The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program prepares students for successful careers in education through high quality and accessible education. The goal of the program is to prepare teachers to make effective decisions in diverse classrooms. To accomplish this goal, emphasis is placed on producing master teachers who are self-reflective, lifelong learners who have an understanding of child development, content, and pedagogy. MAT licensure candidates must apply theory, research, classroom experience, and professional judgment to lead others in collaborative planning, implementation, and evaluation of effective instruction for students.
The MAT licensure program in special education provides candidates with a case-based curriculum designed to prepare them to meet the needs of children and adolescents with mild to severe disabilities. The professional education sequence for a special education generalist provides content that emphasizes the development of effective decision making in diverse contexts.