Master of Education in Special Education (Behavioral Disorders/Positive Behavior Supports)

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. 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 LDInclusion. The program requires 30 hours in the major, plus six elective hours in a cognate.
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.

baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university
official transcripts from each institution where course credit was granted
minimum 2.75 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
copies of certifications or licensures (if applicable)
resume/CV (include licenses or certificates and all previous teaching or other education-related experiences)
statement of purpose, clear and concise, addressing the following: reasons the applicant chose Texas State University's graduate program in special education and the specific area of special education selected, types of professional and/or personal interactions with people who have learning, behavioral, developmental and/or intellectual disabilities, career goals and professional achievement goals in the next 5 years, attributes the applicant has that will empower the student to excel academically if admitted into the program, and experiences in collaborative professional and/or academic settings and how these experiences have prepared the applicant for the demands of this program.

two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant's professional work, including at least one supervisor. The letter should include an assessment of the applicant's potential to meet the academic and professional demands of a rigorous graduate program and ability to manage the social and professional demands of graduate school (e.g., getting along with peers and professors, participating in class discussions and activities, attending class, meeting deadlines, responding to feedback).

IELTS (academic) - overall scores required 6.5 and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
TOEFL iBT - overall scores required with a 78 overall and minimum individual module scores of (19 listening, 19 reading, 19 speaking, 18 writing)