Program Overview

Discover what our online M.A.T. in Special Education offers you

The Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education online program at Eastern Michigan University will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to serve children across the spectrum of special education. This program offers five areas of concentration: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cognitive Impairment, Emotional Impairment, Learning Disabilities, and Physical and Other Health Impairment.

The Department of Special Education, and Communication Sciences and Disorders at EMU is one of the largest and most comprehensive special education and communication sciences and disorders units in the U.S. Courses are taught by professors with significant practical experience in special education. Field experience is embedded in the coursework.

Potential job titles include special education teacher for students with various impairments. This is a high-demand position in most of the U.S. EMU has almost 100% placement for SPED graduates. In addition to successful completion of all coursework, including the practicum, students will need to pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) in their endorsement area in order to have the endorsement added to their teaching certificate.

EMU students are nurtured and supported by our faculty. Graduates have access to a large network of educators and administrators across the U.S.

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education online program will be able to:

• Collect data for behavior and academic decisions and analyze that data in order to make informed choices for changes to behavioral and academic programming to benefit the K-12 student
• Gain an understanding of the theory of learning from a neurological perspective, and engage in strong field experiences connecting theory to reality
• Learn to master diverse modes of inquiry, through careful examination of current research in the field as well as observational research, creating hypotheses for probable cause, then test those hypotheses by implementing new interventions that will benefit the student
• Acquire and practice the skills to make adaptations for students from diverse cultures, linguistic background, socioeconomic status and abilities

Special Education career opportunities:

Also available:

Eastern Michigan University offers a variety of graduate education programs and a post-master’s certificate online. Check out our other online education programs.

Calendar

View the important dates for our students

The M.A. in Teaching in Special Education online program is convenient and accessible—featuring multiple start dates each year. View the full calendar to find the class start that works best for you, along with deadlines for submitting your application, enrolling in courses and paying tuition.

Courses

Take a look at the online M.A.T. Special Education courses

At EMU we offer two different Special Education Master of Arts in Teaching programs depending on if you are already a certified teacher or not. The MAT for Certified Teachers is 30-33 credits, depending on the concentration and whether it's an initial or additional special education endorsement. The MAT for Non-certified Teachers is 50-51 credits.

Students will take 9 hours of core coursework and 11-12 hours of concentration courses. Additionally, students will take 10 hours if they currently have a SPED endorsement, and 12 hours if they do not. As an online student you will take all your classes with EMU instructors, just like you would if you were here on campus.

• Core Courses Expand dropdown
  • SPGN 640: Principles of Positive Behavioral Supports in Universal Design for Learning Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    This course is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop, implement, and evaluate the impact of positive behavioral supports (PBS) for individuals with disabilities. It will include understanding the role of universal design, communication in challenging behavior, identifying the functions of those behaviors, measuring the behaviors, teaching replacement skills serving the same function as the challenging behavior, and using preventative approaches for target behaviors. Measurement of baseline behavior along with implementation of interventions to increase or reduce target behaviors are the focus of this process.
  • SPGN 661: Advanced Special Education Assessment Expand dropdown
    Duration: 15 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    Data-based procedures for making educational decisions regarding special education eligibility, program placement, and intervention will be examined. In addition, students will learn best practices in assessment administration and how to communicate and use results effectively. Multiple opportunities for practice and feedback are included.
  • SPGN 673: Language and Communication Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    This course highlights the collaborative role of the special educator working with students of various disabilities who have language and/or communication challenges. Characteristics, traits and pragmatic functions will be reviewed in the context of culture, diversity and social justice. Research-based interventions are emphasized.
• No Current SPED Endorsement Expand dropdown

  The following courses are required for students pursuing their first special education endorsement.

