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 multiple advanced degrees in special education:
- Master of Education (non-teacher certification program)
- Master of Education with Educational Diagnostician Certification
- Post-Master's Educational Diagnostician Certification
- PhD in Special Education
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 obtain teaching certification in specialized areas with our advanced degrees.
With schools across the state of Texas in desperate need of special education teachers, many now offer stipends and bonuses to recruit more special education teachers. Texas teachers also may be eligible for student loan forgiveness.
Looking for Bachelor's in Education with Special Education?
The Teacher Education department also offers a Bachelor's in Education with the opportunity to specialize in Special Education
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
Pursue a MEd in Special Education focusing on interventions or a MEd in Special Education with Educational Diagnostician certification. Both programs offer 100% online coursework.
To pursue the MEd in Special Education with Educational Diagnostician certification, a valid teaching certificate and at least three years of teaching experience are required.
For initial teacher certification, see the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT).
Teacher Education Course Rotation
Degree Plan - MEd in Special Education
Contacts
MEd in Special Education
Minkowan Goo, PhD
Associate Professor
mgoo@twu.edu
940-898-2047
MEd in Special Education with Educational Diagnostician Certification
Maria Peterson-Ahmad, PhD
Associate Professor
mpeterson3@twu.edu
940-898-2214
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
Maria Peterson-Ahmad, PhD
Associate Professor
mpeterson3@twu.edu
940-898-2214
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
PhD in Special Education
The PhD in Special Education is offered in person through a cooperative program of the Federation of North Texas Area Universities, allowing students to access faculty, library, computer facilities and research opportunities at both Texas Woman’s University and the University of North Texas.
Research coursework and experiences are major emphases of the TWU doctoral program in special education. Those experiences include designing, conducting and disseminating new knowledge gained through firsthand examination of special education issues.
Graduates typically assume leadership positions in public and private schools, higher education institutions and federal, state and local agencies.
For more information, see the PhD in Special Education Handbook.
Teacher Education Course Rotation
Degree Plan - PhD in Special Education
Contact
Randa Keeley, PhD
Associate Professor
rkeeley@twu.edu
940-898-2278
What a wonderful journey I had at TWU! I enhanced my skills, learned about publishing and disseminating research, and found opportunities to serve. I developed my professional network through collaboration with scholars across disciplines and institutions. TWU has a very special place in my heart. It is my family, forever cherished and loved. Mariya Davis, Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Admission Requirements
Students interested in any Special Education programs must apply to the TWU Graduate School and send documents directly to the Department of Teacher Education, as indicated below.
Admission to the M.Ed. or Ph.D. in Special Education
How to Apply
There are two steps to apply for our program:
- Apply for admission to the TWU Graduate School.
- Send required documents to the Department of Teacher Education by completing this application (allow a moment for application to load)
Note. We cannot begin reviewing your application until you complete both steps.
Program Contacts
Ph.D. in Special Education
Randa Keeley, Ph.D
Assistant Professor of Special Education
(940) 898-2278
rkeeley@twu.edu
M.Ed. in Special Education seeking Educational Diagnostician Certification
Maria Peterson, Ph.D.
Visiting Associate Professor of Special Education
(940) 898-2267
mpeterson3@twu.edu
M.Ed. in Special Education
Minkowan Goo, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Special Education
(940) 898-2047
mgoo@twu.edu
Application Deadlines
Fall – August 1
Spring – December 1
Summer – May 1
Admission Requirements
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on the last 60 hours of study
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.
Tk20 by Watermark is a repository for university data collected for various purposes; such as, demonstrating the quality of our academic programs, improving teaching and learning, and compiling data for national, state and local reporting. Courses associated with these programs requires field-based practicum requirements to be uploaded and assessed by the instructor in the Tk20 Assessment System. This usually requires a one-time purchase of Tk20. The Tk20 website can be found at twu.edu/tk20. Students will not be recommended for certification without completion of required training completion submissions in the Tk20 system which include: Digital Literacy Post-Assessment, Dyslexia Training/Module, Suicide Prevention Training/Module, & Substance Abuse Training/Module.
Page last updated 1:29 PM, May 25, 2023