MAT in Elementary Ed. – Special Ed. 45-Hr.

CAEP accreditation logo
CAEP accreditation logo

Request information

about degree programs, admissions, financial aid, and more.
Step: 1 of 2
Degree Program
Step: 2 of 2
Contact Information

By submitting contact information through this form, I agree that Liberty University and its affiliates may call and/or text me about its offerings by any phone number I have provided and may provide in the future, including any wireless number, using automated technology.

Message and data rates may apply. For additional information, text HELP to 49595 or 49596. You may opt-out at any time by sending STOP to 49595 or 49596. Visit for Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

OR

LUO Family

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Elementary Education – Special Education General Curriculum 45-Hour

Overview
What You Will Study
Careers
Benefits
Military

Grow Your Career and Help Elementary Students with Special Needs by Earning Our 45-Hour MAT

Do you want to work with elementary students with special needs to overcome the challenges they face in school? Liberty’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Elementary Education – Special Education General Curriculum 45-Hour program equips you for a rewarding career helping students with special needs at the K-6 grade levels.

Our special education program is also designed to meet the following rigorous standards to ensure you are ready for the classroom:

  • Council of Exceptional Children (CEC)
  • Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) Model Core Teaching
  • Virginia Department of Education for Special Education Adapted Curriculum K-6

With advanced special education training and in-class experience in your area, you will have the hands-on training and critical teaching knowledge you’ll need to be successful in your future classroom.

Liberty University offers detailed information about the educational requirements for licensure programs. To see if this program aligns with your state, you can research requirements here: https://www.liberty.edu/statelicensure/

What Will You Study in Our MAT in Elementary Education – Special Education?

  • Current trends in elementary and special education
  • Educational behavior and development
  • Methods of teaching and classroom management
  • Special education assessment and care
  • Theories and methodologies of education

The MAT in Elementary Education provides an in-depth foundation of teaching practice and learning theory with essential studies in educational behavior and development, theories and methodologies of education, current trends in the education field, and classroom management.

Through your special education courses, you will learn how to provide individualized education support and care for students with significant disabilities, create lesson plans, and provide intellectual stimulation for special needs students while encouraging growth. You will also learn how to make decisions about student progress, instruction, program, placement, and transitional services.

As an online MAT student, you will complete a semester of student teaching at the end of the program. By working hands-on in the classroom under an experienced, licensed elementary school teacher, you will meet licensure requirements while developing your teaching style.

Career Opportunities for Graduates of the 45-Hour MAT in Elementary Education – Special Education

  • Elementary education curriculum developer and manager
  • Elementary school teacher
  • Family support specialist
  • Special education general curriculum teacher (K-6)
  • Teaching product developer

Highlights of Our 45-Hour Master’s in Elementary Education Degree

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
  • While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have lowered tuition for our Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Education programs. At $415 per credit hour for full-time enrollment (at least 9 hours per semester), Liberty University’s MAT online is available at one of the lowest tuition rates for this degree in the country.
  • This program includes the requirements for teaching licensure endorsements in elementary education and special education.
  • Pursuing our online Master of Arts in Teaching licensure track may make you eligible for the Federal TEACH Grant.
  • Liberty University’s School of Education meets rigorous national standards for educator preparation set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
  • Because this is an online degree, you will have the opportunity to network with educators from across the country.
  • This program may help you be eligible for certification through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

Military Benefits

Service is important to us, so whether you’re currently serving in the Armed Forces, have served, or are married to someone who serves, we’re here to serve you. Liberty’s military benefits are available to:

  • Active duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces
  • Reserve/National Guard
  • Veterans/retirees
  • Spouses of service members and veterans/retirees
  • Current Department of Defense employees

We are proud to support you in your pursuit of a flexible and affordable online education by offering you the following benefits: 

  • Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
  • Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)
  • 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
45

Credit Hours

Class Type

100% online, 8-week courses

Interested in studying on campus?

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Date

Feb 10, 2025

Accreditation

CAEP

600+ Online Degrees

With over 600 online degrees, we have something that will accommodate your dreams and calling.

Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus

Our residential campus ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America. That commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well.

No tuition increase for 9 years

We want to help you pursue your goals – so while tuition rates at most universities have continued to increase over the years, the majority of our rates haven’t.

Popular Degrees

All Areas of Interest

Hear from our Graduates

“The best part of my LU experience has been my growing faith formation through my developing educational understanding, as an aspiring school administrator.”

Megan Schultz, EdD School Administration & Supervision

“Liberty offers an affordable, Christ-centered education, honoring the foundations of our country. I have learned how to apply a Biblical worldview to my work in public policy while adequately knowing history and the founding documents of United States.”

Morgan Schlesselman, Master’s in Public Policy

“There have been so many highly qualified professors who have sown generously into my academic endeavors at Liberty that encouraged me when I felt like giving up.”

James, Master of Divinity

just applied for !