University of Kentucky®
Master's Degree (MAT) in
Special Education (for Option 6 teachers)
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 33
CREDENTIALS MAT Degree
COST PER CREDIT
$790.00
- UK Online
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- Master's Degrees
- Special Education (for Option 6 teachers) (MAT)
About this Program
Earn your Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with a focus in Special Education. Designed specifically for educators in Kentucky who are teaching in a special education classroom under a temporary provisional certificate (Option 6), this program offers a unique opportunity to earn your master's degree while gaining essential classroom experience. Students select the program track that aligns with their desired certification: moderate/severe disabilities, or learning and behavior disorders.
Our students teach during the day and attend classes in the evenings online. This practical approach allows you to apply what you learn immediately in your classroom, enhancing both your teaching skills and career prospects.
Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the Praxis II exam, paving the way for official certification in either moderate/severe disabilities or learning and behavior disorders.
Designed For
This program is designed for those employed in a special education classroom on a temporary provisional certificate (Option 6) and leads to an MAT degree with a focus in Special Education, allowing graduates to become qualified special education teachers.
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Learn more about the Special Education (for Option 6 teachers) online program.
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Fill out this form to be sent information on the Master's (MAT) in Special Education (for Option 6 teachers) program, including deadlines, tuition, application requirements and more!
What You’ll Learn
Our Special Education MAT program features two focused concentrations: moderate/severe disabilities, and learning and behavior disorders. This comprehensive curriculum not only equips you with the latest educational strategies, but also prepares you to become certified to teach in these critical areas.
- Learner Development: Graduates will showcase their expertise in creating tailored learning materials and experiences that cater to diverse skill levels within the same subject area
- Assessment: Graduates will master the skill of accurately assessing and categorizing student performance in a manner that is both thorough and justifiable.
- Planning for Instruction: Graduates will demonstrate their proficiency in designing coherent and effective learning sequences that optimize student understanding and engagement.
- Instructional Strategies: Graduates will exhibit their ability to employ suitable strategies and resources to customize instruction for both individual learners and various groups, ensuring inclusive and effective learning experiences.
These outcomes highlight the practical skills and knowledge that students will gain from the program, emphasizing their ability to make a meaningful impact in educational settings.
Course Examples
- EDS 505 Preparing to Teach Diverse Learners
- EDS 516 Creating Supportive and Respectful Learning Environments
- EDS 600 Survey of Special Education
- EDS 628 Advanced Reading and Language Arts Assessment and Methods for Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities
- EDS 642 Collaboration and Inclusion in School and Community Settings for Graduate Students
- EDS 650 Advanced Practicum in Special Education
- EDS 669 Advanced Methods and Practicum in the Moderate/Severe Disabilities Classroom Learning and Behavior Disorders Concentration:
- EDS 526 Introduction to Special Education Assessment
- EDS 570 Characteristics of Learning and Behavioral Disorders
- EDS 629 Advanced Educational Programming for Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities Moderate and Severe Disabilities Concentration
- EDS 500 Communication Assessment and Intervention Strategies for Students with Complex Needs
- EDS 530 Moderate and Severe Disabilities
- EDS 668 Advanced Curriculum Design for Moderate and Severe Disabilities
GOT QUESTIONS?
Schedule time to meet with a representative from UK Online to discuss your online learning options.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- Applicants must be employed in a special education classroom on a temporary provisional certificate (Option 6).
- Must have obtained a baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the admission term, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
- An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work, if applicable.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
Application Requirements
- Official transcripts of all previous college coursework
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2026
Why UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
No test scores required.
Degrees are conferred by the University of Kentucky, an accredited university.
Connect with classmates and faculty during live lectures and discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
What is the admission criteria?
Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.
Do I have to have a job offer in the Option 6 program to be admitted?
Students must be an Option 6 participant prior to starting the program. Students who are interested in obtaining a master's degree in special education without participating in the Option 6 program should review our MS in Special Education online program.
Tuition
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully online programs, state of residence does not affect tuition rate. Tuition is the same no matter where you live.
How much does the online program cost?
The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.
What tuition assistance is available for graduate students?
Graduate students should review the Student Funding information available through the Graduate School. Specific programs may offer additional funding that is unique to that program. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) in the department in which you wish to enroll with questions about the availability of assistantships and the application process.
Online Learning
This program denotes "Online in Real-time". What exactly does that mean?
The program is utilizing synchronous lectures for a large portion of instruction. This requires students to log on and attend class or activities at a specified time listed in the syllabus. This could be a weekly occurrence, or less frequent. To learn more about the schedule, reach out the the program contact listed on this page.
Will my degree say “online”?
No, you are awarded the same diploma from UK as students who take classes in-person. There is no denotation of “online” on your diploma or your transcripts.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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