Special Education, M.A.T.

Admissions Requirements

When applying to the Special Education, M.A.T. program, you will need to submit several documents for review.

• Online Application
• Application Fee of $50
• Goals Statement (upload with the application). The statement should adhere to the guidelines below and must address all outlined topics. The goals statement will be assessed on the following: the quality and clarity of your writing, fully covering all topics, and your disposition toward students with disabilities. Guidelines: one-two pages in length, 12 font size, one-inch margins on each side, single-spaced:
  • Describe your experience working with students with disabilities, and what draws you to becoming a teacher.
  • Describe how your strengths, skills, interests, and experiences will contribute to the profession of education.
  • Describe how the professional and academic goals you hope to accomplish by completing this program of study will benefit the students with whom you intend to work.
• Resume (upload with the application)
• Two Letters of Recommendation (identify your recommenders on the application)
  • For applicants who are currently employed in a school setting:
    • One letter of recommendation must be from a current direct supervisor. For paraprofessionals, the classroom teacher you work with most frequently should complete one letter of recommendation. For provisional teachers of record, your mentor teacher should complete one letter of recommendation.
    • One letter of recommendation must be from your current school principal or assistant principal.
  • For applicants who are not currently employed in a school setting:
    • One letter of recommendation must be from a supervisor from your current place of employment.
    • One letter of recommendation must be from a current or former professor who can speak to your academic performance.
• Official Transcript: minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA required for admission
  • submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended either electronically to [email protected] or by mailing directly to Georgia State University | Office of Graduate Admissions | P.O. Box 4018 Atlanta, GA 30302
• To meet certification requirements in Georgia, you will also need to complete the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment prior to program admission. Visit the Georgia Educator Ethics Assessment or information and how to register for the assessment.

Through the M.A.T. Special Education program, students take a variety of courses related to methods, classroom management, dyslexia, literacy, assessment and applied behavior analysis.

Students also have the opportunity to complete a practicum in their area of interest.

In addition to the training students receive for their concentration, they may also qualify for the autism endorsement, dyslexia and other reading disabilities endorsement or reading endorsement through successfully completing specific coursework.

Certification areas: Special Education Adapted Curriculum, Special Education Deaf Education, Special Education General Curriculum

Professional Education Core classes = 9 hours
Teaching Field/Major = 27-30 hours
Program total: Minimum of 36 semester hours
(Adapted Curriculum, Deaf Education and Early Childhood Special Education concentrations are a minimum of 39 semester hours)

For specific requirements and classes, review the catalog.

Funding Your Graduate Education

Cost of attendance and funding opportunities are integral to your decision to attend graduate school. Georgia State University is proud to offer a variety of funding opportunities, from assistantships to fellowships.

Awards and Assistantships

Various awards, assistantships and fellowships are available to new and current graduate students. We encourage you to contact your department, college, school or institute of interest to get more information about the assistantships and fellowships that they offer their students.

The Scholarship Resource Center offers guidance and support to students seeking financial assistance through scholarship opportunities, including this scholarship library.

Fellowships

The Office of Graduate Programs’ Fellowship Advisor works with students interested in applying for nationally prestigious and competitive fellowships. The Office of Graduate Programs also coordinates the application process for students applying to the Second Century Initiative, the Provost’s Dissertation Fellowship and the Dissertation Library Travel Awards.

Cost Calculator

Our calculator can help you get an idea of the costs associated with attending the university.

Teacher Preparation Program Effectiveness

With the completion of the master’s in art in teaching in special education, students can expect to earn their initial teaching certificate in Georgia along with earning their master’s degree.