Teacher Education, M.A.T., Concentrations in Special Education: Adapted Curriculum, General Curriculum

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The Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Special Education at the University of West Georgia is a fully online 30-hour degree program that seamlessly integrates embedded practicum experience with academic study. The comprehensive program is designed for individuals holding a Bachelor’s degree in a non-education field and seeking initial teaching certification in Georgia. This program offers two distinct PK-12 concentration options, General Curriculum and Adapted Curriculum.

The General Curriculum Concentration option focuses on learners with mild disabilities in a general education setting who are working toward the state-adopted curriculum content standards and participating in the general achievement standards assessment.

The Adapted Curriculum Concentration option is specifically designed for teacher candidates responsible for teaching learners with severe disabilities, who require increased support levels, modified curriculum instruction, and alternate achievement assessments.

Both concentrations culminate in an internship residency, allowing teacher candidates to practice and refine their skills in a real-world setting. The MAT in Special Education program is an ideal pathway for career changers aiming to make a significant impact in the field of Special Education.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts in Teaching, with a concentration in Special Education, is a 30-hour degree for students who hold a Bachelor’s degree in a field outside of Education. This degree results in a Georgia initial teaching certification in Special Education. Students may choose between two certification concentrations: general curriculum and adapted curriculum. Many students who pursue this degree are career changers who want to add a Georgia teaching certificate to an existing degree in an undergraduate content field. Students must complete the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment to be admitted to this program. An undergraduate GPA of 2.7 is required for admission.