Special Education, M.A.T.
36 Credits | Main Campus
Earn your teaching license and a masters degree in Special Education to work with exceptional learners in grades K to 12.
DC region schools NEED YOU! Certified special education teachers are in high demand in our local schools.
Prepare to become a certified special education teacher, empowering learners with disabilities and exceptionalities in grades K-12.
Learn and practice the art of teaching in local schools to effectively work with special needs students in a range of special education settings.
Trinity’s Special Education Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program prepares you to meet D.C.’s certification requirements, which are reciprocal with most states. As an educator, you have the opportunity to initiate change by empowering students and helping them strengthen their families and communities through education.
In the Special Education MAT program, you’ll prepare for certification through specialized courses in special education and a core curriculum that combines the knowledge, skills, and experiences to help you meet the needs of all learners. In the final semester, each program includes a student teaching internship and an advanced seminar in teaching. The program can be completed on a full-time or part time basis except during the student teaching experience at the end of the course of study, which by its nature must be done full-time.
Trinity’s MAT programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator (CAEP) and approved by the D.C. Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).
Dual Licensure: Inclusive Education
As an alternative to its special education program, Trinity offers the first and only program in the District of Columbia allowing students to earn licensure in their primary program area AND special education. This option requires candidates to take four courses in special education in addition to their course sequence in their primary program area.
At Trinity we believe that all educators should be prepared to work with students with disabilities. This program focuses on developing the knowledge, skills, and abilities to teach students with and without disabilities in inclusive settings.
What You’ll Learn
- Develop, analyze, and administer educationalassessments to make various educational decisions regarding the diverse needs of students with disabilities.
- Apply general and specialized content knowledge for teaching across curricular content areas to individualize learning for individuals with exceptionalities.
- Explain the history, theory, and implementation of providing positive behavior supports to students with and without disabilities.
Local Internships
- St Coletta’s
- Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services
- McKinley Middle School
Master’s Degree
Early Childhood Education
Master’s Degree
Elementary Education
Certificate
Special Education
Applying to the Special Education, M.A.T. Program
In addition to completing an online application, students must have one of the following:
- Passing scores for Praxis Core – Trinity’s code is RA5796 OR
- An undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 OR
- Passing scores on the SAT , GRE and ACT scores from the past five years may be submitted to waive some of the requirements for Praxis Core.
Trinity’s SAT & GRE code is 5796; Trinity’s ACT code is 0696.
We’re here to help at 202-884-9400 or admissions@trinitydc.edu.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Admissions Requirements: School of Education
Applying to the School of Education (EDU) is a 6 - step process:
- Step One: Apply to Trinity
- Step Two: Submit Two (2) Professional References
- Step Three: Submit Curriculum Vitae/Resume
- Step Four: Statement of Purpose
- Step Five: Submit Official Transcript w/ Conferred Bachelor’s Degree Date. International Transcripts must be evaluated prior to submission
- Step Six: Once your application is submitted, use your log-in credentials to check your status
Admissions Criteria:
- Priority Admission Given to applicants with a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Applicants must have one of the following: 1. Official copies of passing scores for Praxis Core – Trinity’s code is RA5796, 2. An undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0, or 3. Passing scores on the SAT, GRE and ACT scores from the past five years Trinity’s SAT & GRE code is 5796; Trinity’s ACT code is 0696. Students unable to provide any of these may be considered for provisional admittance and will have up to 6 credits to submit passing Praxis or other scores.
- Students seeking admittance to the Secondary Education M.A.T must also hold an undergraduate degree with a 3.0 in the discipline they wish to teach. Substantial coursework maybe accepted in certain circumstances at the discretion of the Dean.
- Students must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended at the undergraduate level. Transcripts submitted directly from an applicant are considered unofficial unless received in the original, unopened envelope from the issuing institution.
- The first professional reference should be in support of the application testifying to the applicant’s aptitude for graduate education and potential for professional growth and development. The second reference should be written by supervisory personnel such as a principal or department chair.
- For the admissions team to become better acquainted with you, please submit a one to two-page personal statement. In a self-appraisal, identify your strengths and how you believe they will serve as an asset to the academic program of your choosing. Additionally, identify and address any areas of weakness that you hope to strengthen throughout your course of study. Finally, discuss what personal characteristics set you apart from others and will help you achieve success as you pursue your academic and professional goals.
- Students may transfer up to six (6) graduate credits from other appropriately accredited institutions of higher learning toward the degree with approval from their faculty advisor. Associations recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEA) confer appropriate accreditation; these associations include but are not limited to regional accreditors.
- Graduate applicants in the Education programs who do not meet the standard admission requirements but who demonstrate potential may be admitted on a provisional basis and may take up to six (6) credits of graduate course work during their first semester to demonstrate academic preparedness for graduate level studies. A minimum grade of “B” or higher must be earned and official transcripts for course work must be submitted for evaluation in order to be considered for full admission into the Education graduate programs.
- International Students must adhere to International Student Checklist: https://www2.trinitydc.edu/admissions/international-applicants/
- Military Students & Family members must complete Veterans Benefits Checklist: (https://discover.trinitydc.edu/enrollment/veteran-services/)
