M.A.T. Special Education Certification

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) leads to initial teaching certification in Special Education General Curriculum (P-12) and a master’s degree for those persons who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. The program of study is designed to meet all content and methods requirements for initial certification and the degree in 45 credit hours.

This is a fully online program. Candidates are required to complete supervised field experiences in Georgia schools to meet certification requirements. Field experiences must be completed in a classroom that matches the program concentration.

What background do I need?

This concentration is for candidates who already hold a bachelor’s degree in counseling, child and family development, English, math, psychology, science, social science, or a closely related field. Applicants interested in the MAT Special Education General Curriculum program will have their transcripts evaluated as part of the application process to ensure content and GPA requirements are satisfied to begin the MAT program. Prerequisite content coursework, based on the transcript evaluation, must be completed before admission into the program.

What certification will I be eligible for upon completion of this concentration?

Upon successful completion of all program requirements and passing the appropriate GACE exam, you will be eligible for Georgia T-5 Special Education General Curriculum Certification (grades P-12). The program is an NCATE-accredited and Georgia Professional Standards Commission-approved program.

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) leads to initial teaching certification and a master’s degree for those persons who hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Special Education General Curriculum certification (P-12) for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree in counseling, child and family development, English, mathematics, psychology, science, social science, or a closely related field.

The total credit hours for the degree are dependent on previous coursework completed in the area of certification. A transcript evaluation by the College of Education's Graduate Academic Services Center is required. Prerequisite content course work, based on the transcript evaluation, must be completed as a non-degree student before admission into the program.

1. Complete requirements for a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
2. Present a cumulative 2.50 (4.0 scale) grade point average or higher on all undergraduate and graduate coursework.
3. Complete specified prerequisite content coursework with a 2.75 or higher GPA for one or more associated content areas. More about required prerequisite content coursework requirements and the transcript evaluation process.
4. Submit a passing score on the state-required Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment.
5. Qualify for a Georgia Pre-Service certificate or Provisional certificate.
6. Acknowledge “Disclosure and Affirmation” statements that address the Code of Ethics for Educators and the need for tort liability insurance.
7. International applicants and U.S. citizens whose native language is not English must demonstrate competence in English. Applicants must take and pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The official TOEFL score may not be more than two years old. Those who do not meet the minimum proficiency standard may be recommended for enrollment in University English courses or for English courses offered by the English Language Program (ELP) on campus prior to admission to the program.
8. If an applicant was previously enrolled in an initial teacher preparation program, an interview must be completed with the Program Coordinator prior to admission.

The M.A.T. Special Education Certification program leads to Professional Licensure.

Not all programs are available to residents in all states. Please check the institution's State Authorization and Professional Licensure website(s) to ensure you reside in an authorized state. Georgia Southern University's Professional License Disclosure

Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Georgia Professional Standards Commission