Master of Arts in Teaching at SIUE
The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) allows students who have an undergraduate degree in areas other than education the opportunity to earn a master's degree, as well as gain certification to teach special education to students in kindergarten through age 21. Students can earn state licensure and a master's degree in just two years. The MAT program provides integrated coursework focused on diverse learners, as well as field experiences that require theoretical and practical knowledge application.
Offered through the Department of Teaching and Learning, the MAT prepares candidates for Learning Behavior Specialist I licensure, which requires teachers to build a knowledge base to identify and intervene with students who exhibit a wide range of disabilities, including learning disabilities, cognitive impairments, autism, social/emotional disabilities and physical disabilities or other health impairments. Students with undergraduate degrees in teacher education are not eligible for this program.
Why choose SIUE?
SIUE is a leader in education, dedicated to addressing teacher shortages in Illinois and across the United States. In fact, the state of Illinois ranks the special education program at SIUE as exemplary and our students have a 100% pass rate on the edTPA exam.
Our students put learning into practice using the Virtual Professional Practice Lab (VPPL), an innovative, mixed-reality technology that simulates experiences and interacts with participants to help them master their teaching skills. SIUE is one of only 14 universities in the nation with a VPPL and our students feel better prepared to teach after participating in this hands-on experience.
To help address the current special education teacher shortage, the following funding sources are available to students studying in the state of Illinois:
- TEACH grant
- Minority student scholarships
- Special education scholarships
- Reduced tuition rates and tuition waivers for members of the military and Department of Defense
What can I do with a master's degree in teaching?
With a growing need for special educators nationwide, as well as anticipated continued growth, MAT graduates have a wide range of employment opportunities. Our graduates are licensed to teach students with a wide range of disabilities in kindergarten through age 21.
Course Formats
- Online
MAT candidates complete six semesters, totaling 45 hours of online coursework while engaging in field-based, hands-on learning experiences in public school settings. Students enroll in seven to nine hours each semester and progress through the program as members of a cohort, with each new cohort beginning during the summer term. Field experiences occur during the work day.
Coursework is designed to allow candidates the opportunity to evaluate and conduct research in the classroom. A series of developmentally sequenced field experiences are required for the full age range, all types and ability levels, as well as collaborative opportunities appropriate to the learning behavior specialist. All experiences must be completed prior to student teaching, are supervised by qualified professionals, and are arranged through the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior Student Services Office.
In place of a separate field experience, candidates currently working in special education classrooms can explore proven ways to prepare lessons for the diverse needs of their students.
Please note that international students are ineligible to receive a student visa for this program.
Professional Credential Disclosure
This program is intended to prepare students for licensure/certification meeting educational requirements established by regulatory boards in the state of Illinois. Licensure/certification requirements can vary by state. If you intend to practice or teach inside or outside the state of Illinois, please visit our professional licensure webpage.
