Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education
Become a special needs teacher, even without a bachelor’s in education
Have any Bachelor’s degree?
You’re qualified to begin special education certification training
Across all education levels, more than 2,000 additional special education teachers are projected to be needed in Georgia by 2026. Brenau’s 100% online Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education prepares you to transition into a high-need career as a certified special education teacher.
To enroll in this program, you must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university. However, your bachelor’s degree can be in any subject; this program is intended for those who want to become teachers but didn’t earn a bachelor’s in education.
Brenau’s special education M.A.T. degree helps you:
- Become certified by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) as a special education teacher
- Prepare for edTPA assessment exams specific to special education (Brenau M.A.T. graduates have an edTPA pass rate of 95–100%)
- Increase your job security while transitioning to a high-need career
How does an M.A.T. differ from an M.Ed.?
Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.)
M.A.T. curriculum is heavily focused on classroom teaching, and is best for those who want to become a teacher.
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
M.Ed. programs usually appeal to current teachers who aspire to administrative positions, such as a principal or curriculum developer.
Choose Brenau for your M.A.T. in Special Education
Special education is all about accessibility to quality education to improve lives. At Brenau, you can take advantage of resources like our professional tutoring program, academic coaching and our writing center to have an enjoyable online experience.
100% Online
Your M.A.T. coursework is 100% online to better fit your busy life
Quality Curriculum
You’re getting a degree from a university that’s GaPSC-approved.
Accelerated classes
Most classes last just seven weeks, moving along at a pace convenient to you
Free Guide
Is Going Back to School Right for Me?
Our FREE guide helps you know if you're ready.
Get where you want to be in your career with Brenau’s M.A.T. in Special Education
Potential Careers
- Special education teacher in elementary, middle, or high school
- Clinical case supervisor
- Educational diagnostician
- Rehabilitation counselor
National Median Salary
Special Education Teachers
$59,780
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Average Annual Job Openings
Special Education Teachers in Georgia (all levels), 2018–2020
1,410
Projections Central
Increase your starting salary
Beginning your special education career with an M.A.T. can increase your starting salary.
According to Teacher.org, teachers with a master’s make an average of:
$7,000
more per year nationwide.
Invest in your future by investing in Brenau
-
-
$713
Cost per credit
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85%
More than 85% of Brenau students receive some sort of financial assistance
Enhance your bachelor’s with master’s-level teaching skills
Brenau’s M.A.T. in Special Education curriculum includes:
Core Classes
- Introduction to Teacher Education
- Introduction to Special Education
- Understanding & Managing Learners
- Instructional Practices & Assessment
- Content Applications
- Computer Literacy in Education
- Methods of Educational Research
- School Law & Ethics in Education
- Clinical Practice Seminar
- Literacy Knowledge and Foundations
- Literacy Methods for Middle Grades Education
- Assessment for Literacy Instruction
- Student Teaching
- Internship in Middle Grades Education
- Literacy Knowledge and Foundations
- Reading and Writing Methods for Adolescents
- Assessment for Literacy Instruction
- Assessment of Learning Potential
- Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis
- Learners with Mild Disabilities
- Methods and Materials of Mild Disabilities
Concentration Courses (Choose One Subject)
- Language Arts
- Reading and Writing Methods for Adolescents
- Literacy for Teachers
- Mathematics
- Mathematics for Teachers
- Reading
- Literacy Knowledge and Foundations
- Reading and Writing Methods for Adolescents
- Assessment for Literacy Instruction
- Literacy for Teachers
- Reading in the Content Area
- Science
- Science for Teachers
- Social Studies
- Social Studies for Teachers
- History of the United States I
- History of the United States II
- World Civilization I
Gaining Teaching Experience
After you complete all of your courses, you’ll apply the skills you learn through a student teaching or internship experience. Brenau’s Office of Clinical Experiences will work with schools and experienced mentors to ensure your success.
Connect with an enrollment coach for more details:
866.239.4762
“The professors at Brenau inspired me to become a highly effective educator, and they played an important part in learning different teaching methods that I currently use in my classroom.”
— Anita Smith, ’16