Master of Arts in Teaching – Special Education P-12 Concentration Online

Prepare for roles teaching students with exceptional learning needs. Whether you are a current educator or changing careers, this online master’s program can help you quickly transition into the special education field.

Apply by 3/5/25
Start class 3/17/25 Apply Now

Program Overview

Foster inclusive learning environments with the MAT Special Education P-12 program

Positively impact a high-need area with the online Master of Arts in Teaching – Special Education P-12 Concentration program. Designed to broaden your knowledge of behavior management, inclusive practices, and assistive technologies, this dynamic program offers multiple pathways that can help change the trajectory of your career regardless of your educational background.

Choose from concentrations in learning and behavior disorders or moderate and severe disabilities, or you can pursue a dual concentration that combines both specializations. Upon entry into the M.A.T. – Special Education P-12 program, you will immediately be able to pursue teaching roles in Kentucky. Additionally, you may be eligible for tuition assistance through the Kentucky Traineeship Program while teaching on a provisional certificate.

In this online teaching master’s program, you will:

  • Explain how exceptionalities may interact with development and learning
  • Select, adapt, and use evidence-based instructional strategies to support learning for students with exceptionalities
  • Understand the importance of advocacy and mentoring to support students with exceptionalities
  • Use technology to plan, deliver, and differentiate instruction that addresses learning objectives for all students and facilitates multiple levels of learning
  • Conduct a functional behavior assessment
In this online teaching master’s program, you will:+
  • Explain how exceptionalities may interact with development and learning
  • Select, adapt, and use evidence-based instructional strategies to support learning for students with exceptionalities
  • Understand the importance of advocacy and mentoring to support students with exceptionalities
  • Use technology to plan, deliver, and differentiate instruction that addresses learning objectives for all students and facilitates multiple levels of learning
  • Conduct a functional behavior assessment

You will be prepared to serve in educational roles, such as:

  • Special Education Teacher
You will be prepared to serve in educational roles, such as:+
  • Special Education Teacher
+

Online education programs also available:

Northern Kentucky University offers a variety of graduate education programs online. Check out our other quality online Master of Arts in Teaching programs.

M.A.T. – Special Education P-12 with a Concentration in Learning & Behavior Disorders

Prepare to support students with learning and behavior disorders through the implementation of inclusive practices and assessment techniques for topics like P-12 mathematics. You will gain expertise in how a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) or Emotional Disturbance (ED) may impact student learning, and you will identify resources and research outlets that can be utilized to create support plans.

M.A.T. – Special Education P-12 with a Concentration in Learning & Behavior Disorders+

Prepare to support students with learning and behavior disorders through the implementation of inclusive practices and assessment techniques for topics like P-12 mathematics. You will gain expertise in how a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) or Emotional Disturbance (ED) may impact student learning, and you will identify resources and research outlets that can be utilized to create support plans.

M.A.T. – Special Education P-12 with a Concentration in Moderate & Severe Disabilities

Explore advanced behavior analysis, language development, and prescriptive teaching as you prepare to transform learning for students with Moderate and Severe Disabilities (MSD). Gain the ability to interpret formal and informal assessments, create and implement proactive behavior intervention plans, and select assistive technology to accommodate the needs of exceptional learners.

M.A.T. – Special Education P-12 with a Concentration in Moderate & Severe Disabilities+

Explore advanced behavior analysis, language development, and prescriptive teaching as you prepare to transform learning for students with Moderate and Severe Disabilities (MSD). Gain the ability to interpret formal and informal assessments, create and implement proactive behavior intervention plans, and select assistive technology to accommodate the needs of exceptional learners.

M.A.T. – Special Education P-12 with a Dual Concentration in Learning and Behavior Disorders and Moderate and Severe Disabilities

This comprehensive program includes all coursework for both the MAT SPED P-12 Learning & Behavior Disorders and the MAT SPED P-12 Moderate & Severe Disabilities concentrations. Curriculum emphasizes inclusion and collaboration as well as strategies and resources for effectively working with families to improve outcomes for exceptional learners.

M.A.T. – Special Education P-12 with a Dual Concentration in Learning and Behavior Disorders and Moderate and Severe Disabilities+

This comprehensive program includes all coursework for both the MAT SPED P-12 Learning & Behavior Disorders and the MAT SPED P-12 Moderate & Severe Disabilities concentrations. Curriculum emphasizes inclusion and collaboration as well as strategies and resources for effectively working with families to improve outcomes for exceptional learners.

