Special Education, MAT
Why Pursue a Special Education MAT Degree?
Special education attracts educators who want to make a lasting difference, and it is one of the most rewarding paths you can take. Helping students with disabilities to achieve is one of the most important jobs in education, and if you feel drawn to performing this role, then Piedmont University is here to help. No matter your level of experience, Piedmont’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in special education degree will show you how to help students with special needs excel.
This fully online program offers both synchronous (live, scheduled classes held in the evening, where you can interact in real time with instructors and classmates) and asynchronous (self-paced activities and assignments you complete on your own schedule) learning options. This flexible format allows you to pursue your degree at a pace that suits your life, equipping you with the knowledge and tools needed to excel in special education in Georgia.
How a Piedmont Special Education MAT Degree Helps You
- Helps gain teaching certification in the state of Georgia.
- Gives you both the knowledge and confidence to teach students with cognitive disabilities – in core curriculum, adaptive skills, and community integration.
- Obtain a master’s degree in a setting and on a schedule that best suits your busy life.
- Opens employment opportunities across the state, in both public and private systems.
Degree Options
The MAT in Special Education: General Curriculum is your pathway to a rewarding career working with students who have mild to moderate disabilities. You’ll gain the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to help students succeed in inclusive classrooms—supporting their academic growth, building their confidence, and ensuring they thrive alongside their peers. With a strong demand for special education teachers, this program gives you the opportunity to step into a high-need, high-impact role in today’s schools. Designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in any field, the MAT allows you to earn initial teacher certification and a master’s degree at the same time.
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of students with significant cognitive disabilities? The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Special Education: Adapted Curriculum prepares you to do just that. In this program, you’ll learn how to design and deliver meaningful instruction that helps students with moderate to severe disabilities access the core curriculum while also building critical life, adaptive, and community skills. Whether you’re guiding students in the classroom or preparing them for greater independence beyond school, you’ll be equipped to have a lasting impact. This program is ideal for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree (in any field) and want to earn teacher certification while completing a master’s degree.
Learn MoreCareer Opportunities
A Special Education MAT degree from Piedmont opens doors and a wide range of professional pursuits. For instance, our graduates have gone on to build successful careers in:
A Special Education MAT degree from Piedmont University broadens your career opportunities, equipping you to teach in both public and private schools. This degree prepares graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a variety of educational settings, supporting students with diverse learning needs.
Additionally, earning your MAT in Special Education sets the foundation for further academic and professional growth. Graduates are well-positioned to continue their education by pursuing an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree or a doctoral degree (Ph.D./Ed.D.), expanding their expertise and potential career paths even further.
More About Special Education MAT Degrees
Learn more about Special Education and the variety of options available to you as a Piedmont student.
/Piedmont University’s MAT special education degree requires coursework that will train candidates to work with students with significant disabilities. This course requires 43-credit hours and successful passing of the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE). Candidates will complete an intensive series of courses and field experiences and 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.
At Piedmont, we are committed to producing quality educators. And we do so in an environment dedicated to that purpose. The Charles and Catherine Sewell Center for Teacher Education was dedicated in 2020 following the extensive renovation of Nielsen Hall, originally built in 1972. Here, we train the state’s next generation of teachers. In fact, Piedmont offers the largest graduate program for teacher education in the state and is the second-highest producer of new teachers annually among all colleges and universities in Georgia.
Eligibility for application requires a bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 cumulative GPA from an accredited college or university.
Applicants must also submit:
- Graduate Admissions Application
- All official, final transcripts from every college attended
- Two (2) professional references. One reference is required from a supervising administrator, and the other can be a choice of the following: a former professor, or instructor (college instructor, staff development instructor or mentor), or professional colleague
- Personal Affirmation Form
Related Programs
Intrigued by a Special Education master’s degree? You might also be interested in one of these programs:
Meet our Faculty
Meet our talented faculty with both academic and professional experience in Special Education.
Where do I start?
To begin your journey toward earning a Special Education MAT degree at Piedmont University, you can start by applying today! Or, schedule a campus visit and meet with admissions and financial aid advisors, as well as faculty members in Special Education.