How Easy is West Georgia Mat Special Education

Credit Hours: 33

Learn More about the MAT: Special Education Program

The Special Education MAT program is a 33-credit hour program available for individuals who hold an existing, approved degree in any field. This program leads to certification in Georgia in grades p-12 and gives the student a Masters degree at the same time. Students must be able to complete the year-long internship required for program completion within the state of Georgia.

The General Curriculum track prepares M.A.T. teacher candidates to teach students with mild disabilities who receive instruction using the general education curriculum and who participate in general statewide assessments. Specific categories of mild disabilities include learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, other health impairments, and mild intellectual disability. Teacher candidates are also prepared to teach students in special education preschool settings (ages 3-5 years).

The Adapted Curriculum track prepares M.A.T. teacher candidates to teach students who have moderate or severe disabilities who may participate in an alternative assessment. Specific categories of moderate to severe disabilities may include autism, moderate or severe intellectual disabilities, or multiple disabilities. Teacher candidates are also prepared to teach students in special education preschool settings (ages 3-5 years).

For more information, please see the Academic Catalog.

This degree is housed in the College of Education, Department of Learning and Teaching for Special Education. Upon completion of this program, the candidate will meet the requirements to teach in grades p-12 in Georgia while also completing the requirements for a master's degree.

Career Opportunities

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Program Location

Online

Method of Delivery

In the Special Education MAT, depending on a student's previous undergraduate coursework completed, the student may be required to take up to 5 additional courses to meet a concentration requirement in reading, math, science, social studies, or language arts. These courses may or may not be online.

Accreditation

The University of West Georgia is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Credit and transfer

Total semester hours required: 33
A transfer credit evaluation will be completed by the UWG Transfer Team (transfer@westga.edu). Course application to a program is subject to review by the department.

Our online courses are as affordable as you will find among accredited schools. Students will pay for 33 hours of tuition plus a $150 internship supervision fee and current University fees.

This program is offered entirely online. Though a student may choose to sign-up for a face-to-face elective or core course, one can earn this degree completely online.

Save money

UWG is often ranked as one of the most affordable accredited university of its kind, regardless of the method of delivery chosen. In addition, online courses and programs can mean a huge cost-savings in many non-evident ways: No more high gas charges. No childcare needed. The flexibility can allow one to maintain a job while attending school. Regardless of state residency, out-of-state non-resident students are not charged non-resident tuition for online course credit hours.

Details

Total tuition costs and fees may vary, depending on the instructional method of the courses in which the student chooses to enroll.
The more courses a student takes in a single term, the more they will typically save in fees and total cost.
Face-to-Face or partially online courses are charged at the general tuition rate and all mandatory campus fees, based on the student's residency (non-residents are charged at a higher rate).
Fully or entirely online course tuition rates and fees my vary depending on the program. Students enrolled in exclusively online courses do not pay non-Resident rates.
Together this means that GA residents pay about the same if they take all face-to-face or partially online courses as they do if they take only fully online courses exclusively; while non-residents save money by taking fully online courses.
One word of caution: If a student takes a combination of face-to-face and online courses in a single term, they will pay both all mandatory campus fees and the higher eTuition rate.
For the cost information, as well as payment deadlines, see the Student Accounts and Billing Services website

There are a variety of financial assistance options for students, including scholarships and work study programs. Visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for more information.

Coursework

The program requires 33 hours of coursework if the student has all the necessary prerequisites for admission. It involves both classroom and clinical experiences. Many of the courses are delivered online. Others are offered at times that accommodate working professionals. The Special Education MAT is housed in the Department of Literacy and Special Education.

Always consult with an advisor before selecting courses.

General

Program Sheet

An examination of laws and official policies influencing practice in special education, particularly those applicable to service providers. Includes coverage of federal and Georgia rules, as well as recommendations, policies, and practices related to IEPs and ITPs. Also includes attention to relevant codes of ethics for teachers.