Quinnipiac University

Dual-Degree BA or BS/MAT in Special Education (4+1) Admissions

The dual-degree master of arts in teaching program (4+1) welcomes all first-year and sophomore students who have an interest in becoming a teacher. There is no limit on the number of students we enroll in the dual-degree MAT program. Those interested should contact the appropriate program chair. If you have any questions or need guidance, our counselors and advisers in the School of Education are available to assist you at every stage of your application process.

Application Timeline


1. Indicate your interest in teaching
  • First-year candidates: When you apply to Quinnipiac, please state that you are interested in becoming a teacher, or you want to explore your options to become a teacher. Once you indicate that teaching might be for you, our faculty and advisers will help you to choose the courses you need.
  • Current Quinnipiac student candidates: By the spring of your sophomore year, please fill out this Intent to Continue form to indicate you would like to learn more about becoming a teacher.
2. Complete the application and interview process

In the spring of your sophomore year, the School of Education faculty members review your grade point average (GPA) and request an interview with you as part of your continuation in the dual-degree program. The full list of requirements that you must complete to remain in the MAT program are listed below.

Key Admission Dates

Apply for the fall semester
Application Type Application Deadline Recommended FAFSA-Filing Date^
Decision Notifications Sent to Applicants Matriculation Fee and Housing Deposit Due
Early Decision November 1 January 1 Mid-November March 15
Early Action November 15 March 1 Early-December May 1
Regular Decision* February 1 March 1 Beginning Mid-December May 1

Early Decision: This application plan is binding.
Early Action and Regular Decision: 
These application plans are non-binding. 

*The admissions committee will make every effort to have a decision to applicants within two weeks from the time an application is complete. Priority is given to those applying by February 1. Applications received after February 1 will be considered as part of our Regular Decision program. Check your admissions status

^The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open. Applicants are encouraged to file the FAFSA to apply for financial aid as early as possible. Learn about the FAFSA

Admission Requirements

Your GPA alone doesn’t tell the full story of your academic strengths and talents. That’s why we look at many factors when considering each application for admission, especially as those factors relate to your specific program. We look at subject-specific courses you’ve taken and AP credits you’ve earned, as well as awards and other achievements. 

Expected of all students:
  • High school transcript

  • A personal essay on a topic of particular meaning and interest to you that tells us who you are and speaks to your values, goals and aspirations as a student

  • At least one letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor or someone who can reflect on your dedication and work ethic

  • 4 years of English

  • 3+ years of mathematics

  • 3+ years of science

  • 2 years of social science and foreign language

  • 3 academic electives

Learn more

Test score policy

Advanced standing credit

Other undergraduate applicants

If you are applying as a transfer, international or military student, additional admission requirements may apply to you. Learn more about those by clicking the links below.

Admission Requirements for the MAT Portion of the Program

Applicants who are interested in completing the MAT program should demonstrate the following:

  • A preferred 3.0 minimum overall undergraduate GPA (from all colleges and universities attended) for 45 credits of coursework with a subject area major or appropriate interdisciplinary major (applicants with overall GPAs below 2.67 will not be considered).
  • Evidence of one of the following basic skills assessments: Praxis Core Mathematics, Reading, and Writing Tests, SAT, ACT
  • At least 2 written recommendations from individuals who have recent knowledge (within the past 2 years) of the applicant‘s suitability as a prospective educator, including one from a college instructor.
  • A written essay completed on-site that meets program standards.
  • A formal interview during which the applicant is expected to demonstrate: an ability to communicate clearly; a demeanor appropriate to the teaching profession; and a maturity and attitude necessary to meet the demands of the MAT program.
  • Effective July 1, 2010, Connecticut law requires all teacher candidates to undergo a criminal background check prior to being placed in a public school setting for field study, internship and student teaching. Because a clinical experience is an integral part of each semester, failure to abide by this law will make an applicant ineligible for admission to the program. The School of Education has procedures in place to assist candidates in obtaining the background check. The cost of the background check is the responsibility of the teacher candidate.

Applications are reviewed once all of the required materials have been received. It is your responsibility to ensure that missing documents are received prior to the stated admissions deadline. 

Quinnipiac University supports equality of educational and employment opportunity. No person shall be denied admission to any educational program or activity or be denied employment on the basis of race, color, disability, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnic or national origin.