  • SPGN 571: Curriculum and Transitions for Secondary Special Education Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    The role of the special educator relative to curriculum and transition planning at the secondary level is explored. Topics address all disability areas and settings. An approved field work practicum is required.
  • SPGN 615: Families, Disability, and Schools: Collaborating for Success Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    This course addresses the reciprocal interactions of families, people with disabilities, and schools. The purpose of this course is to provide students with knowledge of the social, community, and educational needs of families, and how special educators can address them, by understanding collaborative, culturally-competent, family-centered roles, and reviewing current research.
  • SPGN 689: Supervised Internship in Special Education Expand dropdown
    Duration: 15 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    Supervised internship with pupils in local schools and institutions in the disability area of professional preparation.
• Current SPED Endorsement Expand dropdown

  Students pursuing their second, third, or fourth special education endorsement must choose six credits from the following electives and complete the required practicum course SPGN 586.

  • CURR 674: Creating Culturally Responsive Classrooms Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    The purpose of this class is to further develop students’ cultural competency and multicultural teaching skills to create culturally responsive classrooms with learning environments where all students feel safe, affirmed and nurtured.
  • EDPS 509: Students' Emotional Wellness in Educational Environments Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    Deals theoretically and practically with concerns of teachers and parents regarding deterrents to students’ psychological wellness. Focuses on ecological factors as stressors and strategies to lessen their effects on learners.
  • EDPS 605: Mental Health of Educators Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    This course focuses on the mental health and well-being of the teacher. It is designed to address issues of professional and personal development by challenging students to develop new knowledge and skills and to examine and test, through critical analysis and application, the relevance of course content in their own lives and in the lives of their students.
  • EDPS 675: Mixed Methods Research Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    Students develop an informed and critical understanding of what mixed methods research is and how to effectively conduct this kind of research in their professional settings.
  • SPGN 621: Law and Public Policy for Individuals with Disabilities Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    An extensive study of state and federal special education law. Topics include officials’ responsibility under the law, as well as the effects of due process (complaints, administrative law and judicial decisions) on the practice of education.
  • SPGN 586: Practicum in Special Education Expand dropdown
    Duration: 6 weeks

    Credit Hours: 4

    Supervised practicum with students in local schools and institutions in the disability area of professional preparation.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Concentration Expand dropdown
  • SPAI 620: Dimensions of Autism Spectrum Disorders Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    The focus of this course will be to introduce students to information and literature regarding characteristics of ASD and Asperger’s Syndrome (AS), its prevalence, theories on etiology, evidence based intervention models, formal and informal models of assessment and its impact on schools.
  • SPAI 635: Language and Communication in ASD Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    This course examines the critical relationship of language and communication skills for children and adolescents with ASD, including the characteristics of speech and language and communication development and strategies for assessing and improving communication in the classroom, at home and in the community.
  • SPAI 645: Curriculum and Instructional Strategies in ASD Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    Identification of best practices in curriculum design, instructional strategies and techniques are the pivotal components of this course. Students will investigate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and will develop curricular framework which support the unique learning styles of students with ASD and which permit students the greatest access to education within inclusive settings.
  • SPAI 650: Visual Supports and Literacy in ASD Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    Participants will demonstrate how the learning, communication, socialization skills and behavioral challenges of students with ASD can be addressed through the use of visual supports and other forms of literacy. Students will understand the relationship between unsupported learning for students with ASD and learn to use visual schedules and other forms of visual support.

   

• Cognitive Impairment Concentration Expand dropdown
  • SPCI 529: Education of Students in Programs for Mild Cognitive Impairment and High Incidence Disabilities Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 4

    Students will develop knowledge and skills necessary to the education of students with mild cognitive impairment and other high incidence disabilities in the inclusive general education classroom or cross-categorical self-contained classroom. Topics include clinical and diagnostic teaching, evidence-based curriculums, effective instructional methods and strategies for academic subjects, academic behavior management, IEP development and implementation, and lesson modifications and classroom accommodations. Field Experience is required.
  • SPCI 557: Cognitive Impairment Theory Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 4

