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The MATX is a post-baccalaureate program designed for individuals who are seeking an alternate route to become a highly qualified special educator. The MATX program of study consists of eleven graduate-level courses offered completely online. All participants in the program will receive a mild/ moderate (7-12) special education endorsement on their teaching license. Before participants can enroll in the first internship course, they must secure a teaching position in a Mississippi public school as a special education teacher.

******We are not currently able to admit students living in the state of Georgia or Hawaii.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition per credit hour $581.00
Instructional Support Fee per credit hour $25.00

Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply. Please refer to the master class schedule for individual course charges.

The MATX degree is a high-quality response to Mississippi’s need for strong teachers. Through the program, students will be eligible for the following:

  • 3-year Class A non-renewable license (grades k-12) after completion of EDX 6193, EDX 6813, EDX 8173, and passing scores on the Praxis CORE or 21 ACT or 3.0 GPA on last 60 hours, and Praxis Specialty Area SPED exam. If you have already completed a master’s degree, you will not be able to upgrade your license to master’s level with the 3-year license.
  • 5-year Class A renewable license (grades k-12) after receiving a 3-year Class A non-renewable license and completing Internship I and Internship II over two semesters. If you have already completed a master’s degree, you will be able to upgrade your license to master’s level after your 5-year license is issued.
  • 5-year Class AA renewable license after completing the MATX degree program (including coursework and a capstone experience).

* ALL students (degree-seeking and licensure-only) MUST be admitted to the MATX program to be recommended for licensure. Students must also secure a full-time SPED teaching position in a public school before registering for Internship I and II.

What are some potential careers?

This degree is singularly focused on individuals who want a career in special education.

Who should pursue this degree?

If you’re looking to start a new career in teaching special education, this is an excellent route to take.

Good ACT score? A composite score of 21 or higher on the ACT exempts you from having to take the CORE exam. With a 3.0 GPA on your last 60 hours of coursework, the ACT and Core tests are waived.

For more information about available courses, please review our MATX Checklist.

Program Structure

The Master of Arts in Special Education (MATX) is an alternate route licensure program of study that consists of 33 semester hours of graduate-level coursework and is designed for a person seeking a career as a special education teacher. MATX candidates must pass the Praxis CORE OR have an ACT Composite score of 21 OR higher or a 3.0 GPA on their last 60 hours of course work AND pass the Praxis II Specialty Area Test required for special education licensure by the Mississippi Department of Education and pass a certified background check.

Course Number Course Title Hours
EDX 8173 Special Education in the Regular Classroom 3
EDX 6193 Advanced Planning in Special Education 3
EDX 6813 Introduction to Assessment Issues in Special Education 3
EDX 8033 Supporting Students with Disabilities in STEM 3
EDX 8043 EBP Struggling Learners 3
EDX 8113 SPED Law and Research 3
RDG 6123 Elementary Literacy Instruction I 3
RDG 6143 Elementary Literacy Instruction II 3
EDX 8233 Special Education Internship I 3
EDX 8243 Special Education Internship II 3
EDX 8263 Eligibility Requirements for Students with Disabilities 3
Total Hours 33

MATX Required Coursework - 33 Semester Hours

*Online courses include non-refundable distance fees.

The first three classes listed must be taken for licensure before the internship begins:

EDX 6193 Advanced Planning for Special Education (3 credit hours)
Provides a greater understanding of planning and managing in special education. Suggest methods and techniques to be used in teaching students with disabilities.

EDX 6813 Introduction to Assessment in Special Education (3 credit hours)
Assessment as it relates specifically to working with special education students. Topics to be covered will include Special Education Law, IEP development, and related topics.

EDX 8173 Special Education in the Regular Classroom (3 credit hours)
Provides a greater understanding of children with disabilities who may be in the regular classroom and suggests methods and techniques for teaching students with disabilities in the regular classroom.

Note: A full-time special education teaching position in a Mississippi public school must be secured to complete internship I and II. Anyone teaching outside of Mississippi must discuss that with Stephanie Etheridge upon admission to the MATX program.

EDX 8233 Special Education Internship I. (3 credit hours)
First semester of directed teaching in a special education classroom.

EDX 8243 Special Education Internship II. (3 credit hours)
Second semester of directed teaching in a special education classroom.

Core Courses

EDX 8033 Supporting Students with Disabilities in STEM (3 credit hours)
Strategies for supporting P12 students with disabilities within the STEM classroom.

EDX 8043 Evidence-Based Practices for Struggling Learners (3 credit hours)
Analysis of evidence-based practices for struggling learners in reading and math. The course will emphasize evidence-based practices for planning, collaboration, instruction, and assessment to ensure an appropriate education for students with disabilities.

EDX 8113 Special Education Law (3 credit hours)
Analysis of legislation, litigation, and administrative rulings related to special education. The course will emphasize the development of legally sound policies and procedures to ensure an appropriate education for students with disabilities.

EDX 8263 Eligibility Requirements for Students with Disabilities (3 credit hours)
The course will analyze eligibility requirements to determine need for special education and appropriate services for students with disabilities. The topics to be covered will include Special Education law, comprehensive evaluations, and related topics.

