Special Education

Students learn evidence-based strategies and theories to improve the social and learning outcomes for young people with disabilities.

The program is respected for comprehensive, rigorous instruction, with both entry-level and advanced studies programs available. Faculty in special education, widely known for research excellence and leadership in their fields, value student mentoring and provide students with opportunities to work together on clinical and field-based research.

Course Work

The master of education (M.Ed.) degree offers four areas of concentration:

Learning Disabilities/Inclusion Concentration: The 36-hour master of education in special education degree provides advanced, specialized course work in areas critical to the education of students with learning disabilities, with an emphasis on instructional, behavioral and social needs. In addition to a master’s degree, students may also apply to earn a Texas State University certificate in LD/Inclusion. The program requires 30 hours in the major, plus six elective hours in a cognate.

Behavior Disorders/Positive Behavior Supports Concentration: The 36-hour master of education in special education degree with a concentration in BD/PBS provides advanced, specialized course work in areas critical to the education of students with emotional/behavioral disorders, emphasizing academic, behavioral and social needs. In addition to a master’s degree, students earn a Texas State University certificate in BD/PBS upon completion of the program. The program requires 30 hours in the major, plus six elective hours in a cognate.

Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration: The 36-hour master of education in special education degree with a concentration in AU/ABA provides advanced, specialized course work in special education, autism and applied behavior analysis. Eight of the 12 required courses pertain to autism and applied behavior analysis. The remaining courses include recommended cognates (electives in special education). Graduates may also earn a Texas State University Certificate in Autism.

Program Details

Students have published work in professional journals and presented at professional conferences. Graduates have been successful in careers as special educators and in receiving doctoral scholarships.

Program Mission

The mission of the special education program is to prepare educators and specialists who apply current, evidence-based practices in special education for the purpose of preparing individuals with disabilities to live independent, responsible and personally satisfying lives in a diverse, global society. Graduates engage in practitioner inquiry and research, serve as leaders in special education policy and classroom practice, and apply their knowledge and skills to positively influence the inclusion of, and support for, persons who require the best professional practices of special education.

Career Options

Graduates of our special education program pursue careers as teachers, behavior specialists and learning interventionists. The program provides a verified course sequence required to be certified as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Graduates work in public and charter school programs, clinic settings and alternative education settings, including residential programs. Many graduates choose to pursue doctoral studies and have been successful in receiving prestigious doctoral scholarships.

Program Faculty

Our full-time faculty members have established outstanding research programs in treatment of challenging behavior and learning difficulties in children and young adults with autism, emotional/behavioral disorders and learning disabilities. Research is conducted in schools and the Clinic for Autism, Research, Evaluation and Support (CARES). Special education faculty provide technical assistance and policy consultation for state and national government and advocacy agencies. Faculty members' research and policy commentaries have been published in top-tier journals, and faculty are frequently invited speakers at national and international professional meetings.