Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education K-12 Online
Start a meaningful career in special education, where you can make a significant impact on students with diverse learning needs. Gain the strategies and hands-on experience needed to help every student thrive. No prior teaching experience is required.
Apply by:
2/26/25
Program Overview
Accomplish your goals with the help of our online MAT SPED program
Make a lasting difference in the lives of students with diverse learning needs with the Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education K-12 online program from Avila University. If you’re ready to transition into education and kick-start a more purposeful career, this program will provide the skills and knowledge required to pursue initial teacher certification and earn your Missouri teaching license in special education.
This online master's in special education program focuses on specialized teaching strategies and classroom management to ensure you are prepared to meet the academic and emotional needs of K-12 students. Through hands-on experience and expert guidance, you will develop the confidence to create inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive. Through the comprehensive curriculum, you will acquire the tools needed to guide and support students with unique challenges and help them reach their full potential.
In this education online program, you will:
- Use theoretical knowledge, research, and culturally responsive practices to create a positive learning environment that promotes the intellectual, social, and personal development of all students
- Apply principles, theories, and methods of effective curriculum design, instruction, and assessment
- Promote learning, critical thinking skills, and social responsibilities of all student populations
- Model professionalism through effective internal and external communication, self-reflection and professional growth, and productive and effective collaboration with students, colleagues, and stakeholders
- Use theoretical knowledge, research, and culturally responsive practices to create a positive learning environment that promotes the intellectual, social, and personal development of all students
- Apply principles, theories, and methods of effective curriculum design, instruction, and assessment
- Promote learning, critical thinking skills, and social responsibilities of all student populations
- Model professionalism through effective internal and external communication, self-reflection and professional growth, and productive and effective collaboration with students, colleagues, and stakeholders
Also available:
Avila University offers a variety of online master’s degree programs in education. View all online education graduate programs.
$28,000
Total Tuition
As few as 36 months
Duration
70
Credit Hours
Tuition
Invest in a quality online program that enables you to pay as you go
The master's in special education online program tuition is the same affordable, pay-as-you-go rate for all U.S. residents. Additional fees may apply for select courses, and financial aid may be available.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course | Per Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAT in Special Education | $400 | $1,200 | $28,000 |
Tuition breakdown:
$28,000
Total Tuition
$400
Per Credit Hour
Calendar
Check the schedule for your MAT in Special Education K-12 online program
Ideal for working professionals, the MAT in Special Education K-12 online program features 8-week courses and multiple start dates each year so you can begin at the time that works best for you. View the full calendar for all upcoming starts and corresponding deadlines.
| Term | Start Date | App Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Class End Date | Term Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2 2025 | 3/3/25 | 2/26/25 | 2/26/25 | 2/28/25 | 3/3/25 | 5/4/25 | 8 weeks |
Now enrolling:
2/26/25
Apply Date
3/3/25
Class Starts
Ready to take the next steps toward earning your next degree?
Admissions
Get ready to apply to Avila’s online MAT in Special Education K-12 program
We’ve simplified the admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. You can find all requirements for admission to the Avila online master's degree in special education below.
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree
- Official transcripts
- 2.75 GPA in prior coursework
In order to be eligible to receive a MAT in Special Education from Avila University, you must have the following:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- GPA requirements for unconditional admission: 3.0 cumulative grade point average at the completion of the undergraduate degree
- GPA requirements for conditional admission: 2.75 cumulative grade point average at the completion of the undergraduate degree
- Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended.* (Avila graduates do not need to obtain Avila transcripts.)
- Students admitted provisionally must achieve a 3.0 GPA on the first nine (9) credits in their program of study
Submit all official transcripts to:
Email: [email protected]
Mail: Avila University
11901 Wornall Road
Kansas City, MO 64145
If you are not in the state of Missouri, please check requirements within your own state for certification.
*All transcripts must be submitted. If outstanding transcripts are identified after being accepted, the student will not be able to proceed until the remaining transcripts are received.