RDG 6123 Elementary Literacy Instruction I (3 credit hours)
Foundational knowledge of the English linguistic system applied to explicit, systematic instruction for print concepts, phonological awareness, word recognition, and spelling from early childhood through upper elementary grades.

RDG 6143 Elementary Literacy Instruction II (3 credit hours)
Concepts, materials, and teaching strategies for oral language development, academic vocabulary, reading fluency, reading comprehension, and writing.

Admissions Requirements

Please contact Stephanie Etheridge at 662.325.1999 or setheridge@colled.msstate.edu prior to beginning the application process.

Steps 1-6 must be completed by:

  • December 1 to be considered for spring admission.
  • May 1 to be considered for summer admission.
  • August 1 to be considered for fall admission.
  1. Submit an online application to the Office of the Graduate School at grad.msstate.edu.
    • Select Master of Arts Teaching Special Education Alternate Route for your program of interest.
    • Choose Distance/Online for your campus.
    • Three recommendations. The Graduate School will send emails to the three people (supervisors, employers, professors) you list as references as soon as you submit your application. Please contact your recommenders when you submit your application.
    • Statement of Purpose. The Statement of Purpose should be approximately one page explaining why you want to become a special education teacher.
    • Official transcripts must be submitted to the Graduate School. If you earned a bachelor’s degree at MSU, you do not have to send a transcript for that degree.
      • Electronic Transcripts:
        Transcripts should be sent to: gradapps@grad.msstate.edu Mississippi State University, Graduate School.
      • Paper Transcripts Address (USPS):
        Mississippi State University
        The Office of the Graduate School
        P.O. Box G
        Mississippi State, MS 39762
      • Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.):
        Mississippi State University
        The Office of the Graduate School
        175 President Circle
        116 Allen Hall
        Mississippi State, MS 39762
    • Application fee. The application will not be processed until the $60 application fee is paid.

    If you begin an application and forget your login and/or password, do not begin another application. Please contact the Office of the Graduate School at 662.325.7400 for assistance.

    *** Contact your references shortly after submitting your application to ensure they have received the proper forms.

    *** Please note that your application will not be considered until all forms have been submitted, and your application fee has been paid.

  2. Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally/nationally accredited institution of higher learning.
  3. Have a minimum GPA of 2.75 (based on a 4.0 scale) on the last 60 credit hours of baccalaureate work.
  4. Meet the Mississippi score requirements on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators tests (CORE) or have a composite ACT score of at least 21 or have a 3.0 GPA on your last 60 hours. MATX staff will unofficially evaluate your transcript to see if you meet the GPA requirements if you do not have a 21 on the ACT or passing Praxis Cores scores.
    Praxis Core Area Examination Test Codes Required Score
    Reading - 5713 156
    Writing - 5723 162
    Mathematics – 5733 (beginning Sept. 1, 2019) 130
    Combined Test - 5752 Score reported by individual tests
  5. Meet the Mississippi score requirements on the Praxis II Specialty Area Examination in Special Education (5355). Please make sure your scores are sent to MSU and Mississippi Department of Education.
    Praxis II Area Examination Test Codes Required Score
    Special Education – 5354 (If taken before 9-1-2023 scores are good through 8-31-2025) 152
    Special Education – 5355 (Required after 9-1-2023) 139

    For information on the Praxis Series assessments:

  6. Complete a background check through https://discover.castlebranch.com/. You will click on *Place Order. Once prompted, you will enter Package Code MI43. When you complete the process, please submit a copy of the confirmation page to Stephanie Etheridge, setheridge@colled.msstate.edu. Your application cannot be sent to the faculty until this is done.

Please note that your application will not be considered until all forms have been submitted and your application fee has been paid.

Domestic/International Classified Admissions

We are not currently able to admit students living in the state of Georgia or Hawaii.

  1. Submit online application. You will choose Master of Arts Teaching Special Education Alternate Route as your Program of Study and Online Education as your campus.
  2. Statement of Purpose - 1 page including why you want to be a special education teacher
  3. Three letters of recommendation
    • You will be asked to submit three names and three email addresses of individuals you are using as references. Once you click submit, these individuals will be sent an email from MSU, which will provide a link to an online form for completing their recommendations.
  4. International students should contact Stephanie Etheridge at setheridge@colled.msstate.edu before submitting an application.
  5. One official transcript showing bachelor’s degree or progress toward degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
  6. One official transcript showing ALL work after bachelor’s degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
    • Electronic transcripts should be sent to: gradapps@grad.msstate.edu Mississippi State University, Graduate School. Only one copy of an electronic transcript is required.
    • Paper Transcripts Address (USPS):
      Mississippi State University
      The Office of the Graduate School
      P.O. Box G
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
    • Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.):
      Mississippi State University
      The Office of the Graduate School
      175 President Circle
      116 Allen Hall
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
  7. Payment of $60 non-refundable application processing fee for domestic students.
  8. Once you are admitted, you will receive an email with complete instructions on registering for classes and contacting your advisor.

Be sure to submit your application when all sections are complete. Please note that your application will not be considered until all forms have been submitted, and your application fee has been paid.

Important Notes:

  • Admission packets are forwarded from the Office of the Graduate School to TEAL (Teacher Education and Leadership) upon completion. Special education faculty use a committee review process to admit teacher candidates to the MATX program. Once a decision has been made, applicants are notified of their admission status.
  • For students seeking financial assistance, please note that provisionally admitted students may not be eligible for financial aid.
  • Endorsements added to a 3-year non-renewable license are allowed by the Mississippi Department of Education. However, problems arise when students secure a position based on an endorsement rather than on their initial licensure area. Internship I and II must be completed in special education.
  • All students admitted to the MATX program must complete the TEAL Graduate Student Orientation.
  • Graduation from the MATX program requires the successful completion of all coursework and passing scores on the Capstone Experience. The Capstone Experience is completed during the last 6 hours of coursework.
  • Students must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA for all graduate coursework. One class may be repeated with a grade below a C. Two grades of C or lower will result in dismissal from the program.
  • Licensure requirements are subject to change by the Mississippi Department of Education. Students in the MATX program must meet the licensure requirements in effect at the time of recommendation for licensure.
  • Completion of the MATX Orientation. Students will be enrolled in the Orientation through Canvas after an admission decision is made.

Attention International Students

Applicants whose native language is not English must submit the results of either the TOEFL or IELTS exam. Prospective students should contact ETS (TOEFL) or IELTS for testing information. The Graduate School maintains a list of countries exempt from English language requirements. Please consult the Graduate Catalog for specific English Language test score requirements.

English Language Test Score Requirements

TOEFL Essentials TOEFL iBT IELTS Admission Eligibility Outcome
9 and above 79 and above 6.5 and above Eligible for admission for any term and a graduate assistantship Considered proficient in English. Applicant is not required to enroll in an ESL course unless his/her academic program requires a higher test score.
8.0-8.5 69-78 6.0-6.4 Eligible for admission for Fall, Spring, or Summer and a graduate assistantship. Scores indicate a need for assistance in English writing, research, and editing skills. Applicant must enroll in EAP 5323 Academic Research and Writing. Student may enroll in up to 6 credit hours in his/her graduate program.
7.0-7.5 61-68 5.5-5.9 Eligible for admission for the Fall & Spring terms only. Not eligible for a graduate assistantship until ESL requirements are met. Applicant is required to enroll in ESL 5120, a 9-hour intensive English course (graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis). The student must complete this course prior to registering for courses in his/her graduate program. The student must then enroll in EAP 5323.
6.0-6.5 54-60 4.6-5.4 Eligible for admission for the Fall term only. Not eligible for a graduate assistantship until ESL requirements are met. Applicant is required to enroll in ESL 5110, an intensive English course (graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis). The student cannot enroll in courses in his/her program until ESL 5110 and ESL 5120 have been successfully completed. The student must then complete ESL 5120 before proceeding to enroll in EAP 5323.
5.5 and below 53 and below 4.5 and below Not eligible for admission to the Graduate School. Applicant can enroll in the English Language Institute on a non-credit basis after which he/she can retake the English-language test in preparation for submitting another application to graduate study at MSU.

Job Applications & Interviews

Most school districts have websites that keep updated lists of teaching vacancies. A listing of the school districts in Mississippi can be found on the Mississippi Department of Education website. You may also visit the MSU Career Center website. The Career Center offers several valuable services including resume writing guides, resume critiques, mock interviews, and job searches. Simply login to the Connections page with your NetID and password, post your resume, and look for jobs in your preferred districts.

Once you submit an application, visit the school and introduce yourself to the principal. This will give you an opportunity to make a great impression before applications are reviewed. If you are asked to an interview, prepare yourself by being able to answer the questions most frequently asked by principals:

  • How will you implement the Common Core Standards in your classroom?
  • Explain your teaching philosophy on
    1. Teaching Strategies
    2. Classroom behavior
    3. Homework
  • If you are certified in a state tested subject area: How will you help improve scores on the state subject area test?
  • What is your classroom management plan?
  • How will you help your students at the different Rtl levels?
  • If the principal walks into your classroom, what will he see?
  • You look young enough to be a high school student! How will you show your students that you are in authority and are more mature than they are?
  • How will you make sure there is effective communication between yourself, your colleagures, your principal, your students, and your parents?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • What will you do if an irate parent walks into your classroom?

Contact Information

Photo of Samantha Clardy

Samantha Clardy

Enrollment & Onboarding Coach

  • General Program Questions
  • Assistance with Admissions Process & Requirements
662-325-9092
Photo of Anusha Rijal

Anusha Rijal

Retention & Engagement Coach

  • Current Student Inquires
  • Academic & Support Services Assistance
662-325-8876
Headshot photo of Stephanie Etheridge

Stephanie Etheridge

  • Advisor
Phone: 662-325-1999