Master of Arts in Teaching

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) allows students who have an undergraduate degree in areas other than education the opportunity to earn a master's degree, as well as gain certification to teach special education in grades K-12. Students can earn state licensure and a master's degree in just two years. The MAT program provides integrated coursework focused on diverse learners, as well as field experiences that require theoretical and practical knowledge application. The MAT is offered through the Department of Teaching and Learning within the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior. The MAT prepares candidates for Learning Behavior Specialist I licensure, which requires teachers to build a knowledge base to identify and intervene with students who exhibit a wide range of disabilities, including learning disabilities, cognitive impairments, autism, social/emotional disabilities and physical disabilities or other health impairments. Students with undergraduate degrees in teacher education are not eligible for this program. With a growing need for special educators nationwide, as well as anticipated continued growth, MAT graduates have a wide range of employment opportunities. Our graduates are licensed to teach students with a wide range of disabilities in kindergarten through age 21. There is also a current shortage of special education teachers in Illinois.