Special Education, MAT

Prepare to teach students with diverse learning and behavioral needs.

DEGREE:

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

LOCATION:

Online

TIME REQUIRED:

35 Credit Hours

Apply Now

WHAT SETS THIS PROGRAM APART?

MSU's MAT program is the most affordable in Kentucky.
It's 100% online.
The program offers personalized advising every step of the way from faculty who know your name and your career goals.
There are additional scholarship opportunities
If you're eligible, you can earn while you learn (Option 6 allows you to teach full-time while you're studying)

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Special Education prepares candidates to work effectively with students who have a wide range of learning, behavioral, and developmental needs. Designed for individuals pursuing initial teacher certification, the program offers two specialization options: Learning and Behavior Disorders (LBD) or Moderate to Severe Disabilities (MSD). Each 35‑credit‑hour track leads to P–12 certification and emphasizes evidence-based instructional practices, collaboration, and advocacy in inclusive and specialized educational settings. Graduates are equipped to support students across grade levels and learning environments with skill, professionalism, and purpose.

What does the MAT cost?

At $275 per credit hour, Morehead State University offers the most affordable MAT program in Kentucky. Depending on your chosen concentration, the total estimated tuition ranges from $8,250 to $10,450 for 30–38 credit hours. Fees are not included in this estimate.

To help make your degree even more accessible, scholarships are available for select MAT concentrations. Combined with MSU’s competitive tuition rate, the MAT program provides an exceptional value for future educators seeking a high‑quality, affordable pathway into the classroom.

How do I apply for the MAT?

All MAT concentrations require:

Admission to Graduate School
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
A minimum 2.75 GPA overall or at least a 3.0 GPA on the last 30 credit hours
An admission interview with the MAT Coordinator
A signed ethics statement

No GRE or Praxis testing is required for admission. Praxis exams are state requirements for teacher certification and are completed near the end of the MAT program.

View Requirements & Timeline

Ready to Get Started?

Take the next step toward earning your master’s degree and becoming a certified teacher with MSU’s affordable, flexible, and supportive MAT program. With the most affordable tuition in Kentucky, getting started has never been easier.

The traditional licensure pathway is for students with a bachelor's degree who are interested in becoming licensed teachers through the MAT degree. Traditional candidates complete supervised clinical practice in a school setting to meet Kentucky requirements. If a traditional candidate accepts an eligible teaching position in their concentration/content area, they may move into the Option 6 pathway.

The Option 6 licensure pathway is for students in a full-time teaching position in a middle or high school in an accredited Kentucky school to earn teacher certification. Option 6 candidates complete the program while employed full-time under a Temporary Provisional Certificate. Clinical practice is completed as part of their teaching responsibilities. If employment ends, candidates may be eligible to return to the traditional pathway.

AAQEP Seal Morehead State University is accredited through the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). AAQEP accreditation affirms that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and that the program has demonstrated its commitment and capacity to maintain quality.