Master's in Special Education

Special education teachers are in rising demand. With outstanding faculty, 100% online convenience and preparation that counts, our programs prepare you to become the best a school can offer.  

Connect with a Special Education faculty member

Texas Woman's offers two master's degrees in special education as well as a post-master's Education Diagnostician certification:

Our degree programs in special education prepare teachers and researchers to work with students who have exceptional needs. You can enhance your research knowledge in special education, become a master teacher in areas of exceptionality, and graduate profession-ready and prepared to provide evidence-based instruction to all students.

Schools across Texas are in desperate need of teachers with specialized training — so much so that many now offer stipends and bonuses to recruit more teachers that have been trained to work with students with disabilities. Some Texas teachers may even be eligible for student loan forgiveness.

Additional degrees in Special Education at TWU

These programs have created and maintained my solid foundation as a teacher. They prepared me for responsibilities I face daily in education. The faculty’s dedication is second to none and they truly want to help students be successful now and in the future. Jennifer Reid, Special Education Teacher

Master's Degree Options

Choose from one of two master's degrees in special education

  • MEd in Special Education focusing on interventions
  • MEd in Special Education with Educational Diagnostician certification

Both programs offer 100% online coursework.

Teacher Education Course Rotation

Degree Plan - MEd in Special Education

Degree Plan - MEd in Special Education (Diagnostician)

NOTE:

Contacts

MEd in Special Education

Minkowan Goo, PhD
Professor
mgoo@twu.edu 
940-898-2047

MEd in Special Education with Educational Diagnostician Certification

Catherine S. Howerter, PhD
Associate Professor
chowerter@twu.edu  
940-898-2273

A great thing about the MEd in special education at TWU is that you don’t need to physically be there at all. Online fit my schedule, but I still felt on campus because of professional, resourceful, empathetic faculty always ready to help. I had a great experience and I’m so prepared for my next step. Ali Alenizi, International student

Post-Master's Certificate - Educational Diagnostician Certification

The 100% online Educational Diagnostician certification program provides a path for graduate students to pursue Educational Diagnostician certification in compliance with the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Educational Diagnosticians are highly-trained specialists with skills to assess academic, cognitive, social, emotional and behavioral needs of students and to work with teachers to recommend accommodations, modifications and interventions based on assessment results.

Diagnosticians work closely with parents of students being evaluated and special educators, school psychologists and other specialized personnel (e.g., speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists) to ensure all students, including those with disabilities, receive appropriate and effective services based on individualized needs. 

For more information, see the Educational Diagnostician Handbook.

Certificate Plan - Educational Diagnostician Certification

Contact

Catherine S. Howerter, PhD
Associate Professor
chowerter@twu.edu  
940-898-2273

TWU provided wonderful opportunities to prepare us. Whether bringing in seasoned diagnosticians currently in the field, preparing us for the hiring process, or just being ready and willing to hear our concerns and offer a guiding hand, I am grateful for the education provided by TWU and the way they prepared me for my career as a diagnostician. Donna Moreland, Educational Diagnostician, Plano ISD

Admission Requirements

Apply now

TEA Admission Requirements for Educational Diagnostician

  • Three years as a full-time classroom teacher of record in a public or private, accredited school
  • Valid teaching certificate at time of admission and at time of recommendation
  • 3.0 grade point average in last 60 hours
  • TOEFL iBT score if bachelor’s degree was earned out of the U.S. in a country not approved by TEA

Disclosure statement(s) for licensure and certification

Admission to the M.Ed. or Ph.D. in Special Education

Program Contacts

Ph.D. in Special Education

Randa Keeley, Ph.D
Associate Professor
(940) 898-2278
rkeeley@twu.edu

M.Ed. in Special Education seeking Educational Diagnostician Certification

Catherine S. Howerter, PhD
Associate Professor
940-898-2273
chowerter@twu.edu 

M.Ed. in Special Education

Minkowan Goo, Ph.D.
Professor
(940) 898-2047
mgoo@twu.edu

Application Deadlines

Fall – August 1
Spring – December 1
Summer – May 1

Admission Requirements

  • Minimum 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours of study
  • Resume/CV (Uploaded to graduate application)
  • Statement of Intent (Uploaded to the graduate application.)
  • Valid teaching certificate (M.Ed. and Post-master's Diagnostician programs only.)
  • Teaching Service Record (M.Ed. and Post Master's Diagnostician programs only)
  • Interview - PhD only

For additional information about the program, please see the Department of Teacher Education. For additional information about obtaining educator certification for candidates who already have a bachelor’s degree, please contact TWU’s Office of Educator Preparation Services and visit the Master of Arts in Teaching and Post-Baccalaureate Initial Teaching Certification websites.

Graduate Admission

Begin by reviewing your program's website to see if there are additional admission requirements and application deadlines prior to applying.  

  1. Apply online.
    Apply to Graduate Programs  via the TWU Online Graduate Application Portal following instructions below.  
  2. Submit transcripts to TWU.
    • Domestic Applicants must submit official transcripts for each college or university attended, both undergraduate and graduate. See the Information on Transcripts website for more details. Original transcripts for each college/university attended must be submitted, even if referred to on another schools transcripts.
    • International Applicants are now required to provide an evaluation prepared by a NACES or AICE member evaluation service. International transcripts should not be sent directly to TWU. See the International Admissions website for more details.
  3. Submit Recommendation Requests
    If your program requires you to submit names for recommendations you will need to do it in the application. List of programs-majors.  
  4. Pay the application fee.
    The $50 fee ($75 fee for International applicants), which applies to all new and returning applicants, can be paid by:
    1. Credit card - Pay Online through the application as the last step before submitting the application. The second portion of the application will not be available until the application fee has been received.
    2. Fee Waivers - Graduate applicants who are certified McNair Scholars are eligible for a McNair Scholar Application Fee Waiver. TWU Alumni may be eligible for the Alumni Advantage Fee Waiver. Check your eligibility here: https://twu.edu/alumni-advantage/. If eligible submit the request using the Application Fee Waiver Submission
    3. Following fee payment return to the application dashboard where supplemental application documents can be uploaded. The online application will list which documents are needed to fulfill the program admission requirements. You can also check the program's website.
  5. Submit Program supplemental documents
    1. Review the specific requirements for your intended program to identify any supplemental materials needed for your application.

Watch for emails from your new program/department that may come to your TWU email address.

For more information or assistance with the application or graduate admissions, visit the Graduate Admissions website.

Students who wish to apply for a Graduate Assistantship must meet the General Criteria for Appointment of Graduate Assistants.

Page last updated 11:36 AM, October 2, 2025