Special Education: General Curriculum, Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
The M.A.T program is designed to meet the needs of candidates with a bachelor’s degree other than education seeking initial certification and lead to recommendation for a Georgia level 5 certificate. The M.A.T. program is designed to link theory and practice through a combination of course work, research, and applied field experiences. The candidate’s program is based on transcript review, previous work experience, and the requirements of Piedmont University, and the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Special Education Master of Arts program is to prepare our candidates to use advanced knowledge of learner characteristics, federal and state regulations, evidence-based practices, and collaborative skills to affect positive learning outcomes for school-age individuals with disabilities. Further, we prepare candidates to engage in ongoing professional development, use inquiry to guide professional practice, and provide leadership to create effective school environments
Prerequisite Degree: Bachelor’s in any field
Program Requirements
All requirements for admission to teacher education, as described in the catalog, must be met. In addition to the graduate admissions requirements listed, all candidates must submit three letters of recommendation that address potential for teaching students with disabilities. A passing score on the appropriate GACE Content Assessments is required for certification.
Required Early in Program Unless Previously Satisfied:
These courses should be satisfied as soon as possible if not previously met and may be taken at either the undergraduate or graduate level in a GaTAPP program.
Program Requirements (Cluster A)
| EDUC 5000 | Introduction to Professional Practice | 3 |
| EDUC 6600 | Educational Assessment | 3 |
| EDUC 6601 | Instructional Media and Technology for Teachers | 3 |
| SPED 6602 | Learning Characteristics of Children with Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 6606 | Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers | 3 |
| SPED 6607 | Single Case Research for Special Educators | 3 |
| SPED 6633 | Curriculum and Differentiated Instruction | 3 |
| EDUC 6656 | Essentials of Collaboration and Inclusion | 1 |
| SPED 6684 | Advanced Strategies for Behavior Change | 3 |
| EDUC 7703 | Social, Cultural, and Ethical Perspectives of Education | 3 |
| SPED 7705 | Policies and Legal Issues in Special Education | 3 |
Cluster B (to be at the end of the program of study)
SPED 7780: This course is non-transferable and must be completed at Piedmont University
Hours 42-44 Minimum
After all requirements for cluster A and B, and appropriate assessment requirements are met, candidates may be recommended for the Special Education General Curriculum Certificate, which prepares them to work in a consultative setting with a content teacher of record.
Program Completion Requirements:
- Admission to Teacher Education, and pre-service certificate;
- Submit and have approved an application for graduation the semester before graduation;
- Earn an overall GPA of 3.0 in all graduate courses attempted; and
- Approval of Capstone (SPED 7780) with a passing score
Note: In order to register for Student Teaching or take the capstone course in any program (whichever occurs last), M.A.T. candidates must successfully pass the appropriate Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) tests(s).
The Master of Arts in Teaching program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree (generally in a field other than education) and who wish to pursue teacher certification and simultaneously earn a master’s degree.