Total Tuition $15,724
Program Duration As few as 18 months
Credit Hours 36-55

Accreditation

CAEP Accredited

The Northern Kentucky University College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Apply Now

Need More Information?

Call 800-985-7215

Call 800-985-7215

Tuition

Benefit from economical, pay-as-you-go tuition

Our affordable special education master's online program features the same pay-by-the-course tuition for all students, no matter where you live.

View additional tuition information+

Program Per Credit Hour Required Fees Total Program with Fees
M.A.T. – Special Education P-12 $412 $480 $15,724

Tuition and fees subject to change at any time.

Tuition Breakdown:

Total Tuition $15,724
Per Credit Hour $412
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Calendar

Remember these key dates and deadlines

The M.A.T. – Special Education P-12 online program offers an accelerated course schedule with multiple start dates so you can balance your studies with work and life. View the calendar to find the best start date for you.

View full calendar  + 

SessionProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment Due
Spring 23/17/253/5/253/10/253/14/253/17/25

Now enrolling:

Apply Date 3/5/25
Class Starts 3/17/25
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Apply Now

Admissions

Apply quickly and easily to the online MAT Special Education P-12 program

The admission process is the first step to earning your Master of Arts in Teaching special education degree from NKU online.

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited institution
  • 2.75 GPA minimum or GPA of at least 3.0 in last 30 hours of coursework
  • No Praxis 2 exam requirements
View all admission requirements +

M.A.T. – Special Education P-12 Online Admission Requirements

Students interested in applying to the M.A.T. program are strongly recommended to schedule a pre-advising appointment with the program director to ensure prerequisite courses for content-area certification have been taken prior to admission.

  • Complete online application for admission
  • Pay $40 non-refundable application fee
    • If you are an NKU alumni or active/veteran military member, your application fee will be waived
  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) coursework from accredited institution(s), with a minimum 2.75 GPA or a GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 30 semester hours of coursework
  • A Statement of Professional Purpose which states your reasons for pursuing teacher certification at this point in your life, as well as in the chosen content area
  • Submit a criminal and federal background check

Official documents may be mailed or emailed to:

NKU Office of Graduate Education
302 Lucas Administrative Center
Highland Heights, KY 41099

[email protected]

Have a question? Call us at 800-985-7215.

Courses

Learn more about the curriculum for the online MAT Special Education P-12 program

For the M.A.T. – Special Education P-12 online program, students must complete a total of 37 credit hours, which includes 7 hours of core courses, 27 hours of concentration courses, and 3 hours of clinical courses.

