Program type:

Major
Format:

On Campus
Online
Est. time to complete:

1-3 years
Credit Hours:

33
Make a positive impact on programs for children, youth and young adults with exceptionalities.
You'll receive preparation in the identification of, and educational programming for, students with high-incidence disabilities; specifically, learning disabilities and/or emotional/behavioral disorders. Emphasis is on characteristics, academic and behavioral assessment, and academic and behavioral programming.

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Why Earn a High-Incidence Disabilities Special Education Master's?

Many of our faculty members are nationally known in their field. They remain current on practices through research experiences, high levels of academic preparation and the service projects they coordinate. They have expertise in programs and procedures; establishing partnerships to facilitate services for exceptional individuals; systems for behavioral management of special populations; and parent and professional communication and collaboration.

In addition to specialized courses, we provide many opportunities for you to participate in interdepartmental studies, become involved in community-based programming and network with other special education professionals.

Marketable Skills
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret data
  • Advocate on behalf of underrepresented populations
  • Collaborate to improve educational outcomes
  • Oral and written communication
  • Creative problem-solving

High-Incidence Disabilities Special Education Master's Highlights

Courses are offered on a rotation schedule via two 8-week terms during the fall and spring semesters and 3-week, 5-week and 10-week terms during the summer.
The College of Education is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, which means we meet or exceed strict academic standards for excellence in education.
The College of Education is one of Texas' top producers of teachers, administrators, counselors and other school professionals.
The Department of Educational Psychology, which oversees this degree program, is affiliated with various research and intervention centers that provide research and development opportunities for faculty and students.
Students can also pursue a special education teaching certification through our IMPACT program if they do not already have one.
You can earn a master’s degree in as little as 15 months (33 hours) or go at a slower pace, choosing from five different starting points offered each year.

What Can You do With a High-Incidence Disabilities Special Education Master's?

Graduates are employed as master teachers, instructional/intervention specialists and community agency collaborators.

Top 3 Careers

  • Special Education Teaching
  • Paraprofessional
  • Intervention Specialist

High-Incidence Disabilities Special Education Master's Courses You Could Take

Classroom and Behavior Management Strategies for Exceptional Learners (3 hrs)
Introduces students to the principles and practice of applied behavior analysis (ABA) in school settings involving students with special needs. Focuses on the fusion of scientific or evidence-based practices with ethical principles in the design of a function-based behavior intervention plan (BIP) for a person with a disability who displays behavior problems.
Characteristics of Individuals with Learning Disabilities (3 hrs)
Overview of the field of learning disabilities that includes an analysis of definitions, etiological factors, classification schemes and intervention models.
Characteristics of Children/Youth with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (3 hrs)
Overview of topics related to children and youth with emotional and behavioral disorders, including characteristics, assessment, diagnosis and evaluation. Investigation of risk factors for the development of severe behavioral problems and classroom-based interventions.
Positive Behavioral Interventions in Educational and Related Settings (3 hrs)
Examination of the positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) philosophy and its underlying assumptions regarding delivery of services to children and youth. Approaches for implementation are highlighted with a focus on school-wide, classroom-wide, and individual interventions, along with the implementation of PBIS for development of systems-of-care, wraparound, and full-service schools.
Teaching Social Skills to Children and Youth with Disabilities (3 hrs)
Examination of theories underlying the acquisition of social skills by children and youth with disabilities. Specific teaching strategies, materials development and program implementation will be emphasized.
Collaboration with Parents, Paraeducators and Professionals (3 hrs)
Communication and collaboration models and strategies in working with parents, caregivers and professionals concerned about exceptional learners. Emphasis on the changing definition of families and changing demographics and the implications these changes have for effectively involving others in the decision-making for exceptional learners.

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