Special Education, General Curriculum (MAT)
Empower every learner.
Mary Baldwin University’s Special Education, General Curriculum MAT program prepares educators to support and inspire students with diverse learning needs across from K-12. Designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree seeking initial teaching licensure in special education, this program equips future teachers with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to create inclusive, accessible classrooms where all students can thrive.
- Time to Completion2 years
- FormatOnline
- Degree(s)Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Next steps
Why Pursue a Special Education MAT at Mary Baldwin?
At MBU, we believe every student deserves a teacher who sees their potential—and knows how to unlock it. Our MAT in Special Education: General Curriculum (K–12) prepares you to become that teacher, with an emphasis on evidence-based practices, inclusive learning, and student advocacy. Whether you’re just starting your journey in education or making a career change, our program supports your path to licensure and leadership.
Flexibility & Convenience
With all courses available online, you can complete coursework on your schedule and student-teach in any accredited classroom. Some of our students power through the entire program in just two years, while others pursue the MAT part time along their career and home life. We’re here to make a career in teaching work for you!
MAT students don’t need to be Virginia residents to seek licensure—they can complete practicums and student-teaching in any accredited school. However, all activities, competencies, and Standards of Learning that are addressed in each experience must apply to Commonwealth of Virginia guidelines.
Next steps
Teacher Education Program
Students accepted to the MAT program are automatically enrolled in MBU’s Teacher Education Program (TEP). Upon completion of their degree program and TEP requirements, MAT students will be prepared to obtain an initial teaching license by Commonwealth of Virginia standards.
Although you can never be 100% prepared for your first day of teaching, I felt as though MBU gave me the experience I needed to feel confident and ready.
Janell Chavis BA ’19, MAT ’20, kindergarten teacher in Richmond
Courses and Curriculum
The MAT in Special Education at MBU provides the historical and practical foundations of special education for every grade level. This program also provides subject-specific instructional strategies for teaching students with unique needs.
The MAT in Special Education can be completed as an add-on endorsement at the K-6, 6-8, and 6-12 levels. This add-on can be completed while students are finishing other MAT initial licensure programs. For more information, speak with an advisor.
This course teaches students the definitions, characteristics, and learning and behavior support needs of children and students with giftedness and/or disabilities whose cognitive and functional skills are not significantly different from typically developing peers and therefore require access to the general education curriculum for an appropriate education at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. They develop an understanding and knowledge of characteristics that shall include: age-span and developmental issues, levels of severity, cognitive functioning, language development, emotional and behavioral adjustment, social development, medical aspects, and cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic factors along with the educational implications of various exceptionalities.
This course provides students with an understanding of the foundation for educating students with disabilities including historical perspectives, models, theories, philosophies, and trends that provide the basis for special education practice today. Students will explore how development, disability-specific characteristics, medical dynamics, and family/environmental systems interplay with and influence the provision of educational services to students with disabilities. In exploring educational implications of disabilities and legal/regulatory requirements for identification, evaluation, and providing services, students will understand ethical issues and expected standards of professional practice.
Our Faculty
Our program’s faculty is made up of passionate educators eager to share their insights and expertise. With their one-on-one support, you’ll graduate ready to tackle any challenges you face with confidence and competence.
Outstanding Outcomes and Opportunities
MBU’s reputation for producing exceptionally qualified teachers means that an MAT from MBU translates into a career.
MBU is committed to training teachers for every student, no matter their financial or geographic situation. That’s why an average of 92% of Teacher Program graduates are in one of Virginia’s Top Ten Critical Shortage Areas.
Next steps
Cost & Financial Aid
A great education is worth it. Our mission is to help you level up and bring your aspirations to life.
Some applicants to the MAT program are eligible for the Kitty Green and Hobart Jones Scholarship for Inquiry Teaching and Cooperative Learning, a scholarship for MAT students who are looking to change careers after five years outside the field of education, display a passion for inquiry-based and cooperative learning in public schools, intend to teach in PK-8 grades, and demonstrate financial need.