M.Ed. in Special Education
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville offers a Master of Education (M.E...
M.A.T. in Exceptional Student Education
Jacksonville, Florida
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville, Florida, offers a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Exceptional Student Education through its College of Education and Human Services. This program is specifically designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-educational field and aspire to become highly skilled special education teachers. It prepares graduates to effectively support diverse learners with disabilities within the Least Restrictive Environment, adhering to the principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The M.A.T. in ESE is a fully online program, making it accessible to a wide range of students, and consists of 30 credit hours, including a significant practicum component (9 credit hours) for real-world application. Upon completion, students gain the necessary knowledge and practices for educator certification in the state of Florida, as measured by the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs).
Curriculum: The 30-credit hour curriculum for the M.A.T. in Exceptional Student Education at UNF is structured to provide a comprehensive foundation in special education pedagogy and practice. It includes coursework in high-leverage practices in special education, which are research-based techniques with a high probability of improving student outcomes. Key areas of study include universal design for learning (UDL), special education law, positive behavior supports, and data-driven instruction. The curriculum also integrates a substantial practicum component, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in authentic classroom settings. Through these courses and practical experiences, students develop expertise in assessment, individualized education program (IEP) development, and instructional strategies tailored to the diverse needs of students with exceptionalities.
Research Focus: The M.A.T. in Exceptional Student Education at UNF emphasizes an applied, research-informed approach to teaching students with disabilities. While it is a professional teaching degree rather than a traditional research-focused master's, the curriculum incorporates concepts of evidence-based practices and data-driven instruction. Students are trained to use research to inform their teaching strategies, assess student progress effectively, and adapt their methods based on data analysis. The practicum component further reinforces this by providing opportunities for students to test and refine their teaching practices in real-world settings, often reflecting on and adjusting their approaches based on observable outcomes, which mirrors an action research methodology in a practical context.
Industry Engagement: The M.A.T. in Exceptional Student Education at UNF is inherently tied to the education industry, specifically K-12 public and private schools. The program's design, which aims to prepare students for Florida educator certification, ensures direct alignment with the needs of school districts. The significant practicum (fieldwork) component is a key form of industry engagement, providing students with direct, supervised experience in special education classrooms. This hands-on experience allows students to apply their learning in real-world settings, build professional networks within schools, and often leads to employment opportunities upon graduation. The program's focus on "high leverage practices" also indicates a strong connection to current best practices and demands within the special education field.
Global Perspective: While the M.A.T. in Exceptional Student Education at UNF primarily focuses on preparing teachers for the U.S. educational system and Florida certification, it inherently incorporates a global perspective through its emphasis on inclusive practices and universal design for learning. The principles of supporting diverse learners, accommodating individual needs, and promoting equitable access to education are universal concepts. The program's focus on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides a robust framework, and many of the pedagogical strategies learned are applicable to diverse student populations across different cultural contexts. While there may not be explicit courses on international special education systems, the core philosophy of embracing diversity and providing tailored support aligns with global trends in inclusive education.
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18803
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $31
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Florida (UNF) offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNF provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically to eligible applicants during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are reserved exclusively for international students. Examples include the International Freshman Scholarship and the International Transfer Scholarship, which reward high-achieving students with financial aid packages that may cover partial to full tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited for international students, some need-based financial aid options may be available through private organizations or partnerships coordinated by UNF’s financial aid office. International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship databases for additional funding opportunities.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments and colleges at UNF offer scholarships targeted to students enrolled in specific fields of study. International students can apply for these scholarships based on their major, research interests, or academic achievements within their discipline.
A Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) from the University of North Florida (UNF) is a highly practical and in-demand degree, specifically designed for individuals who want to become certified special education teachers. This online program, offered through UNF's College of Education and Human Services, provides the pedagogical knowledge and practical experience (including a significant practicum component) necessary to effectively support students with disabilities in K-12 settings. Given the ongoing national shortage of special education teachers, graduates from this program are well-positioned for immediate and impactful careers in education.
Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Teacher (K-12): This is the primary career path, where graduates work directly with students with disabilities in various settings (resource rooms, inclusion classrooms, self-contained classrooms) to deliver individualized instruction, develop IEPs, and support academic and social-emotional growth.
Inclusion Specialist/Co-Teacher: Many ESE teachers work alongside general education teachers in inclusive classrooms. An inclusion specialist provides expertise in modifying curriculum, implementing accommodations, and differentiating instruction to ensure students with disabilities can thrive in a general education setting.
Behavior Interventionist/Specialist: Focuses on supporting students with challenging behaviors. These professionals assess behavior, develop positive behavior intervention plans (PBIPs), and work with students, teachers, and families to implement strategies that promote positive behavior and academic engagement.
Resource Teacher: Works with small groups or individual students with disabilities, often pulling them out of general education classrooms for targeted instruction in specific academic areas (e.g., reading, math) based on their IEP goals.
Transition Specialist (Special Education): Helps students with disabilities prepare for life after high school, including post-secondary education, vocational training, employment, and independent living. This role often involves connecting students and families with community resources.
Educational Diagnostician/Tester: With additional certification or experience, graduates can move into roles focused on assessing students to identify specific learning disabilities or exceptionalities. They administer tests, interpret results, and contribute to the development of appropriate educational plans.
Curriculum Developer (Special Education): Works at the school or district level to design and adapt curriculum materials and instructional strategies specifically for students with disabilities, ensuring alignment with state standards and best practices in special education.
Instructional Coach/Mentor Teacher (Special Education): Experienced ESE teachers with an M.A.T. can become instructional coaches, supporting and mentoring other special education teachers within a school or district, sharing best practices, and facilitating professional development.
Early Intervention Specialist: Works with infants and young children (birth to 3 years old) who have developmental delays or disabilities. This role involves assessing developmental needs, developing individualized family service plans (IFSPs), and providing early intervention services to families in their homes or other community settings.
Special Education Program Coordinator/Lead Teacher: In larger school districts or private special education schools, an M.A.T. graduate might take on a leadership role, coordinating special education services, managing programs, and overseeing other ESE teachers and support staff.
