Program of Study - Special Education (MED) - Accelerated Online Program

Special education students need teachers and advocates with the unique expertise to guide them to a successful future. If your passion matches your ambition, you can earn your M.Ed. in Special Education online with UTRGV in as few as ten months. An initial teaching certificate is not required to enter this program. If you are a certified teacher, this TEACH Grant-eligible degree program will prepare you for additional special education certification credentials.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the graduate program in special education, prospective candidates must first meet all requirements for graduate admission to UT Rio Grande Valley, as well as the other requirements listed below:

  1. Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester credit hours. If applicant does not meet the minimum undergraduate GPA criterion, GRE general test with minimum scores of 150 Verbal, 141 Quantitative, and 4.0 Analytical are required for conditional admission.
  2. Two letters of recommendation.
  3. Letter of intent.
  4. Resume.
  5. Demonstrated knowledge of special education or knowledge of individual differences through (a) state certification in special education; (b) three hours of undergraduate coursework in special education with a grade of ‘B’ or better; or (c) coursework in a related field such as psychology, early childhood education, or speech pathology.

Application for admission must be submitted prior to the published deadline. The application is available at www.utrgv.edu/gradapply.

Program Requirements

Required Courses (30 Credits)

EPSY 6300Advanced Individual Differences

3

EPSY 6302Teaching Individuals with Low Incidence Disabilities in Inclusive Settings

3

EPSY 6303Evidence-based Practices for Students with High Incidence Disabilities

3

EPSY 6305Multiculturalism, Bilingualism, and the Exceptional Learner

3

EPSY 6307Legal Foundations of Special Education

3

EPSY 6311Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Supports

3

EPSY 6316Foundations of Assessment in Special Education

3

EPSY 6320Consultation and Collaboration in Inclusive Settings

3

EPSY 6356Action Research for Inclusive Settings

3

EPSY 6385Strategies for Developing Communication and Social Skills

3

Total Credit Hours: 30