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Special Education (PK-12 Certification), M.A.T.

College of Education

This program is for career changers and those with a non-education degree who want to be special education teachers for students with disabilities and meet the demand for these positions.

Choose from two tracks. A multi-categorical concentration develops expertise across disabilities and leads to the S.C. Special Education: Multi-categorical certification. The severe and multiple disabilities concentration prepares professionals to offer a higher level of student support and leads to the S.C. Special Education: Severe Disabilities certification.

Program Highlights

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    Flexible Program

    Attend classes virtually in the multi-categorial track. Full-time and part-time enrollments are available.

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    Certification-Ready

    Curriculum meets Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation standards and S.C. teacher requirements.

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    Research-based Work

    Learn classroom management strategies, principles of applied behavior analysis and special education assessment methods.

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    Real Experiences

    Complete practicum and internships throughout the program and work with a coaching teacher and university supervisor.

What You’ll Study

Build a foundation in areas important to the special education profession, including assessment, instructional planning, implementation and evaluation. Understand how to select, adapt and use instructional strategies to promote positive learning and to modify learning environments that meet individual needs.

Program WebsiteDegree DetailsAdmissions Info

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

  • Empathy

    Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, and demonstrating compassion and support

    Interpersonal Skills

    Communicating and interacting effectively in a variety of social and professional situations

    Teaching

    Foster learning by conveying knowledge, skills and concepts to students

  • Responsibility

    Being accountable for one's actions and decisions and fulfilling obligations and duties

    Advocacy

    Promoting or defending a cause or issue often using awareness, education and policy change

    Data Analysis

    Examining and interpreting information to uncover insights and inform decision making

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Learn how alumni use degrees with outcome data from Gamecock GradStats, a service of the University of South Carolina Career Center.

Potential Careers

  • Special Education Teacher
  • Multi-Category Disabilities Teacher
  • Severe and Multiple Disabilities Teacher

Job Titles of Alumni

  • Special Education Teacher
  • Teacher
  • Education Associate
  • Coordinator
  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst
  • Director of Special Education

Workplace Settings

  • Education

Employers of Alumni

  • Richland School District Two
  • Lexington County School District One
  • Richland School District One
  • South Carolina Department of Education
  • Charleston County School District
  • Autism Spectrum Therapies

Advanced Degrees

Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.

Everyday I put what I learned into practice; I always refer back to my training when making instructional plans. I would love to see more Carolina graduates teaching in our district.

Trenae Johnson
Portrait of Trenae Johnson

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Degree content is provided for informational purposes only. The Academic Bulletin is the source of record for all degree information.
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