Program Now Only 30 Credits!
Special Education Program Overview
Our CAEP-accredited online Master of Arts in Special Education is designed for individuals who want to enrich the lives of students with disabilities. This program explores the use of technology and innovation in the classroom and demonstrates how to overcome the unique challenges teachers face today, including maximizing resources, using universally designed instruction, a focus on diversity and inclusion issues, and assessing individual student needs.
This affordable 30-credit online program can be completed in as little as one year and will equip you with the specialized skills and knowledge you need to:
- provide accessibility to diverse groups of students;
- integrate technology and universal learning-focused curriculum into your instruction; and
- remove barriers to learning opportunities, providing students with as many pathways to learn as possible.
AI-Driven Special Education Curriculum
With adaptive learning, personalization, and other capabilities, artificial intelligence (AI) presents tremendous promise for special education teachers and students. UTPB recognizes this potential and is integrating the technology into our special education programs to empower our students and their students to excel.
Foundations of Special Education, a core course in every UTPB special education degree program, shows you how to use AI tools for maximum impact in the classroom. We’re also implementing AI simulations to demonstrate the effectiveness of evidence-based practices in special education.
TEACH Grant
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides up to $4,000 per year to students who are completing coursework needed to begin a career in a high-need teaching field. UT Permian Basin participates in the TEACH Grant program.
To be eligible to receive a TEACH Grant, you must meet basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid programs, complete the FAFSA, be enrolled at a school that participates in the TEACH Grant program, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25, receive TEACH Grant counseling for each year you receive the grant, and sign a TEACH Grant agreement. For more information about the TEACH Grant and its service requirements post-graduation, please click here.
Career Options
The University of Texas Permian Basin's online Master of Arts in Special Education program provides a solid foundation for you to excel as a teacher in a variety of roles, including:
Special Ed Core
27 Credits
EDUC 6305 - Research Design
8 weeks
3
This course is designed to acquaint students with how research is conducted in the fields of education and the social sciences. Students will select and evaluate research findings within their fields and learn how to design their own research studies.
EDSP 6339 - Foundations of Special Education
8 weeks
3
This course is designed to provide the historical and legal foundations of special education and the educational implications for the teacher and exceptional child.
EDSP 6341 - Behavior Management and Social Skills
8 weeks
3
This course will cover strategies for behavior management, functional behavioral assessment, positive behavioral supports, and social skills training for exceptional learners.
EDSP 6344 - Methods for Teaching Exceptional Learners
8 weeks
3
Learning strategies and methods for delivery of instruction for students with cognitive and/or emotional problems will be examined. Emphasis will be on developing strategic environments, curriculum, and models for inclusive settings.
EDSP 6345 - Transition Programming for Exceptional Learners
8 weeks
3
Models for transition to the community, work and post-secondary setting will be explored.
EDSP 6346 - Foundation and Legal Aspects of Special Education
8 weeks
3
Legislation and litigation that form the foundations and present basis for special education practices will be presented and investigated.
EDSP 6353 - Literacy & Language Arts for Diverse Learners
8 weeks
3
This course is focused on improving the success of children and youth with reading disabilities. Students will learn to identify skill deficiencies, modify curriculum, and design and implement instructional strategies to improve the literacy and language arts outcomes of diverse learners.
EDSP 6354 - Assessment in Special Education
8 weeks
3
This course will provide students with a survey of different individualized, standardized, and non-standardized assessment instruments and classroom observation techniques. Instruction in aligning classroom curriculum, methods, state standards, and assessment practices will be provided.
EDSP 6355 - Consultation and Collaboration
8 weeks
3
This course is designed to provide students with the background, knowledge base, experience, and personal contact to work collaboratively with professionals and parents. This course has implications for teaching, supervision, and educational service delivery for students in general and special education settings.
Culminating Experience
3 Credits
EDSP 6397 - Research in Special Education
8 weeks
3
A culminating project for the Master of Arts in Education: Special Education, which involves researching a question related to the field of special education.
