Program Overview

Graduate Programs in Special Education

Overview of Graduate Programs in Special Education

The College of Education and the Department of Elementary, Literacy, and Special Education offer graduate programs in special education, all of which are completed online.

Master of Arts in Teaching: Special Education (MAT SPED)

The Master of Arts in Teaching: Special Education (MAT SPED) program is for individuals seeking a first-time teaching license. It is a 36 credit-hour (12 courses) program designed for individuals without teaching credentials but who have successfully completed a baccalaureate degree and wish to become licensed and teach in special education K-12 settings. Individuals earn a Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education upon program completion.

Master of Science (MSE) in Special Education

The Master of Science (MSE) in Special Education is a 30 credit-hour online program designed to prepare candidates who have teaching licenses to become licensed in and teach students in special education across K-12 settings. Candidates earn a Master of Science in Education in Special Education on program completion.

Graduate Certificate (GC) in Special Education

The Graduate Certificate (GC) in Special Education is a 21 to 24 credit-hour (7 to 8 courses) program for teachers who already have a teaching license outside of special education and who wish to become licensed and teach students in special education in K-12 settings. Individuals can add the Graduate Certificate in Special Education to their existing license upon program completion. Hours earned can be rolled into the special education M.S.E. or M.A.T. degree programs.

Birth to Kindergarten Graduate Endorsement

The Birth to Kindergarten Graduate Endorsement is a 15 credit-hour (5 courses) program designed for individuals with a current teaching license who want the Arkansas Early-Childhood/Special Education Integrated Birth to Kindergarten Endorsement. Individuals are able to add this endorsement to their existing license upon program completion. THIS PROGRAM IS TEMPORARILY ON HOLD.

Special Education Resource Endorsement (RE)

The Special Education Resource Endorsement (RE) is comprised of 12 credit-hour (4 courses) program for teachers holding either a K-6 or K-8 license, or a 7-12 license in one of the content areas of English Language Arts, Mathematics, or Science to become endorsed to teach students in special education being served in an inclusive, co-taught, or resource room setting. Individuals can add this endorsement to their current license upon program completion. Hours earned can be rolled into the special education M.S.E. or the GC in Special Education.