Prepare to become a licensed special education teacher through a 36-credit online MAT for bachelor’s-degree holders. Combine focused graduate coursework with a full-year residency that lets you apply what you learn in an authentic school setting.
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"EIU is close enough to home that I can go back at any time I need, but also far enough to where it feels like I am a little more independent. I also heard during my college search that EIU has a very good education program, especially in physical education."Joseph MorrisPhysical Education | Class of 2024
EIU’s MAT in Special Education provides a route to initial teacher licensure for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s or graduate degree. Coursework addresses exceptional learning needs, legal and professional issues, assessment, curriculum development, literacy and numeracy instruction, behavior management, family partnerships and transition programming.
View in CatalogFederal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:
Estimated total for this degree: ~$16,524 (tuition and fees)
Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing.
Talk to EIU Financial Aid →$16,524 total, just 17% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit
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