MASTER OF ARTS IN TEACHING (MAT) IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

The Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education is a new program in South Dakota leading to initial certification of K-12 Special Education teachers. This new master’s program is in response to the market demand and the number of non-certified special education staff employed in schools who cannot be teachers of record without certification.

Black Hills State University’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Special Education (SPED) program provides initial certification in K – 12 special education teaching at the graduate level. 

Those interested in the MAT program must have an earned undergraduate degree in a field other than education.  

Those who already have a degree in education and wish to pursue an additional degree in K-12 Special Education should seek information with the Masters of Science: Curriculum and Instruction (MSCI) program.

The total number of credits required is 47, with 25 credits specific to special education licensure and 22 credits specific to initial certification.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMITTANCE TO THE MASTER OF ART TEACHING IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

Admissions Requirements:

• Completed graduate application to BHSU
• Official transcripts showing completion of an undergraduate degree
• Two letters of recommendation
• Introductory letter/statement of intent
• Graduate Handbook for Master of Arts in Teaching Special Education
• MAT-SPED Admission Packet to the School of Education

Upon completion of the program, students will be certified in the state of SD to be teachers of record for K-12 students who receive special education services.

REQUIRED COURSES FOR MAT IN SPECIAL EDUCATION

Special Education Coursework:

• SPED 506    Introduction to Assistive Technology  - 2 credits
• SPED 510    Behavior Management of Exceptional Children  - 3 credits
• SPED 513    Serving Students with MR, DD, and Severe Disabilities  - 3 credits
• SPED 517    Vocational-Transitional Programming  - 3 credits
• SPED 520    Curriculum & Instructional Strategies K-12  - 3 credits
• SPED 531    Identification and Assessment in Special Education  - 3 credits
• SPED 533    Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders - 3 credits
• SPED 560    Family Systems and Professional Collaboration  - 3 credits
• SPED 585     Special Education Law  - 2 credits

Initial Certification Coursework:

• ED 602    Foundations of Education & Learning Theory  - 3 credits
• ED 695    Pre-Student Teaching SPED Practicum (co-requisite with SEED 508)  - 1 credit
• INED 511    South Dakota Indian Studies  - 3 credits
• SEED 508    Planning, Managing & Assessing the 7-12 Diverse Classroom  - 3 credits
• SEED 550    7-12 Teaching Reading in Content Area  - 3 credits
• SPED 535    Characteristics and Exceptionalities of Adolescents  - 3 credits
• SPED 533    Pre-Admission SPED Practicum  - 1 credit
• SPED 695    Practicum - 1 credit
• SPED 688    Student Teaching   - 4 credits
• EDFN 790     Seminar Performance Assessment  - 1 credit

Program Requirements in pdf document

**Current students, please refer to the DegreeWorks Dashboard in MyBHSU to confirm your major requirements.**