Special Education, Concentration in Learning Behavior Disorders P-12, Alternative Certification (MAT)

Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education, Concentration in Learning Behavior disorders 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_MATLBD, SPE_MATLBO

Program Information

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

The special education licensure program provides a strong foundation in general education content, special education theory and methods, and teaching experience. Extensive classroom experience allows students to develop the skills, competencies, and confidence for successful teaching, including strategies for inclusion, behavior management, social skill instruction, and modifying instruction in the general curriculum. Students also benefit from the supervision and mentorship of experienced practitioners and field supervisors. The program's special education professors are experienced practitioners who are experts in their fields as researchers, teachers, and administrators.

The Alternative Certification program requires that students who are admitted to this program become employed as an LBD teacher on a temporary provisional certificate. Classes start in the Summer each year, and 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. Completion of this degree/licensure program will only lead to certification as an LBD teacher (not an Elementary, Middle or Secondary content area teacher).

Admission Requirements

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

1. Complete graduate application. This should be completed three to four weeks prior to the application deadline.
2. Bachelor's Degree from Accredited College or University with a Minimum 2.75 Grade Point Average (official transcripts required)
3. Grade of C or better in ENGL 102, or equivalent
4. Grade of C or better in oral communication course
5. TOEFL/IETLS/Duolingo
6. Professional Writing Requirements
7. Three Letters of Recommendation
8. Acceptable interview
9. 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)

Midpoint Assessment: Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, grade no lower than B-minus in all coursework; Exemplary or Target performance on all Hallmark Assessment Tasks to date (including EDSP 512, EDSP 516, and EDSP 644); 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: Exemplary or Target 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: Students not enrolled during the semester in which they intend to graduate must register for degree candidacy as outlined in Academic 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.