Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Special Education/Moderate Disabilities

Graduate & Professional

The Master of Arts in Teaching-Special Education program is a 42-credit program of study leading to Massachusetts teacher licensure in Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8 or 5-12).

Program Overview

online/hybrid | 42 credits | full-time: 1 year; part-time: 2 years

We provide candidates with the skills required to successfully assess and instruct diverse learners in both general and special education classrooms and in urban, rural and suburban schools.

What you learn

The Master of Arts in Teaching-Special Education program at Mount Holyoke College is a 42-credit program of study leading to licensure in Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8 or 5-12). We offer a flexible with personalized advising and a strong commitment to social justice and equity. Through practicum experiences in schools across Massachusetts, students work closely with local special educators and explore special education instruction, assessment, policy and advocacy in a range of settings.

Specialized courses include:

  • Creating Accessible Mathematics Classrooms
  • Interventions for Behavior and Classroom Management
  • Differentiated Instruction for Diverse Learners
  • Assessment and Instruction for Exceptional Learners

View all Special Education courses and descriptions

Where and how you learn

The M.A.T. in Special Education/Moderate Disabilities can be completed full-time in one year or part-time over the course of two years. This program is designed for current teachers and those interested in pursuing a new career path, with courses offered in the evening and over the summer.

While our Initial Licensure courses are offered in a hybrid format, the required student teaching practica are done in Massachusetts schools.

Mount Holyoke Experiences

What our faculty are saying

Ruth Hornsby

“At Mount Holyoke College we have a long history of educating marginalized communities. Meeting the needs of diverse learners is integral to all of our graduate teacher licensure programs.”

Ruth Hornsby, assistant director of Teacher Licensure Programs

What we offer

Masters degree and licensure

Successful completion of this program results in both a Master of Arts in Teaching degree and either an initial license or add-on license in Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8 or 5-12) in Massachusetts.

The coursework provides students with the core competencies they need to be able to apply for a Massachusetts teaching license in Moderate Disabilities (PreK-8 or 5-12). In order to apply for an initial or additional license students must pass the appropriate Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL); for an additional license, students must also complete a State Competency Review. Mount Holyoke College advisors will guide you through the process of applying for your additional license in Moderate Disabilities.

Contact Us

Mount Holyoke College has been on the forefront of providing a rigorous education to passionate changemakers who have gone on to break new ground in education, the sciences, the arts, public service and social justice movements for over 180 years.

Amy Asadoorian
  • Assistant Director of Communications, Outreach, and Admissions

Next Steps

Apply to Mount Holyoke

Mount Holyoke seeks intellectually curious applicants who understand the value of education and are driven by a love of learning. As a college that is gender diverse, the graduate programs are coed and we welcome applications from female, male, trans and non-binary students.

Funding your graduate education

Everyone’s financial situation is unique, and we offer scholarships, fellowships and partnership programs to help make an exceptional education accessible for everyone.