Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Special Education - Adapted Curriculum and Autism

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Special Education – Adapted Curriculum and Autism, offered by the Mary Frances Early College of Education, is designed for individuals who hold an undergraduate degree in another field and seek initial teacher certification in adapted curriculum. This program equips students with both foundational and advanced skills necessary for certification through a combination of coursework and practicum experiences.

In this program, you will learn to teach students with moderate to severe autism and developmental disabilities. The training prepares you to work in adapted curriculum classrooms, which serve students who do not follow the general education curriculum commonly implemented in most classrooms.

The adapted curriculum focuses on adapting the general education curriculum, developing functional academic skills, lifelong personal and social skills, vocational training, recreational and leisure skills, and community participation. It also emphasizes behavior management, specialized instructional strategies, and assistive technology. Students most commonly served in adapted curriculum settings include those with moderate to profound intellectual disabilities and moderate to severe autism.

This program also provides:

• A strong emphasis on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Early Childhood Special Education
• Certification spanning preschool through 12th grade
• Flexible pathways for students, including:
  • Paraprofessionals currently working in schools
  • Provisionally certified teachers seeking full certification
  • Traditional students who wish to complete practicum and student teaching (40 hours, unpaid)
• The opportunity to address a critical teacher shortage in Georgia, making a meaningful impact in special education

Admission Requirements

Professional preparation: Earned, or will have earned, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution before the date of enrollment at the University of Georgia. GPA: Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 for all courses taken

Professional preparation: Earned, or will have earned, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution before the date of enrollment at the University of Georgia. GPA: Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 for all courses taken

Online Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Special Education – Adapted Curriculum

Application Checklist

1. Application – Submit the Graduate School Admissions online.  Application fee: $75 Domestic/$100 International.
2. Select Campus – Online
3. Select Degree Level – Masters
4. Select Intended Program – MAT, Special Education (Comm Sci and Special Ed) [MAT_SPED_ONL]
5. Select Area of Emphasis – Special Education Adapted Curriculum and Autism
6. Select Intended Term – Summer
7. Résumé or curriculum vita – Submit online to the Graduate School.
8. Statement of Purpose – Submit a one-two page statement of purpose online to the Graduate School. The statement of intent should clarify the candidate’s relevant background, interests, and goals in relation to the program.
9. Transcripts – Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended as part of the online application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
10. Letters of Recommendation – Submit three letters of recommendation online to graduate school. Letters should be from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program (previous employers or instructors are encouraged).

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Special Education - Adapted Curriculum and Autism program leads to Professional Licensure.

Not all programs are available to residents in all states. Please check the institution's State Authorization and Professional Licensure website(s) to ensure you reside in an authorized state. The Professional License Disclosure link opens in a new tab. 's Professional License Disclosure

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges