MA in Special Education, Educational Diagnostician Track

 

Special Education, Educational Diagnostician Track Program Overview

Our CAEP-accredited online Master of Arts in Special Education, Educational Diagnostician track, is designed for individuals who want to diagnose and assess the learning needs of students. This program provides in-depth training on using standardized and curriculum-based assessments to diagnose learning and developmental disabilities in students.

 This affordable 36-credit online program can be completed in as little as two years and will equip you with the specialized skills and knowledge you need to:

  • assess and perform cognitive and achievement testing on students who may have learning difficulties;
  • diagnose learning difficulties, prescribe IEPs to teachers and parents, and implement interventions; and
  • intervene and mitigate learning and developmental disabilities by providing recommendations for therapies, classroom interventions, behavior plans, and conduct reevaluations. 

The Master of Arts in Special Education, Educational Diagnostician track includes a practicum capstone requirement in which students gain hands-on experience by working one-on-one with an on-site supervisor for 160 contact hours over a 16-week period.

Educational Diagnostician Certification

State of Texas Students

Our master’s degree in special education, educational diagnostician track leads to Educational Diagnostician Certification in the state of Texas. Eligibility requirements for Texas are below:

  • Completion of an approved EPP for the Educational Diagnostician Certification
  • Master’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Three years of classroom teaching experience in a public or accredited private school
  • Valid teaching certificate
  • Completion of the required test

Out of State Students

If you are outside of Texas, visit your state’s certification agency to see if our program will make you eligible for certification in your state. You may also contact Dr. Rosenblatt with questions about certification outside of the state of Texas.

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.

Accreditation and Awards

  • Nationally accredited by the prestigious Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
  • Texas Education Agency - State approved/accredited Accountability System for Educator Preparation (TEA/ASEP)

Career Options

The University of Texas Permian Basin's online Master of Arts in Special Education, Educational Diagnostican Track provides a solid foundation for you to excel as a teacher in a variety of roles, including:

Core Courses

6 Credits

Courses
Duration
Credits
EDUC 6304 - Educational Psychology
8 weeks
3
Review of theories of behavior, learning, and instruction, research on human ontological development, and consideration of applications of such theory and research to classroom practices, including issues related to their measurement and evaluation.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Fall A 2024 Spring A 2025 Summer A 2025 Fall A 2025 Spring A 2026 Summer A 2026 Fall A 2026 Spring A 2027 Summer A 2027 Fall A 2027
EDUC 6305 - Research Design in Education and the Social Sciences
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.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Fall A 2024 Spring A 2025 Summer A 2025 Fall A 2025 Spring A 2026 Summer A 2026 Fall A 2026 Spring A 2027 Summer A 2027 Fall A 2027
Special Ed Core

18 Credits

Courses
Duration
Credits
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.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Fall A 2024 Fall B 2024 Spring A 2025 Spring B 2025 Summer A 2025 Summer B 2025 Fall A 2025 Fall B 2025 Spring A 2026 Spring B 2026 Summer A 2026 Summer B 2026 Fall A 2026 Fall B 2026 Spring A 2027 Spring B 2027 Summer A 2027 Summer B 2027 Fall A 2027 Fall B 2027
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.
Prerequisites: EDSP 6339 - Foundations of Special Education
Semesters Offered: Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Summer B 2025 Fall B 2025 Spring B 2026 Summer B 2026 Fall B 2026 Spring B 2027 Summer B 2027 Fall B 2027
EDSP 6345 - Transition Programming for Exceptional Learners
8 weeks
3
Models for transition to the community, work and post-secondary setting will be explored.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Summer B 2025 Fall B 2025 Spring B 2026 Summer B 2026 Fall B 2026 Spring B 2027 Summer B 2027 Fall B 2027
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.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Fall B 2025 Spring B 2026 Summer B 2026 Fall B 2026 Spring B 2027 Summer B 2027 Fall B 2027
EDSP 6348 - Curriculum and Instruction for Autism Spectrum Disorder
8 weeks
3
This course is designed to help educators develop strategies and techniques to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorders access the general education environment to the fullest extent possible.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Fall A 2024 Spring A 2025 Summer A 2025 Fall A 2025 Spring A 2026 Summer A 2026 Fall A 2026 Spring A 2027 Summer A 2027 Fall A 2027
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.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Fall B 2024 Spring B 2025 Summer B 2025 Fall B 2025 Spring B 2026 Summer B 2026 Fall B 2026 Spring B 2027 Summer B 2027 Fall B 2027
Diagnostician Specification

12 Credits

Courses
Duration
Credits
EDSP 6386 - Learning Theory & Assessment
8 weeks
3
This course will examine learning theory, learning styles, and assessment techniques. Students will administer and interpret the results of achievement tests in basic skill areas. Prerequisites: Advisor Approval Required
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Fall A 2024 Spring A 2025 Fall A 2025 Spring A 2026 Fall A 2026 Spring A 2027 Fall A 2027
EDSP 6394 - Cognitive Assessment
8 weeks
3
This course will examine the use of individual intelligence tests in the evaluation and educational planning for children, youth, and adults. Prerequisites: Advisor Approval Required
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Fall A 2024 Spring A 2025 Fall A 2025 Spring A 2026 Fall A 2026 Spring A 2027 Fall A 2027
EDSP 6392 - Practicum: Diagnostician
16 weeks
3
Supervised practice as a diagnostician in a school setting. Students are expected to meet regularly with their University supervisor to ensure continued growth throughout their practicum experience. Based on educational policies, the practicum course cannot be taken during the summer semesters.
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025 Whole Spring 2026 Whole Fall 2026 Whole Spring 2027 Whole Fall 2027
EDSP 6395 - Practicum: Professional Practice
16 weeks
3
This course is an in-depth exploration of topics related to diagnostic testing such as the use of authentic assessment and cross-battery assessment in today’s schools. Prerequisites: Advisor Approval Required
Prerequisites: N/A
Semesters Offered: Whole Spring 2025 Whole Fall 2025 Whole Spring 2026 Whole Fall 2026 Whole Spring 2027 Whole Fall 2027

