Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Special Education

Teacher smiling in an elementary school classroom

Program Overview.

The role of special educators in education and our school systems has never been more important. This master’s degree will build on your experience in elementary or secondary education while broadening your impact through engaging coursework. It has even been named the #1 Most Affordable Online Masters in Special Education Degree Programs in the U.S. by Top Education Degrees.

About MAT: Special Education at Morningside

Gain a broad knowledge base through educational theory study, research, and practice.
Expand your opportunities for advancing your work in special education and effectively working with students who have unique needs.
Enjoy the flexible advantages of earning a degree 100% online, allowing you to work and maintain your personal and professional aspirations.
Take advantage of opportunities to gain practical experience that can be immediately applied in the classroom.

Make It Your Own

Engaging online coursework prepares you to earn a MAT: Special Education degree and expand your career opportunities. Adding an endorsement to an Iowa teaching license is another great way to further your professional career as an educator.

Credit Requirements

Work is completed in two parts. Candidates must complete the 17 credits of professional foundations core and at least 15 credits of coursework in the field of special education or related to special education.

COURSES

Transfer and Partner Credits

Candidates may transfer up to three credits from another institution or up to three credits from an educational partner as long as the content of the credit aligns with the focus area.

Morningside's graduate education tuition is one of the lowest in the COUNTRY.

100%

of coursework
completed online

Morningside Brings the Value

Fit for your budget, your time, and your life, the Morningside graduate program in education brings the value. Conveniently online, you can advance your career in education in a flexible way that doesn't place a hold on your personal life, professional aspirations, or budget.

Advance your career with a MAT in Special Education

Opportunity available to earn the Iowa Work Experience Coordinator Endorsement.
Courses based on the Standards for the Instructional Strategist I: K-8, Instructional Strategist I: 5-12, Instructional Strategist II: Behavioral Disorders/Learning Disabilities, Instructional Strategist II: Intellectual Disabilities, and Special Education Consultant Endorsements per the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners (2017) and Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Standards.
Learn about the characteristics of learners, assessment, collaboration, and transition, along with methods and strategies for students identified with special education needs.
Through action research, deeply explore a related topic and apply the findings immediately to your own classroom.
May advance you on your district's salary schedule.

Meet A Mustang

Steven McHugh, Special Education Adjunct Instructor

Steven has instructed at Morningside since 2011 and served as an assistant academic coordinator since 2017. His K–12 background varies from teaching math for 13 years to serving as an instructional coach and consultant to being a special education teacher.
Steven is pursuing an Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction. He is an alum of Morningside, where he's also earned six endorsements.

Why Morningside

“A MAT in special education from Morningside does a great job of preparing you for the rigors of being a special education teacher by giving you the strategies and methods to teach students with disabilities. More importantly, the degrees turns you into a passionate advocate for students with disabilities with a drive to help any student believe in themselves and succeed in whatever situation is presented to them.”

Take the Next Step at Morningside

Ready to apply? Check out our Admissions Requirements and get started on advancing your career.

Get Started

Contact Graduate Admissions

Questions? Morningside’s graduate counselors are here to assist you with any academic or career needs.

Get in Touch

Graduate Education Program Financial Aid

Our Office for Financial Planning has a team ready to help you explore financial aid and payment options.

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