The Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education is a 31-39-credit-hour program (varies by state) designed to prepare and support special educators in the field. The program develops Relay students to become culturally responsive and inclusive educators through an intentional, yet flexible, pathway composed of Foundations courses, Content Pedagogy courses, Clinical Practice courses, and a selection of Flex courses. 

In their Foundations courses, Relay students in this program will learn to establish culturally responsive and inclusive classrooms with specific inquiries into systems for instructional planning, teaching multilingual students, and teaching exceptional learners. 

Content Pedagogy courses integrate learning from Foundations courses with a focus on providing a foundation in all disabilities, while also developing specific expertise in learning disabilities and high-incidence behavioral needs. Relay students learn how to advocate on behalf of their students to ensure that their students receive the services and support they deserve. Relay students also work intensively on literacy development and the delivery of specialized instruction in reading and writing via whole-group, small-group, and one-on-one interventions. Depending on their specific program, Relay students may also focus on standards, curriculum, instructional methods, and assessment in elementary education or secondary English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies education.

Academic Plans 

Relay’s programs are tailored to local contexts and are designed to meet educational requirements for educator certification/licensure in multiple states; therefore, academic plans for each program vary by state and clinical experience pathway (e.g., Resident/non-Resident). State- and program-specific academic plans for all program offerings described in this catalog may be accessed on the Academic Plans site.