Unlock a World of Opportunities for Exceptional Learners

Advance as an educator

Webster University’s Master of Arts in Teaching with an Emphasis in Special Education provides opportunities to gain in-depth expertise to address specific needs of exceptional learners. This comprehensive 50 credit-hour program will empower you with a strong knowledge base of content, child and adolescent development and current research that supports best practices in education.

Explore the Program

Why Webster for your MAT with a Special Education Emphasis?

Expand your learning to enhance theirs

In addition to hands-on experiences that put theory into practice and build your teaching skills, the Master of Arts in Teaching with an Emphasis in Special Education provides the foundation for teacher preparation leading to Missouri initial teacher certification. This program is designed for:

• Career changers interested in advancing their skill set to make a meaningful impact in teaching and creating an inclusive environment for individuals with special learning needs.
• Advocates for children and youth with disabilities who want to broaden their advocacy reach by improving the special education structure.

Elevate your special education expertise

Special Education teachers play a pivotal role in offering specific support and instruction to students with special leaning needs. Through Webster’s comprehensive curriculum and engaging field experiences, you will graduate:

• Knowledgeable of the history of Special Education, characteristics of students with disabilities and principles and foundations underlying best practices.
• Proficient in designing, adapting and modifying effective assessment plans, instructional strategies and curricula and/or intervention plans based on current research regarding cognitive, social and emotional development in students with disabilities.
• Reflective about your role as an educator to improve learning outcomes and to collaborate with families and other members of the community to advocate for inclusive and equitable educational opportunities for persons with disabilities.
• Capable of recognizing, valuing and responding to the unique individual abilities and differences of students with special needs.

Program curriculum

You’ll complete 50 credit hours to earn your Master of Arts in Teaching with an Emphasis in Special Education. This includes 36 credit hours of coursework and 14 credit hours of field experiences.

Your course list

Of the 50 total credit hours required for the MAT, you must complete a minimum of 31 credit hours in residence, with courses required in residence marked below with an asterisk.

Learn More About Your Options

Achieve your personal and professional goals

We’re here to help

Webster is committed to your success, and you'll never be alone as you pursue your teaching master’s with a Special Education emphasis.

• Admissions staff members help you navigate the application, financial aid and enrollment process so you can start your classes with confidence.
• Faculty members provide personalized support, thanks to Webster's intentionally small classes.
• Tutors and other academic support staff can help you tackle particularly tough assignments and classes.
• A global education broadens your perspective and gives you both the knowledge and experience to thrive, no matter where you are.

An education nationally recognized for quality

Earn your CAEP-accredited Master of Arts in Teaching with an Emphasis in Special Education from Webster University, an independent, nonprofit university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Professors. Professionals. Mentors.

Gain real-world knowledge from faculty experts with professional experience. Our professors serve as mentors eager to support your career goals and connect you to opportunities, including internships and jobs.