The degree programs in special education prepare teachers and researchers to work effectively with students with exceptional needs in a variety of instructional and research environments. Undergraduates may receive a Texas Special Education Teaching Certification by majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Special Education specialization area. Our program leads to dual certification. Students may choose which degree plan best suits their career goals. The advanced degree programs allow individuals to enhance their knowledge of research in special education, become master teachers in specific areas of exceptionality and obtain teaching certification in specialized areas.

Bachelor's Degrees

• EC-4 Generalist/ Special Education Degree Plan
  Students who successfully complete this degree program and pass the TeXes examinations will be considered a highly qualified teacher as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Act 2004 and No Child Left Behind for both general and special education preschool through 4 th grade
• 4-8 Generalist/ Special Education Degree Plan
  Students who successfully complete this degree program and pass the TeXes examinations, will be considered a highly qualified teacher as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Act 2004 and No Child Left Behind for both general and special education 4 th grade – 8 th grade.
• All-Level Special Education Certification

Master's Degrees

The Special Education Program offers both a Master of Arts and a Master of Education in Special Education. Degree plans are tailored for individuals who want to specialize in specific areas: generic special education, learning disabilities, mental retardation/developmental disorders, emotional/behavioral disorders, and assessment (leading to diagnostician certification). A generic special education degree plan is designed for individuals who are seeking an additional certification in special education. The student's advisor will work with the student to select the appropriate courses for the desired specialization. See degree plan options.

Individuals seeking a Master's in Special Education must have a teaching certification. The certification can be in any field at any level. Individuals who do not have a teaching certification should apply for the Master of Arts in Teaching.

Educational Diagnostician Certification

The Department of Teacher Education Special Education Program offers coursework leading to a Texas Educational Diagnostician Certification. To obtain certification through Texas Woman’s University an individual must have:

• a Master’s degree in a field of Education (an individual may work on a Special Education Master’s concurrently with diagnostician certification)
• Valid Texas Teaching Certification
• Three years teaching experience
• 36 hours of specified coursework ( must have a minimum of 18 graduate hours and a minimum of 12 graduate hours taken from TWU)

After being admitted to the Graduate School and the Teacher Education Special Education Graduate Program, the certification candidate must meet with the Diagnostician Coordinator to complete an Informal Diagnostician Certification Plan and Diagnostician Certification Worksheet.

If you are interested in an emergency permit for Educational Diagnostician, complete this application.

Doctoral Degree

The Special Education Program offers a Ph.D. in Special Education under guidelines established by the Federation of North Texas Area Universities. The program enables students to use the combined faculty, library, computer facilities and research opportunities available at both Texas Woman's University and the University of North Texas.

Information regarding admission procedures and expectations for doctoral students are in the Special Education Ph.D. Handbook.