Educators with a passion for enriching the lives of students with special needs can enroll in one of the CAEP-accredited online MA in special education programs offered at UT Permian Basin.

In our online special education master’s programs, educators explore the challenges and triumphs associated with educating students with disabilities. The topics of diversity and inclusion are discussed at length, as are the benefits of an inclusive learning environment. By earning a degree in special education online, educators can better cater to the needs of students with and without disabilities.

The College of Education offers the following online master’s in special education programs:

  • Master of Arts in Special Education: This 36-credit online program teaches educators to foster an inclusive classroom where the needs of all students, especially those with disabilities, are taken into account. Graduates return to their classrooms ready to provide students with as many learning opportunities as possible.
  • Master of Arts in Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders track: This 36-credit online program instructs educators on the use of evidence-based interventions in providing for the individual needs of students on the autism spectrum. In our practicum course, graduate students are given hands-on experience working with students with differing needs on the autism spectrum.
  • Master of Arts in Special Education, Educational Diagnostician track: This 45-credit online program provides in-depth training on evaluating the learning needs of children, youth, and adults. Graduates are qualified to diagnose learning difficulties and recommend appropriate therapies, behavior plans, and classroom interventions.

    Aligned with certification competencies established by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), our MA in special education, educational diagnostician track also helps teachers qualify for Educational Diagnostician Certification in Texas.

Entirely online and featuring asynchronous elements, our master’s in special education programs can help you expand your teaching skill set without having to leave your current teaching position. Engage with coursework at your own pace, rewatch prerecorded lectures at your convenience, and collaborate with peers in 24-hour discussion boards. Master teaching strategies in our online classroom before implementing them in yours.

Core Courses

9 Credits

CoursesDurationCredits
EDUC 6302 – Cultural Diversity in Education and the Social Sciences8 weeks3
EDUC 6304 – Educational Psychology8 weeks3
EDUC 6305 – Research Design in Education and the Social Sciences8 weeks3

Special Ed Core

24 Credits

CoursesDurationCredits
EDSP 6339 – Foundations of Special Education8 weeks3
EDSP 6341 – Behavior Management and Social Skills8 weeks3
EDSP 6343 – Programs and Practices for Exceptional Learners8 weeks3
EDSP 6344 – Methods for Teaching Exceptional Learners8 weeks3
EDSP 6345 – Transition Programming for Exceptional Learners8 weeks3
EDSP 6346 – Foundation and Legal Aspects of Special Education8 weeks3
EDSP 6347 – Characteristics of ASD and Developmental Disorders8 weeks3
EDSP 6352 – Technology and School Change8 weeks3

Culminating Experience

3 Credits

CoursesDurationCredits
EDSP 6397 – Research in Special Education8 weeks3

Admission Requirements

*Please note that the MA in special education, educational diagnostician track has additional requirements that differ in places from those listed below. Visit the Requirements tab on the MA in special education, educational diagnostician track program page for full details.

Regular Admission Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Upper-division GPA of at least 3.0
  • Official transcripts
  • Essay that answers the following prompt: What skills and personal characteristics do you have that will make you successful in graduate school and effective in the special education field?

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
  • Official Transcripts
  • Essay that answers the following prompt: What skills and personal characteristics do you have that will make you successful in graduate school and effective in the special education field?
  • 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 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 become a special education teacher.

*Note: The GRE score requirement has been temporarily waived. This waiver will apply through Spring 2022.

Official Transcripts

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

UT Permian Basin
Office of Admissions
4901 E. University Blvd.
Odessa, TX 79762

Official transcripts in electronic format can be sent to admissions@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.

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