M.A.T. in Special Education – Adapted Curriculum Inspire the Next Generation

36

Credit Hours

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100% online,* 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Do you have a passion for helping students with disabilities or special needs adapt to the challenges of education? You can have a rewarding career helping students with special needs attain their best futures with Liberty’s Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Special Education – Adapted Curriculum with an add-on endorsement in Career and Technical Education (CTE) Transition and Special Needs.

Empowering teachers to succeed is important. So at Liberty, you can earn your M.A.T. degree at only $415 per credit hour. With our online format, this special rate makes the M.A.T. one of our most flexible and affordable master’s programs.

To meet rigorous state requirements and ensure you are well-prepared for the special needs classroom, you need a way to pursue multiple tracks or cover missing content competencies all in one degree. With the adapted curriculum specialization, your Master of Arts in Teaching – Special Education will provide you with specially designed core content that aligns with the following advanced standards:

  • 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-12

These additional standards can help you stand out as an expert in special education teaching, and the cutting-edge skills you learn can help you become ready to meet the challenges of the field.

Liberty’s M.A.T. in Special Education Adapted Curriculum will provide you with training on current research, resources, and best practices so you can educate and care for students with more significant disabilities. With in-class experience in your area and optional on-campus intensives, you will have the hands-on training and critical teaching knowledge you’ll need to be successful in your future classroom.

Upon successful completion of Liberty University’s Virginia state-approved Master of Arts in Teaching program, you may apply for your teaching license in another state through reciprocity, which may or may not result in additional requirements based on your state’s Department of Education regulations.

*Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.


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What Sets Us Apart?

  • Private Nonprofit University
  • 600+ Online Degrees
  • No Standardized Testing for Admission
  • Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
  • Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

By earning your M.A.T. in Special Education, you are preparing for a rewarding career in a field desperate for qualified, effective teachers. Through this program, you can earn a teaching license in special education with an add-on endorsement in Career and Technical Education (CTE) Transition and Special Needs. This credential can help you meet new standards for special education and set you apart as an expert in special needs transition methods.

At Liberty University, we don’t just train educators — we train educators who want to make a positive impact on the next generation. The well-being of your students with special needs and their families matters, so you can learn to evaluate education theory from a biblical worldview. By integrating special education skills with Christian principles, you’ll learn to confidently address the educational, emotional, and spiritual needs of your students.

Liberty University’s School of Education meets rigorous national standards for educator preparation set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). With excellent and affordable online education, Liberty’s online M.A.T. in Special Education will help you meet licensure requirements and set you up for success in your teaching career.


As a student studying special education, you can learn how to provide individualized education support and care for students with significant disabilities. You can learn to create lesson plans and provide intellectual stimulation for students with special needs while encouraging growth. Topics covered within this program include educational behavior and development, theories and methodologies of education, current trends in the education field, methods of teaching, and classroom management. You will also learn how to make decisions about student progress, instruction, program, placement, and transitional services.

The adapted curriculum specialization will provide you with additional in-depth studies in individualized transition planning. These courses include an investigation of the medical, social, and employment challenges for students with severe disabilities as well as the best methods to assess and prepare students for transition into daily independent living.

Here are some of the specific subjects you will study throughout your program:

  • Current trends in the education field
  • Educational behavior and development
  • Methods of teaching and classroom management
  • Theories and methodologies of education

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)


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Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Pursuing our online Master of Arts in Teaching licensure-track may make you eligible for the Federal TEACH Grant.

Graduate Education Full Time $415/Credit
Graduate Education Part Time $615/Credit
Military Graduate $275/Credit

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application online or over the phone.


Military

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

  • Active Duty
  • Reserve/National Guard
  • Veterans/Retirees
  • Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
  • Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

  • Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
  • Additional discount for veterans who service 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)

*Not applicable to certificates.