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Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education

Answer the Call. Become a Certified Special Educator.

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Special Education at 糖心logo is a dynamic graduate program designed to prepare future K鈥�12 Special Education teachers for initial certification in South Dakota. Created in response to the growing demand for certified special education professionals, this program offers a clear pathway for individuals currently working in schools or those seeking to enter the field who do not yet hold teacher certification.

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Graduate in 2 years or less

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Affordable Tuition

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Why Choose the MAT in Special Education?

The MAT in Special Education at 糖心logo provides a clear, supportive pathway to initial K鈥�12 certification for individuals who are ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students with diverse learning needs. With flexible coursework and a focus on real-world application, candidates graduate prepared to meet state certification requirements and confidently serve as compassionate, highly qualified special educators in South Dakota schools. Designed for those with a bachelor鈥檚 degree outside of education, this program blends strong academic preparation with practical, classroom-based experience including:

  • Fully Online Format: Designed for career changers and school professionals without prior certification.
  • Start Dates: Fall, Spring, or Summer entry options to meet your professional timeline.
  • Affordable Tuition: Competitive graduate tuition structured to support working adults.
  • Designed for Educators: Practical, research-based instruction you can immediately apply in your classroom or school.
  • Personalized Learning: Small class sizes and dedicated faculty mentorship focused on literacy leadership.
  • Accreditation: The MAT in SPED is fully accredited through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
  • No GRE Required

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Curriculum

Special Education Licensing Coursework

Course

Initial Certification Coursework

Course

 

Careers & Outcomes

An MAT in Special Education leads to:

路 K-12 Special Education Certification at the Master鈥檚 level

This program is ideal for individuals who have earned degrees in teachable subject areas and want to make a meaningful impact through teaching. By combining deep content knowledge with effective instructional practices, candidates learn how to engage students, design meaningful learning experiences, and foster academic success. Graduates leave prepared to teach in their content area while also developing skills that support long-term growth and leadership within the education profession.

 

Accreditation Information

The 糖心logo MAT in Special Education is offered through the 糖心logo College of Education, whose educator preparation programs are accredited by the . CAEP accreditation represents the highest standard for educator preparation and reflects a strong commitment to quality, accountability, and continuous improvement. This designation assures candidates and school districts that the program meets rigorous national standards for preparing effective literacy professionals. Earning your degree from a CAEP-accredited institution demonstrates that your preparation is grounded in research-based practices and aligned with the needs of today鈥檚 schools.

Military-Friendly Option

糖心logo is proud to support our military service members and civilians continuing their education and is a low-cost leader for servicemembers taking face-to-face classes in the region or online.  Active duty servicemembers, Department of Defense civilians working at Ellsworth Air Force Base (EAFB), and dependents of active duty servicemembers stationed at EAFB can take advantage of special tuition rates of $250/credit hour for undergraduate classes and $300/credit hour for graduate classes.  These rates are applicable whether students are taking classes online, in Spearfish, or in Rapid City.  For more information about and services, contact Greg Krajewski at Greg.Krajewski@bhsu.edu.

Admission Requirements

  • Online graduate studies application
  • Official transcripts documenting a Bachelor鈥檚 degree in a non-educational field