Expand All
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Recent research and theory related to planning, organizing and managing student learning and behavior in the classroom.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Characteristics of students with exceptional learning needs and legal issues; adaptations to the general curriculum, adaptive teaching strategies, behavior management and collaboration skills.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Role cultural identity plays in students’ experiences in schools; how theories of prejudice assimilation, feminism and cultural reproduction explain patterns of behavior in schools; curricular changes to address the inclusion of all students in today’s schools.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1.5
Principles and terminology of applied behavior analysis, data skills, functional behavior assessment, and positive and proactive behavior intervention plans. This class must be taken in the first 7-week of a semester and followed by 652.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1.5
Principles and terminology of applied behavior analysis, data skills, functional behavior assessment, and positive and proactive behavior intervention plans. This course should be taken in the second 7-week period of the same semester in which 651 is taken.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Learning hierarchies in mathematics, cognitive processes, assessment and instructional techniques; concepts of the elementary school mathematics curriculum.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Definitions, etiological factors, assessment, and remedial approaches for learning and behavior disorders.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Principles, instruments, and procedures to place and plan instruction for students with learning or behavior disorders.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Instructional methods and techniques for designing and implementing effective teaching to meet the needs of students with mild disabilities.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Legislation and instructional practices relating to the education of students with exceptionalities. Course covers various methods of co-teaching as well as locating, adapting, and developing materials and methods for including students with disabilities in general elementary, middle, and secondary classrooms.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Evaluating for assistive technology; approaches and devices for communication, mobility, and sensory impairments; distance learning technology for transition to the community and post school careers.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Characteristics and educational programs for students who have intellectual disabilities or orthopedic and/or health impairments.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Information, skills, and resources for effective interaction with parents and families of children with disabilities.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Characteristics of adolescents with learning and behavior disorders; educational programming for secondary students with mild disabilities.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Theories of language development; teaching functional communication skills; skills necessary for pre interactions; assistive technology and communication; teaching conversational skills.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1.5
Theoretical perspectives, measurement systems, ecological inventories, functional behavior assessment, and positive and proactive behavior intervention plans. This class must be taken in the first 7-week of a semester and followed by 656.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1.5
Theoretical perspectives, measurement systems, ecological inventories, functional behavior assessment, and positive and proactive behavior intervention plans. This course should be taken in the second 7-week period of the same semester in which 655 is taken.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Knowledge of and skills in coordinating agencies and community services that provide opportunities for students with multiple disabilities.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
Assessing functional skills; formal and informal assessment; portfolio assessment; adaptive approaches; teaching self-care and independent living skills, language skills, motor skills, social skills, and career skills; community-based instruction, transportation and mobility; encouraging student self-determination; and teaching for skill generalization.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3-6
Classroom field experience in added area of certification; individual project.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Recent research and theory related to planning, organizing and managing student learning and behavior in the classroom.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Characteristics of students with exceptional learning needs and legal issues; adaptations to the general curriculum, adaptive teaching strategies, behavior management and collaboration skills.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Role cultural identity plays in students’ experiences in schools; how theories of prejudice assimilation, feminism and cultural reproduction explain patterns of behavior in schools; curricular changes to address the inclusion of all students in today’s schools.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Definitions, etiological factors, assessment, and remedial approaches for learning and behavior disorders.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Legislation and instructional practices relating to the education of students with exceptionalities. Course covers various methods of co-teaching as well as locating, adapting, and developing materials and methods for including students with disabilities in general elementary, middle, and secondary classrooms.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1.5
Principles and terminology of applied behavior analysis, data skills, functional behavior assessment, and positive and proactive behavior intervention plans. This class must be taken in the first 7-week of a semester and followed by 652.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1.5
Principles and terminology of applied behavior analysis, data skills, functional behavior assessment, and positive and proactive behavior intervention plans. This course should be taken in the second 7-week period of the same semester in which 651 is taken.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Learning hierarchies in mathematics, cognitive processes, assessment and instructional techniques; concepts of the elementary school mathematics curriculum.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Principles, instruments, and procedures to place and plan instruction for students with learning or behavior disorders.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Instructional methods and techniques for designing and implementing effective teaching to meet the needs of students with mild disabilities.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Characteristics and educational programs for students who have intellectual disabilities or orthopedic and/or health impairments.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Information, skills, and resources for effective interaction with parents and families of children with disabilities.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Characteristics of adolescents with learning and behavior disorders; educational programming for secondary students with mild disabilities.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3-6
Classroom field experience in added area of certification; individual project.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Recent research and theory related to planning, organizing and managing student learning and behavior in the classroom.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Characteristics of students with exceptional learning needs and legal issues; adaptations to the general curriculum, adaptive teaching strategies, behavior management and collaboration skills.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Role cultural identity plays in students’ experiences in schools; how theories of prejudice assimilation, feminism and cultural reproduction explain patterns of behavior in schools; curricular changes to address the inclusion of all students in today’s schools.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Evaluating for assistive technology; approaches and devices for communication, mobility, and sensory impairments; distance learning technology for transition to the community and post school careers.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Characteristics and educational programs for students who have intellectual disabilities or orthopedic and/or health impairments.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Information, skills, and resources for effective interaction with parents and families of children with disabilities.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1.5
Principles and terminology of applied behavior analysis, data skills, functional behavior assessment, and positive and proactive behavior intervention plans. This class must be taken in the first 7-week of a semester and followed by 652.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1.5
Principles and terminology of applied behavior analysis, data skills, functional behavior assessment, and positive and proactive behavior intervention plans. This course should be taken in the second 7-week period of the same semester in which 651 is taken.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Theories of language development; teaching functional communication skills; skills necessary for pre interactions; assistive technology and communication; teaching conversational skills.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1.5
Theoretical perspectives, measurement systems, ecological inventories, functional behavior assessment, and positive and proactive behavior intervention plans. This class must be taken in the first 7-week of a semester and followed by 656.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1.5
Theoretical perspectives, measurement systems, ecological inventories, functional behavior assessment, and positive and proactive behavior intervention plans. This course should be taken in the second 7-week period of the same semester in which 655 is taken.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Principles, instruments, and procedures to place and plan instruction for students with learning or behavior disorders.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Knowledge of and skills in coordinating agencies and community services that provide opportunities for students with multiple disabilities.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
Assessing functional skills; formal and informal assessment; portfolio assessment; adaptive approaches; teaching self-care and independent living skills, language skills, motor skills, social skills, and career skills; community-based instruction, transportation and mobility; encouraging student self-determination; and teaching for skill generalization.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3-6
Classroom field experience in added area of certification; individual project.

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