Special Education (K-12), M.A.T.

Program Overview

Are you a passionate educator ready to make a profound impact on the lives of students with special needs? UNC Charlotte’s Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education (M.A.T.) 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 advanced Standard Professional II teaching license.

Deepen your expertise and impact:

Phase II of the program builds 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, conduct impactful research, and collaborate effectively with colleagues.

Earn the advanced Standard Professional II teaching license: Qualify for leadership roles and 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.

Ideal for:

  • Educators with the Graduate Certificate in Teaching Special Education from UNC Charlotte
  • Teachers seeking to transition to special education
  • Educators aiming for leadership roles in special education

Program Contact

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  • Delivery
    Online
  • Credits
    14 Credit Hours
  • Admits
    Spring & Fall
Courses

Common Courses (8 credit hours)

  • RSCH 7113: Single-Case Research3
  • SPED 6502: Behavioral Assessment3
  • SPED 6390: Collaboration and Transition-Focused Education

Concentrations (5 credit hours)
Select one of the following concentrations and its requirements based on the concentration completed during
Phase 1:

  • General Curriculum Concentration Courses
    • SPED 5377: Advanced Literacy for Students with Diverse Learning Needs
    • SPED 5379: Diversity and Disability in the Inclusive Classroom
  • Adapted Curriculum Concentration Courses
    • SPED 5371: Person-Centered Planning within Inclusive Classrooms for Students with Extensive Support Needs
    • SPED 6225: Behavior Analytic Intervention in Communication

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 evidence project (Data-based Decision Project) in SPED 6691.  The instructor of this course and one other assigned faculty, serving as a second reviewer, serve as members of the candidate’s culminating committee in completion of the Data-based Decision Project.

Admissions

Admissions & Requirements: 

  • 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 applicants objective in undertaking graduate 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

Application Deadlines: 

  • August 1 (fall)
  • December 1 (spring)

Applicants can apply via the Graduate Admissions application portal.

Apply Now
Outlook

What Can You Do With A MAT From UNC Charlotte?

UNC Charlotte MAT 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 School
  • Gaston County Schools
  • Iredell-Statesville Schools
  • Union County Public Schools
  • Educational Testing Service
  • Davie County Schools
  • Lincoln County School District

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 MAT 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

*Rates are subject to change* 

Resident:

  • $288.82 per credit hour

Outside of NC Non-Resident:

  • $536.98 per credit hour

Non-Resident:

  • $1,098.21 per credit hour

Find more information regarding tuition and fees here ».