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Exceptional Student Education (M.A.T.)

Silverfield College of Education and Human Services' Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Exceptional Student Education prepares students to become highly skilled special education teachers, equipped to support diverse learners and make a lasting impact in the classroom.

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Gain access to a vibrant community with current and aspiring educators and with high rates of job placement and career advancement through a flexible online program.

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Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Exceptional Student Education prepares students to teach those with disabilities in the Least Restrictive Environment in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This is a fully online program that includes coursework in high leverage practices in special education, universal design for learning, special education law, positive behavior supports and data driven instruction. Students will have a chance to test their practices in the real world through field work.

This is a 30 credit hour program with 9 credit hours coming from a practicum. Students will gain the knowledge and practices needed for educator certification in the state of Florida as measured by the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs). It is not intended for those who already have their teaching license.

Note: This program is transitioning to an online program starting Fall 2025.

Program Contact

Dr. Katrina Hall

Graduate Program Director
Silverfield College of Education and Human Services

Program At-a-Glance

Delivery: Standard (in-person)

Credit hours: 30

Graduate Cost Calculator
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Application Deadlines

Deadlines may vary for specific programs and are subject to change.

  • Fall: August 1
  • Summer: April 15

Graduate Cost Calculator

Use this calculator to estimate the cost of tuition and fees for a graduate program.

This is only an estimation. Additional fees may apply.


Directions

  1. Select the appropriate rate and residency classification. Please note:
    • The exclusive tuition rate is only available to eligible students.
    • Residency classification is not guaranteed. Supporting documentation is requested after students are admitted from applicants who indicated they would like to apply for Florida residency for tuition purposes on their admissions application.
  2. Type the number of credit hours you would like to calculate. Most graduate courses are 3 credit hours. The total number of program credits is listed above under Program At-a-Glance.
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Admissions Requirements

The below Program Requirements, University Requirements, and International Applicant Requirements*, if applicable, must be submitted no later than the deadline posted above. Incomplete applications or those with required materials post-marked after the deadline are subject to cancellation. Once an application has been canceled, the decision cannot be reversed.

*International students must be fully admitted to a full-time, on-campus, in-person, degree-seeking program at the University of North Florida. Please contact the International Center for more information.

  • University Requirements

    University Requirements 

    Application and Fee

    Prospective students are required to use our online system to create an account and submit an application. The application opens approximately one year in advance and is only good for the term and program in which it is submitted. Applicants who have submitted their application and wish to change their admission term or major/concentration may submit a new application and associated application fee. If you would like to cancel an open application, please contact us.

    A $30 (USD) application fee is required regardless of previous enrollment. The application fee is non-refundable and cannot be waived. Undergraduate application fees cannot be used for a graduate application, and vise versa. The application fee must be submitted prior to the review of an application.

    Current students who would like to add or change a major, concentration or certificate should submit the Change of Concentration or Major form.

    College Transcripts

    All applicants must provide transcripts from a U.S. institution accredited by an accepted institutional accreditor or its equivalent from a non-US institution that awarded the bachelor’s degree and master’s degree, if applicable, and transcripts from institutions where any post-baccalaureate and/or graduate credits were earned.

    All admits must provide official transcripts.

    All international transcripts will require a course-by-course evaluation by an approved third-party credential evaluation agency unless a graduate program has established an alternative credential evaluation procedure that is approved by the graduate school. To be accepted, the evaluation must be:

    1. Translated to English and be the U.S. equivalent
    2. Evaluated course-by-course
    3. Include the overall academic GPA
    4. Be from an approved third-party accredited evaluation service. Recommended evaluation agencies: 

    Important Notes

    • The UNF Graduate School cannot request transcripts on an applicants behalf.
    • Unofficial transcript copies are accepted for admissions but must clearly state the institution name, student name, course information, terms, grades, and credits. Degree audits are not accepted. Admitted students will be prompted to provide official transcripts. 
    • If currently enrolled in courses, an incomplete transcript must be submitted before the posted deadline. 
    • Applicants who also have to apply through systems such as ATCAS or PTCAS, must submit separate transcripts to UNF. 
    • Official transcripts must:
      • Must be less than one year old from the date of printing
      • Must be submitted in a sealed envelope from your institution, or emailed through official electronic means.
    • When requesting college transcripts, please verify with your institution(s) whether or not they are able to submit electronic transcripts in the proper EDI format. Institutions can submit transcripts via e-mail to graduateschool@unf.edu from an approved vendor such as ScriptSafe, Credentials, or Parchment. 
    • Former or current UNF students should not request UNF transcripts. After application submission, the UNF requirement will be updated to a "waived" status.

    Where do I send transcripts and test scores?

    Mail

    UNF Graduate School
    1 UNF Drive
    Jacksonville, FL 32224

    Email

    graduateschool@unf.edu

    Test Score Institutional Codes

    GRE: institutional code 5490
    GMAT: institutional code CF3QB51

  • Program Specific Requirements

    Program Requirements

    Specific Requirements

    • Two letters of recommendation

    • This program is designed for individuals who received a degree in a non-educational field and want to teach in the ESE field

    This is NOT a program for individuals who already have their U.S. education/teaching state licensure or certification.

  • International Applicant Requirements