Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Special Education - Birth through Five / Preschool Special Education

The M.A.T. in Special Education leads to initial certification for students who hold undergraduate degrees in other fields and who do not hold a teaching certification. Students must develop both initial and advanced skills prior to certification. The program of study includes co-requisites coursework and practicum experiences.

Prepare to work with children birth through age 5 both with and without disabilities. The birth through kindergarten/preschool special education emphasis promotes developmentally appropriate inclusive and collaborative teaching practices. Our graduates specialize in providing engaging instruction and support to young children and their families. The special education program recommends to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission that a graduate be awarded a clear renewable teaching certificate in birth through kindergarten and a certificate/endorsement in preschool special education.

Training in this program prepares pre-service teachers to teach in inclusive early learning, preschool, prekindergarten, and kindergarten programs, along with early intervention (0-3) and preschool intervention (3-5) programs.

Highlights

1. Fill a critical shortage area in Georgia
2. Program flexibility for part-time or full-time students
3. Early childhood learning and care is a critical and burgeoning field
4. Earn certificate upgrade in special education and an elementary education field
5. Diverse career opportunities available in home, center, and public school settings
6. Opportunities to have an effect on the development of young learners and their families

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.

The state requires that all candidates have a minimum 2.5 GPA on undergraduate or previous graduate work. Go to the Georgia Professional Standards Commission website for details.

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Special Education - Birth through Five / Preschool Special Education 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