    This course introduces students to the field of cognitive impairments and related developmental disabilities from perspectives of different systems. Focus is on the medical, historical, political, educational and adult systems that affect persons with cognitive impairment. The range of philosophies influencing educational practices and life management will be discussed.
  • SPCI 583: Education of Students in Programs for Moderate or Severe Cognitive Impairment Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 4

    Philosophy, curriculum, assessment, teaching methods and classroom management techniques for students with moderate or severe cognitive impairment, or with multiple impairments. A three-hour per week field experience is an integral component of the course.
• Emotional Impairment Concentration Expand dropdown
  • SPEI 501: Methods for Students with Emotional Impairment Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 4

    Teaching methods, techniques and materials for educating elementary age children with emotional impairments will be presented. In addition, types of programs serving elementary age students with emotional impairment, as well as the individualized education program and federal and state rules governing the programs will be discussed.
  • SPEI 510: Theories of Emotional-Behavioral Impairments Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 4

    Theories about the etiology of emotional-behavioral impairments is explored and applied to cases that involve children and adolescents. Emphasis is on the ability to analyze abnormal behaviors discussed in a variety of texts from different theoretical perspectives for the purpose of identifying appropriate intervention treatments. A field component is required.
  • SPEI 694: Emotional Impairment Seminar Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    Review and discussion of contemporary issues in the education of students with emotional impairments. Includes analysis of current research for teachers to implement in their classrooms as well as to advocate for systemic change. Topics for future research may be determined.
• Learning Disabilities Concentration Expand dropdown

  Students take the following 3 courses plus an additional 3 hour SPLI course. See your advisor for a list of available courses.

  • SPLI 560: Learning Disabilities: Introduction to the Field Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    This course introduces students to the learning disabilities field: theory, history, and terminology. Additionally, this course will present in-depth information on processing skills and provide practical skills for identifying the link between academic strengths and weaknesses. This course exposes students to various service delivery models. It offers opportunities to observe individuals with learning disabilities and/or other mild disabilities in three different classroom settings to equal 30 hours of observation.
  • SPLI 630: Learning Disabilities: Math and Motor Skills Development Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    This course focuses on integrated curriculum (PreK–12) in special education across the areas of mathematics and motor development. Students will gain decision-making experiences in the selection of effective teaching/learning approaches, and explore the selection, uses an evaluation of a broad base of instructional methods and strategies addressing the needs of students with disabilities in a full continuum of special education settings.
  • SPLI 672: Integrated Curriculum in Special Education: Linguistics and Language Arts Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    This course focuses on the development of effective decision-making strategies in the selection of appropriate teaching/learning approaches in linguistics and language arts. Students will explore selection, uses and evaluation of a broad base of instructional methods and strategies addressing the needs of K–12 students with disabilities.
• Physical and Other Health Impairment Concentration Expand dropdown
  • SPCI 557: Cognitive Impairment Theory Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 4

    This course introduces students to the field of cognitive impairments and related developmental disabilities from perspectives of different systems. Focus is on the medical, historical, political, educational and adult systems that affect persons with cognitive impairment. The range of philosophies influencing educational practices and life management will be discussed.
  • SPPI 513: Impact of Illness and Disability PI/OHI Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 3

    The impact of chronic illness and physical disability on symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, and prognoses to understand the manifestation of MARSE chronic illness and physical disability. Adaptive/medically necessary equipment, health intervention, and maintenance procedures will be learned with the knowledge of the individual disciplines outside of education that provide ancillary services.
  • SPPI 514: Educational Strategies for Teachers of the Physically Impaired Expand dropdown
    Duration: 7.5 weeks

    Credit Hours: 4

    This course encompasses information and develops skills needed to develop, implement, and evaluate curriculum and methods for the preschool and elementary physically and otherwise health impaired student. All aspects of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor education are explored. Emphasis is placed upon individualized instruction and programming, adaptations and modification of instructional methods and materials, remediation, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, personal adjustment, prevocational education and leisure activities. A directed classroom laboratory is required.