Courses
Take a closer look at the MAT in Special Education K-12 online program courses
In order to earn your MAT in Special Education K-12 online, you will complete 23 courses for a total of 70 credit hours.
Students will take either EDT 695 or EDT 696.
EDT 685: Initial Practicum
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course offers education students the opportunity to explore the teaching field through a 40-hour initial field-based experience in a mentor’s K-12 classroom. Topics covered include program policy, fundamental expectations of teaching, and reflective writing. The course meets over 16 weeks, divided into two 8-week sessions: Part A (2 credit hours) and Part B (1 credit hour). Both parts must be taken in the same semester, and if a student fails either part, both must be retaken. This course is a crucial step in the Advancement to Teacher Candidacy process and must be completed at Avila University. A fee is required, and a grade of “B” or better is mandatory.
EDT 610: General Methods of Teaching and Classroom Management
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides a comprehensive overview of effective teaching methods and strategies for managing diverse classrooms. Participants will explore various instructional approaches, learning theories, lesson planning and practical techniques to engage students and promote academic success. Additionally, the course will address principles of classroom management, including behavior management strategies, establishing routines and expectations, and creating a conducive learning environment.
ED 609: Data Literacy & Assessment
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will equip students to create and implement a cycle of continuous improvement by collecting and analyzing student data as an individual and team leader to plan instruction. Topics will include: data team structures, assessment development, MTSS, and differentiated instruction based on data. Must be taken at Avila.
EDT 620: Educational Psychology
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course examines various theories of learning, motivation, and cognitive, moral, and psychological development, and relates these theories to classroom instruction and management. It also addresses issues concerning at-risk students.
EDT 625: Educating the Exceptional Child
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides an introduction to the various areas of exceptionality, focusing on the 14 categories of disabilities in special education, including intellectual disability, learning disability, and emotional disturbance. We will explore the history and laws of special education, examine the educational needs and characteristics of exceptional children, and discuss teaching methods and support strategies for parents.
EDT 600: Foundations of Education
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course examines the philosophical, historical, social, and multicultural foundations of education. It explores teaching as a profession, addressing diversity issues and critical questions in education. It provides a comprehensive overview of all levels of schooling, including elementary, middle, and secondary education. Historical foundations of education are also thoroughly examined.
ED 599: Education Capstone
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
In this Capstone course for initial certification students, we will use the nine Missouri Teacher Standards as a foundation, students will review and integrate the basic concepts and theories studied in previous courses and relate them to teaching in preparation for their student teaching experience. Theories and concepts to be discussed include developmental theories, cognitive information processing, behavior management, lesson planning, instruction, and assessment. Must be taken the semester prior to student teaching.
EDT 695: Final Clinical Experience
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 8
Co-teaching in a classroom setting; supervision and guidance shared between the cooperating teacher and the university supervisor. Application must be made in advance of registration date. A teacher candidate may be removed from the Final Clinical Experience school site based on the recommendations of the school district or any of its agents, Avila University supervisors, or the Director of Clinical and Field-Based Experiences. If a teacher candidate is removed from the Final Clinical Experience, the teacher candidate will not be eligible for re-entry into the program nor eligible for a recommendation for certification. Transportation required. Prerequisites: admittance to the School of Education, admittance to Final Clinical Experience, all coursework completed.
EDT 696: Internship
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 8
Professional experience in teaching while in a full-time paid position as a teacher in the appropriate certification area. Candidates must complete a contract with the sponsoring school. Avila University will provide a qualified supervisor. Fee required. Prerequisites: admittance to the school of education, admittance to internship, and all Education coursework must be completed. Credit/No Credit only.
ED 506: Creative Activities & Physical Movement
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The course gives the beginning teacher knowledge to understand the importance of the arts and physical education as well as strategies and skills to help children express themselves in a variety of creative ways using art, music, drama, and physical movement. Activities are presented and practiced to enrich and enhance teaching of academic subjects through these modalities. Field-based assignment required.
