Special Education, Concentration in Moderate/Severe Disabilities P-12, Alternative Certification (MAT)

Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education Concentration in Moderate/Severe Disabilities P-12 
Unit: College of Education and Human Development (GE)
Department: Special Education, Early Childhood, and Prevention Science
Program Website 
Academic Plan Code(s): SPE_MATMSD, SPE_MATMSO

Program Information

This program can be completed in a traditional classroom format or entirely online.

This program leads to Kentucky certification for Moderate and Severe Disabilities, grades P-12. Applicants to the program should have excellent academic credentials as well as successful experience working with children and/or adults with Moderate and Severe Disabilities (MSD). Completion of this degree/licensure program will lead to certification as an MSD teacher only (not an Elementary, Middle or Secondary content area teacher).

The Alternative Certification program requires that students who are admitted to this program become employed in an MSD classroom on a temporary provisional certificate. Classes start in the Summer each year. Admitted students must secure employment before the start of the fall term. Those who are not employed, have the option to pursue the traditional version of this program, which requires field placements and student teaching. 

Admission Requirements

Candidates who meet the following criteria may be eligible to apply to the Master of Arts in Teaching program:

• Complete graduate application. This should be completed three to four weeks prior to the application deadline.
• Minimum Test Scores as required by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board
  Please note: when submitting test scores through ETS, use the general University of Louisville code, 1838.
• Bachelor's Degree from Accredited College or University with a minimum 2.75 Grade Point Average (official transcripts required)
• C or better in ENGL 102 (or equivalent)
• C or better in oral communication course
• TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo
• Professional Writing Requirements
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Acceptable interview
• Signed Professional Code of Ethics/Technology User Agreement/Statement of Understanding of Admissions Guidelines

Questions about admission should be directed to teacher@louisville.edu. 

Admission is competitive. Candidates who meet minimum academic requirements are not guaranteed admission to the program.

Program Requirements

Alternative Route in Special Education, Concentration in Moderate/Severe Disabilities P-12 (MAT)

Mid-Point Assessment: Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; no grade lower than B-minus in all coursework; Exemplary or Target performance on all Hallmark Assessment Tasks to date; Exemplary or Target performance on all rubrics; positive recommendation from the Special Education Program Committee

Exit Assessment: Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; no grade lower than B-minus in all coursework; Exemplary or Target performance on all Hallmark Assessment Tasks; Exemplary or Target performance on all rubrics; positive recommendation from the Special Education Program Committee.

Certification Assessment: Satisfactory dispositions assessment; no grade lower than B-minus in all coursework; passing scores on PRAXIS exams; positive recommendation from the Special Education Program Committee.

Degree Candidacy:  If not enrolled during the semester in which you are graduating, you will need to register for a degree candidacy as outlined in General Policies, Procedures and Requirements.

Praxis Disclaimer:   Teacher certification requirements are subject to change.  Before registering for certification test(s), please refer to the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) website at epsb.ky.gov or ets.org/praxis/ky for current requirements.