
- In addition to the required application materials, candidates must be currently employed as a teacher, teacher assistant, or have taught within the last two years. Candidates must submit proof of employment and a copy of teaching license (or proof of application for license through NCDPI) along with the required application materials.
Application Deadlines
- August 1 (fall)
- December 1 (spring)
Recommended admission start is Fall for the most efficient program completion. For Spring admission, please consult with the Graduate Program Director, Dr. Ya-yu Lo, before applying.
Applicants can apply via the UNC Charlotte Graduate Admissions website.
Outlook
What Can You Do With A M.A.T. From UNC Charlotte?
UNC Charlotte M.A.T. in Special Education graduates go on to work as special education teachers or other roles in educational organizations. They can be found in school districts and educational providers such as:
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
- Cabarrus County Schools
- Gaston County Schools
- Iredell-Statesville Schools
- Union County Public Schools
- Educational Testing Service
- Davie County Schools
- Lincoln County School District
A number of UNC Charlotte M.A.T. in Special Education students also choose to take additional courses in the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program while enrolling in the M.A.T. program to fulfill the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) coursework requirements. Graduates taking this route go on to work as BCBAs in school districts, clinics, or other educational and ABA institutions. Interested applicants may consult with the Graduate Program Director, Dr. Ya-yu Lo, for more information.
Strong salary expectations
Lightcast, a global leader in labor market analytics research, collects job and salary data from UNC Charlotte graduates. Lightcast sampled graduates of our M.A.T. in Special Education program and found the average annual estimated wage to be approximately $73,100.
Why UNC Charlotte?
Expert Faculty: Learn from educators with extensive experience in special education.
Career Advancement: Gain the qualifications needed to excel in special education roles across various educational settings.
Community and Support: Join a network of professionals dedicated to making a difference in the field of special education.
Tuition
NC Resident: $309.59 per credit hour
Non-Resident: $1,186.59 per credit hour
Please note: Rates are subject to change.