ED 507: Geometry for Elementary & Middle School Teachers
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A conceptual and developmental approach to teaching non-metric geometry, including classification of shapes, measurement of lengths and angles, geometric transformations, symmetry, congruent and similar figures. These topics are treated with attention to the pedagogical and content needs of elementary and middle school students and teachers.
ED 508: Math Methods for Elementary Teachers
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Focuses on teaching mathematics with a developmental and conceptual approach. Concepts taught relate to the process of teaching number and operations with teaching methods appropriate to the needs of elementary school children. Field-based assignment required. Prerequisite or Corequisite: ED 515
ED 530: Children’s Literature
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Extensive reading of children’s literature, criteria for selection and evaluation of books, and the relation of literature to a reading program. Integration of children’ literature across the curriculum will also be a focus. Strategies for reader-response are included.
ED 537: Elementary Social Studies Methods
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Exploration of instructional models based on concept formation, inquiry, and diversity. Theories, methods, and principles of pedagogy are discussed in general and applied specifically to the teaching of social studies in elementary classrooms. Field-based assignment required. Prerequisite or corequisite: ED 515.
ED 540: Elementary Science Methods
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Exploration of methods for planning and teaching units of study in science. Strategies for scientific inquiry in the elementary classroom and inquiry-based lesson planning. Aimed to develop the importance of science and how students learn science best according to current educational research. Prerequisite or corequisite: ED 515.
ED 541: Foundations of Literacy & Language Development
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Theories and objectives for teaching structured literacy in the elementary grades (K-6). Strategies for teaching word recognition, decoding, vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking are a major focus. Strategies and methods for teaching ELL students will be included. Field-based assignment required. Prerequisite or corequisite: ED 515.
ED 543: Language Arts Methods
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examination of oral and written language development and its role in a balanced literacy program. Theories, objectives, and strategies for teaching language arts in the elementary classroom are included. Field-based assignment required. Prerequisite: ED 541.
ED 553: Analysis & Characteristics: Cross Categorical
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
In-depth study of the diagnosis and characteristics of high incident mild and moderate disabilities (such behavior disorders, learning disabilities, and intellectual disabilities). Additionally, we will explore in-depth the history and laws of special education, current measures of testing, quantitative and qualitative data collection and an introduction to evidenced-based strategies to address student need. Prerequisite: ED 535. Prerequisite or Corequisite: ED 515.
ED 558: Methods & Curriculum: Cross Categorical
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
Selection of appropriate teaching methods and materials applicable for teaching children with cross-categorical special education identification in a public setting is the major focus. MTSS and methods for adapting curricular materials will also be studied. Forty-five-hour field-based experience required. This course is a 16-week course that may be broken out into 2 8-week sessions indicated by Part A and B. If a student fails any one part of the course, both parts must be retaken. Prerequisites: ED 541 and ED 553.
ED 561: Language Acquisition & Development
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Exploration of language problems, both oral and written, associated with children with disabilities, indications for referral, and educational techniques. Field-based assignment required. Course is for Initial Certification students only. Prerequisite: ED 535. Prerequisite or Corequisite: ED 543.
ED 563: Educational Assessment
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Emphasis will be on diagnostic assessment, both formal and informal, to aid in the diagnosis and remediation of learning problems occurring in special education settings or with children needing individualized programming in general education classrooms. Students will administer, score, and interpret several of the currently used assessment instruments in addition to data collection utilized in the MTSS model.
ED 564: Consultation, Collaboration & Family Engagement: Special Education
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
Exploration of methods to be used in conferencing situations with an emphasis on working with parents in the development of an I.E.P. Interpreting progress. Emphasis on developing relationships with parents and families of exceptional children to increase student learning.
ED 567: Transition & Career Education
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Exploration of methods for helping children with exceptionalities successfully make the transition from school to employment with emphasis on appropriate transition goals and objectives. Legal and ethical considerations are explored. Prerequisite: ED 535.
ED 570: Assessment & Remediation of Reading
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Explores methods of informal and formal assessment of reading difficulties, instructional decisions based on assessment data, and methods of remediation of reading difficulties. Prerequisite: ED 541.
Avila University is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