Admission Requirements

Regular Admission Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution 
  • Upper-division GPA of at least 3.0
  • Essay that answers the following prompt:
    • What personal characteristics, experiences, and educational background influenced your decision and helped prepare you for this role as a diagnostician? 
  • Two years of teaching experience
  • Teacher certification (if in Texas)
  • Official transcripts

Conditional Admission Requirements

If you do not meet the GPA requirements for this program, you may qualify for conditional admission with the following requirements:

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Upper-division GPA between 2.5 and 3.0
  • Essay that answers the following prompt:
    • What personal characteristics, experiences, and educational background influenced your decision and helped prepare you for this role as a diagnostician? 
  • Two years of teaching experience
  • Teacher certification (if in Texas)
  • Two of the following:
    • GRE score of 282 (verbal and quantitative combined)
    • Statement related to the circumstances surrounding your lower GPA and why you believe you are ready for this graduate program.
    • Two professional letters of recommendation from school administrators who have supervised your work in the classroom.
      • If you can only secure one from such a person, the second must be a professional letter from someone who can speak to your capacity to be a special education teacher.
  • Official transcripts                                                          

Official Transcripts

Official copies of transcripts must come directly from the school in a sealed envelope and should be mailed to:

UT Permian Basin
Graduate Studies Office
4901 E. University Blvd.
Odessa, TX 79762

Official transcripts in electronic format can be sent to gradstudies@utpb.edu

Supporting Documents

All supporting documents related to a graduate program, such as letters of recommendation, essays, statements of interest, resumes, professional work experience, and awards should be sent to the Graduate Studies Office:

UT Permian Basin
Graduate Studies
4901 E. University Blvd.
Odessa, TX 79762-0001

Electronic versions of supporting documents may be emailed to gradstudies@utpb.edu. 

Application Fee

The application fee is $40.
Veterans and Active Duty Military: Your application fee is waived for this program. Get details now.

If you have any questions regarding the admission requirements, please email special.education@utpb.edu.

Faculty Bios

Clinical Assistant Professor
Department Chair and Associate Professor of Special Education
College of Education
rosenblatt_k@utpb.edu

Kara Rosenblatt is an associate professor of special education and the department chair of the literacy, Language, and special populations department at the University of Texas Permian Basin.  Dr. Rosenblatt received her PhD in Exceptional Education from the University of Central Florida in 2009.  In her current role, she teaches graduate level special education courses. Dr. Rosenblatt's research interests focus on technology for teachers and students with high incidence disabilities and teacher preparation. She was a special education teacher for 5 years in Florida and Maryland. 

Assistant Professor of Special Education/Special Education Program Co-Coordinator
College of Education
frates_a@utpb.edu

Dr. Frates joined UT Permian Basin in 2022 as an assistant professor of special education. She received her master’s degree in special education and her PhD in curriculum and instruction from Northern Arizona University. Her previous experience includes teaching college courses in special education and working in an elementary school setting as a special education teacher. Her research currently focuses on literacy instruction for students with extensive support needs who are also multilingual learners.

Assistant Professor of Special Education/Special Education Program Co-Coordinator
College of Education
jackson_h@utpb.edu

Dr. Jackson is an assistant professor of special education within the department of Literacy, Language, and Special Populations at the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB). She holds a PhD in special education with a specialization in instructional design, technology, and innovation from the University of Kansas. Dr. Jackson has experience in public and private education as an educator and administrator, with a background in math education. Her research interests include investigating instructional design frameworks and their implementation on affective dispositions of learners in K-12 and higher education. Dr. Jackson has served on multiple research projects to support UDL implementation by consulting with educators and facilitating educator preparation.

We’re pleased to offer program admission on a rolling basis.

Rolling admission refers to our process of accepting and evaluating applications as we receive them and moving any applications that miss the deadline to the next semester. However, if you want to enroll in courses for a specific semester, you will need to make note of the application deadlines found below. If you don’t complete your application and submit the required materials by the deadline, your application will be rolled over to the next semester. 

LengthApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineCourses BeginCourses End
Fall A8/12/248/19/248/23/248/26/2410/18/24
Fall B10/7/2410/14/2410/18/2410/21/2412/13/24
LengthApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineCourses BeginCourses End
Spring A12/30/241/6/251/10/251/13/253/7/25
Spring B3/3/253/10/253/14/253/17/255/9/25
SemesterApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineCourses BeginCourses End
Summer A4/28/255/5/255/9/255/12/256/27/25
Summer B6/16/256/23/256/30/256/30/258/15/25
LengthApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DeadlineCourses BeginCourses End
Fall A8/11/258/18/258/22/258/25/2510/17/25
Fall B10/6/2510/13/2510/17/2510/20/2512/12/25

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