Find your degree of interest from one of our many programs of study offered 100% online.
Liberty University's online programs offer you the flexibility to study at your own pace, from your home or office, while retaining a level of structure that will help you stay on track toward achieving your educational goals. You'll receive a quality education - that is both flexible and affordable - from an accredited institution.
Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education: Special Education General Curriculum Add-On
Help Elementary Students with Special Needs by Earning Our 45-Hour M.A.T.
Do you want to work with elementary students with special needs to overcome the challenges they face in school? Liberty’s Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Elementary Education – Special Education General Curriculum 45-Hour program can help equip you for a career working with students that have special needs at the K-6 grade levels.
Our special education program is also designed to meet the following rigorous standards to help you become ready for the classroom:
- Council of Exceptional Children (CEC)
- Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) Model Core Teaching
- Virginia Department of Education for Special Education Adapted Curriculum K-6
With advanced special education training and in-class experience in your area, you can have the hands-on training and critical teaching knowledge to help you in your future classroom.
Liberty University offers detailed information about the educational requirements for licensure programs. To see if this program aligns with your state, you can research requirements here: https://www.liberty.edu/statelicensure/
What Will You Study in Our M.A.T. in Elementary Education – Special Education?
- Current trends in elementary and special education
- Educational behavior and development
- Methods of teaching and classroom management
- Special education assessment and care
- Theories and methodologies of education
The M.A.T. in Elementary Education provides an in-depth foundation of teaching practice and learning theory with essential studies in educational behavior and development, theories and methodologies of education, current trends in the education field, and classroom management.
Through your special education courses, you can learn how to provide individualized education support and care for students with significant disabilities, create lesson plans, and provide intellectual stimulation for special needs students while encouraging growth. You can also learn how to make decisions about student progress, instruction, program, placement, and transitional services.
As an online M.A.T. student, you will complete a semester of student teaching at the end of the program. By working hands-on in the classroom under an experienced, licensed elementary school teacher, you can meet licensure requirements while developing your teaching style.
Career Opportunities for Graduates of the 45-Hour MAT in Elementary Education – Special Education
- K-12 curriculum developer
- K-12 curriculum manager
- Elementary education licensed teacher
- Special education teacher for K-6
- Teaching product developer
Highlights of Our 45-Hour Master’s in Elementary Education Degree
As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026 – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
- While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have lowered tuition for our Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Education programs. At $430 per credit hour for full-time enrollment (at least 9 hours per semester), Liberty University’s M.A.T. online is available at one of the lowest tuition rates for this degree in the country.
- This program includes the requirements for teaching licensure endorsements in elementary education and special education.
- Pursuing our online Master of Arts in Teaching licensure track may make you eligible for the Federal TEACH Grant.
- Liberty University’s School of Education meets rigorous national standards for educator preparation set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
- Because this is an online degree, you will have the opportunity to network with educators from across the country.
- This program may help you be eligible for certification through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Military Benefits
Service is important to us, so whether you’re currently serving in the Armed Forces, have served, or are married to someone who serves, we’re here to serve you. Liberty’s military benefits are available to:
- Active duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/retirees
- Spouses of service members and veterans/retirees
- Current Department of Defense employees
We are proud to support you in your pursuit of a flexible and affordable online education by offering you the following benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $290 per credit hour for graduate courses
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
Credit Hours
Class Type
Online, 8-week courses
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Date
Jan 19, 2026
Accreditation
CAEP
Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education: Special Education General Curriculum Add-On
- 100% online programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level.*
- Earn credit for prior learning.
- Transfer in up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree.
- Transfer in up to 50% of a master’s degree.
* excludes licensure, certification, and some doctoral programs
Your goals on your time
We are committed to helping you achieve your goals and complete your degree as quickly as possible. One of our admissions counselors is ready to assist you with starting the process.
Contact Us: (800) 424-9595
Why Choose Liberty University?
Prepare for a Career
Go from merely surviving in your current job to thriving in the career of your dreams.
Enjoy Flexible Courses
Complete assignments at your own pace, at a time convenient to you within each week.
Access Academic Support
Access our electronic and print resources through the Jerry Falwell Library, writing resources, study aids, and IT support.
Grow in Your Faith
Each of our programs is grounded in biblical principles, and our professors consider teaching to be more than a job – it’s their calling.
Liberty’s online courses give you the ability to choose when and where you study.
Financing Options
Financial Aid
87% of all Liberty students in an online program are awarded financial aid.
Tuition Discounts
Available for military service members, including active duty, reserve, veterans, and their spouses, as well as emergency response personnel.
Corporate Tuition Assistance
Deferred – If your company reimburses you for the cost of your education, you submit your grades to your employer who pays you, and then you pay for your classes.
Other Payment Options are Available
Contact one of our admissions counselors for more information by calling (800) 424-9595.
An Accredited Private Education Made for You
As a nonprofit university, we have been pioneering distance education since 1985 and offer a unique and proven approach to online education.
Along with our advanced accreditations, we also have been recognized by the following organizations for our excellence in education.
Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026 – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well.