Special Education, M.A.T.
Are you being called to serve students with disabilities? At Whitworth, you can answer that call and receive specialized training to better serve the wider diversity of students in special education – from mild to severe disabilities, from infancy to adolescence, and from functional to academic needs.
- Get ready to be hired! Special education teachers are in high demand, according to the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).
- Complete an endorsement in special education (P-12) or early childhood special education (P-3).
- Gain practical experience providing academic and behavioral interventions for K-12 students in Whitworth's Literacy Center.
| Degree Snapshot | |
|---|---|
| Credits | 30* |
| Completion Time | 2-3 years |
| Class Format | In person; 1-2 evening classes per week |
| Application Deadline | We are no longer accepting applications. |
*Prerequisite courses may be required
Convenient Schedule for Working Adults
Keep your daytime commitments with Whitworth's MAT Special Education Program, designed specifically for those who work during the day. On-campus classes for this program meet during the late afternoon or in the evening only one or two nights per week. You may enter the program during any semester.
Serve Your Community
Field experiences allow you to apply new skills and effective treatment approaches to support students with academic, social-behavioral, physical and sensory disabilities. You'll complete practicums in early childhood settings or elementary and secondary settings so you can gain additional experience. Field experiences can be completed at Whitworth's Literacy Center or in local schools; assistance with placements is provided.
Enhance Your Career Opportunities
MAT graduates work primarily in school environments, though you can also find employment opportunities in places such as community agencies, hospitals and residential facilities.
As institutions face a growing demand for special education teachers in the U.S., job opportunities are expected to be even greater for those with training and experience in specialized areas, such as early childhood and autism-spectrum disorders (source: Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Program Curriculum
Course requirements listed below will be effective beginning in the 2022-23 academic year.
Learn innovative instructional methods from faculty who have years of teaching experience. The curriculum focuses on positive behavioral intervention strategies based on those tenets and constructed through extensive research and classroom application. You'll explore topics in academic intervention, positive behavior support, and strategies that address severe communication, sensory and physical disabilities.
- Special Education Courses (12 credits): These courses may be waived due to prior graduate or undergraduate coursework. Courses taken at Whitworth may apply towards elective requirements.
- Required Courses & Field Experience (23 credits)
- Electives and Exit Project (7 credits)
- Field Experience & Exit Project (11 credits)
For current course descriptions and learning outcomes of this major, please view the course catalog.
Note: Applicants must hold a current teaching certificate. The courses in this program are subject to change due to program updates. Please check with your advisor for current course offerings.
Add an Endorsement
Special Education Endorsement
The endorsement in special education is included in the master's degree program curriculum. For those who already hold a master's degree, the special education endorsement can be added by completing the required prerequisites, special education courses and field experiences referred to in the program curriculum.
Early Childhood Special Education Endorsement
Those who choose to add the endorsement to the MAT special education degree must complete the following requirements, in addition to degree requirements:
- EDS 534 Early Speech, Language & Literacy (3 credits)
- EDS 538 Early Intervention Interdisciplinary Method (3 credits) or equivalent coursework
- Advanced Elementary Practicum: completed in an early intervention or preschool special education setting
Those who already hold a master's degree may add this endorsement by completing the required prerequisites, special education courses and field experiences referred to in the program curriculum, in addition to the requirements listed above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a certified teacher to be admitted to the program?
Yes, you do need to be certified or concurrently enrolled in a certification program. If you are not currently a certified teacher, you may enroll in our Master in Teaching or Evening Teacher Certification Program as you complete coursework required for the special education endorsement.
Can I complete an endorsement in special education without enrolling in the master's program?
Yes, you can complete the endorsement only. However, in order to receive financial aid, you must be enrolled in a graduate degree program.
What if I just want to become a better general education teacher? Will this degree restrict me to teaching only special education?
No. Completing the degree or certificate does not restrict your teaching to special education. The content in Whitworth's special education courses will give you the tools to better serve students with disabilities or who are at risk in mixed-ability classrooms. The experience and specialized training you'll receive at Whitworth can also improve your opportunities for employment.
Are there many employment opportunities once I graduate?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for special education teachers, especially in early childhood education, is expected to grow. Employment opportunities are expected to be even higher for those who have specialized training or experience. Whitworth offers endorsements in special education (P-12) and early childhood special education (P-3).