Master of Arts in Teaching / Special Education (MAT/SPED) Program
In collaboration with local school districts, the College of Education offers an intensive teacher education program for those seeking initial licensure in special education with authorizations at either the Early Childhood/Elementary levels, or the Middle School/High School levels. Candidates complete academic requirements for the Oregon Initial Teaching License while also completing requirements for the Master of Arts in Teaching degree.
The SPED program is designed for persons with two different backgrounds: those with a bachelor's degree and school experience related to persons with disabilities but no teaching certificate; and licensed teachers wishing to add a Special Education endorsement. Depending upon previous educational and professional experience, students will enter an individualized program at either the Early Childhood/Elementary (age 3 - 8th grade) or Middle/High School (grade 5 - age 21) authorization level. Students will complete required coursework and practicum experiences during a 17-month graduate program.
Required Tests
- A Basic Skills test - CBEST, Praxis I - PPST, or WEST-B (for admission)
- The ORELA Multiple Subjects Exam. Beginning September 1, 2012, candidates will take the NES Elementary exam in place of the ORELA MSE.
- ORELA Special Education (for licensure)
In order to qualify for licensure, candidates must pass all subject area tests required by TSPC. In addition, as of September 1, 2010 all candidates for initial licensure will be required to pass Protecting Student and Civil Rights in the Education Environment.
Handbooks
Curriculum
| Section | Required Courses for All Authorizations | Credit Hrs |
|---|---|---|
| SPED-500 | Foundations of Special Education | 2 |
| SPED-505 | Exceptionalities | 2 |
| SPED-510 | Behavior Management
for Special Educators |
3 |
| SPED-516 | Classroom Management for Special Educators | 2 |
| SPED-520 | Assessment and Evaluation in Special Education | 3 |
| SPED-530 | Integrated Curriculum and Methods for Students with Disabilities: Academic | 3 |
| SPED-535 | Integrated Curriculum and Methods for Students with Disabilities: Functional | 3 |
| SPED-540 | Technology in Special Education | 2 |
| EDUC-600 | Learning Communities | 3 |
| EDUC-561 | Foundations of Human Development & Psychology | 2 |
| EDUC-501 | Foundations of General Education | 2 |
| EDUC-601 | Teachers as Consumers of Research | 2 |
| Required Courses for Early Childhood and Elementary Authorizations | ||
| EDUC-605 | Advanced Applications of Human Development and Psychology: Early Childhood and Elementary | 2 |
| SPED-550 | Practicum: General Education Early Childhood/Elementary | 2-3 |
| SPED-575 | Student Teaching: Special Education Early Childhood/Elementary | 2-12 |
| SPED-576 | Seminar | 2 |
| Required Courses for Middle and High School Authorizations | ||
| SPED-536 | Transition | 1 |
| EDUC-608 | Advanced Applications of Human Development and Psychology: Middle and High School | 2 |
| SPED-550 | Practicum: General Education Middle and High School | 2-3 |
| SPED-575 | Student Teaching: Special Education Middle and High School | 2-12 |
| SPED-576 | Seminar | 2 |
Continuation in the Program
- Candidates must maintain good academic standing.
- Candidates must maintain a 3.00 minimum GPA in all professional education and special education coursework with no grade lower than a C; a C- is not acceptable
Requirements for Program Completion
- Candidates must complete all coursework with satisfactory grades.
- Candidates must complete field experience, required practica, and full-time student teaching with a grade of Pass.
- Candidates must complete requirements for two work samples. Requirements include preparation, assessment, teaching, and a satisfactory evaluation.
For More Information
Contact Person (Eugene & Forest Grove): Diana Watkins, Assistant Director of Graduate & Professional Admissions
Email: teach@pacificu.edu
Phone: 503-352-1435 or 877-722-8648 ext. 1435




