Overview
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 in grades K-12. 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.
The MAT is offered through the Department of Teaching and Learning within the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior. 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.
Degree Available at SIUE
- Master of Arts in Teaching
Career Opportunities
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. There is also a current shortage of special education teachers in Illinois.
Course Formats
- Blended/Online
- Evening
- Summer
MAT candidates complete six semesters, totaling 45 hours of coursework while engaging in field-based, hands-on learning experiences in public school settings. Students progress through the program as members of a cohort, with each new cohort beginning during the summer term. Licensure will cover grades K-12 in special education. 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.
