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Special Education, M.Ed.

The mission of the special education master's degree program is to prepare educators who understand and implement researched-based practices, serve as instructional leaders, and advocate for students with disabilities and their families.

The M.Ed. in Special Education is a 30-hour program designed for students who are certified in elementary, middle school, secondary school special education or who have extensive experience in a related field. The traditional program addresses K-12 special education, focusing on evidenced-based instructional practices and research methodology related to students with high-incidence disabilities such as learning or behavioral disabilities. In addition, electives are available for program students interested in focusing on evidence-based instructional practices and research methodology related to students with high-incidence disabilities who are also active bilingual learners of English (ABLE).

In the second M.Ed. option, Special Education M.Ed. with Educational Diagnostician Certification, students learn evidence-based instructional practices and research methodologies, as well as become certified Educational Diagnosticians through the state of Texas. Students may choose either option in pursuit of a Special Education M.Ed.

Upon acceptance into the graduate program in special education, students must meet with a special education advisor. It is essential that students work closely with an advisor at the time of program admittance through completion.
The M.Ed. in special education does not lead to initial teacher certification.

There are two options for earning a Special Education master’s degree:
• Special Education (30 credit hours)
• Special Education with Educational Diagnostician Certification (36 credits)

The traditional Master of Special Education (M.Ed.) is a 30 credit hour program that provides a solid knowledge base and background in the theoretical and practical aspects of the field of special education. The traditional degree plan is outlined below.

Required Courses for the Traditional Master's Option

Research Requirements (9 hours)

course

Research in Education

3

course

Single Subject Research Design

3

OR

course

Action Research

3

EDSP 70903

Treatise in Special Education

3

Core requirements (Choose 21 hours)

course

Literacy Methods in Special Education

3

course

Foundations of Language Acquisition

3

course

TESOL Methods & Assessment

3

course

Motivating and Managing Students in the Classroom

3

course

Understanding Exceptional Children and Youth At-Risk

3

course

Critical Issues in Special Education

3

course

Planning and Instruction in Academically Diverse Classrooms

3

course

Educational Assessment

3

course

Practicum in Special Education

3

course

Technology for Diverse Learners

3

The Master of Special Education with Educational Diagnostician Certification (M.Ed.) is a 36 credit hour program that provides a solid knowledge base related to the field of special education along with a certification as an Educational Diagnostician. This degree plan is outlined below.

Required Courses for Master's of Special Education with Educational Diagnostician Certification

Core requirements (12 hours)

course

Literacy Methods in Special Education

3

course

Motivating and Managing Students in the Classroom

3

course

Understanding Exceptional Children and Youth At-Risk

3

course

Practicum in Special Education

3

Diagnostician Certification Requirements (15 hours)

course

Academic Achievement and Evaluation

3

course

Critical Issues in Special Education

3

course

Planning and Instruction in Academically Diverse Classrooms

3

course

Culturally Responsive and Language Based Assessment

3

course

Cognitive Assessment and Adaptive Behavior

3

Research Requirements (9 hours)

course

Research in Education

3

course

Single Subject Research Design

3

EDSP 70903

Treatise in Special Education

3