The Special Education Program currently offers three types of post-baccalaureate degrees and programs: two graduate degrees, the Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) and the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.), as well as an add-on Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) licensure program.

The M.A.Ed. program is for teachers who have a degree in education and an A level license. The program consists of 36 hours of graduate study. Depending on their area of licensure, students may have to take some prerequisites. Students can choose from one of five areas for their emphasis:

• Behavioral Disorders
• Gifted Education
• Intellectual Disabilities
• Learning Disabilities
• Severe/Profound Disabilities 

The M.A.T. program is designed for those persons who do not have a degree in education. Qualified persons with a B.A. or B.S. degree can earn a teaching license and graduate degree simultaneously. The program consists of 36-39 hours of graduate study and 0-15 hours of prerequisite undergraduate study. Students can chose from the following areas for their emphasis:

• Behavioral Disorders
• Learning and Intellectual Disabilities
• Severe/Profound Disabilities

In both the M.A.Ed. and the M.A.T. programs, students have the choice of either the residential program with classes in Asheville and Cullowhee or the online program if they live a considerable distance from campus.

The AIG program leads to an AIG license that can be added to any academic area license. The program consists of 12 graduate hours in gifted education. All courses are online with the exception of a one-week field experience in June.