As educators, we are familiar with the challenges and rewards in the field of special education. In a bid to enhance the skills and competencies of dedicated educators in Texas, the University of Texas at Tyler provides an online Master’s degree in Special Education with Diagnostician Certification. This program is specifically designed to fulfill the educational qualifications necessary for an educator to become a certified Educational Diagnostician in Texas.

Overview of the Master’s Degree in Special Education

The Master’s Degree in Special Education at UT Tyler is a comprehensive program that aligns with the Council for Exceptional Children Advanced Special Education Diagnostician Specialist Standards. This program is designed to be completed online, allowing educators to balance their professional responsibilities while furthering their education.

Key Features of the Program

• Coursework: The program is entirely online, allowing for flexibility and convenience.
• Duration: The program can be completed in 24 months.
• Program Length: The Master’s degree requires 36 hours of program coursework.
• Tuition: The total in-state program tuition and fees are approximately $10,019.88 based on the 2023-2024 tuition and fees schedule.

Application Deadlines

The application process for this program begins early. The applications for the May 2024 cohort will be accepted from September 1, 2023, to March 1, 2024. All application materials must be received no later than March 15, 2024, and all admission interviews must be completed no later than March 31, 2024, for consideration in the May 2024 cohort.

Application Submission Process

Step One: Online Application

To apply, start by submitting your application online. Once your application has been accepted and processed, you will receive your student ID via email.

Step Two: Submit Reference Request Form

After receiving your student ID, submit a completed reference request form. You will need to provide the name and email address of three professional references. If you are currently employed, one of these should be your current principal.

Step Three: Complete the Department Information Sheet and Statement of Purpose

The Statement of Purpose prompt is as follows: Implementing inclusion in schools is not without its critics and proponents. Please share your thoughts on inclusive settings in public schools. In the statement, include a minimum of two scholarly sources to support your position (not to exceed approximately 1 typewritten page).

Step Four: Send Official Documents to the Office of Graduate Admissions

Send the following documents directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

• All OFFICIAL academic transcripts reflecting the reception of a bachelor’s degree and any other relevant undergraduate and graduate coursework.
• GRE scores obtained in the past five years. The GRE scores will be waived if your last 60 hours GPA is 3.25 or higher or if you have a previous master’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Copy of your Texas teacher certification
• Copy of your complete teacher service record, obtained from each of the district’s Human Resources offices.

Step Five: Schedule an Admission Interview

This program requires an admission interview. You will receive an email providing a link to an online scheduling system within a week of receipt of all admission documents. You may then schedule a Zoom admission interview.

Admission Requirements

There are several requirements for admission to this program:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution of higher education
• Texas Teacher Certification (any field)
• An appropriate GPA in degree plan as set by Texas Administrative Code and other administrative units
• Successful admission interview, letters of recommendation, successful completion of the Statement of Purpose, and the applicant’s demonstrated commitment to his or her chosen field of study.

Transfer of Credit/Experience

UT Tyler allows the transfer of graduate credit from an accredited institution limited to nine (9) hours for the master’s degree. All transfer credits must have been completed with a grade of “B” or better, completed within the last seven years, and approved by the degree-granting program.

Contact Information

For Program Information, contact Dr. Jessica Rueter at jrueter@uttyler.edu or call 903.565.5544. For Admission Information, call 903.566.7361 or email SOEgraduate@uttyler.edu.

In conclusion, the Master of Education in Special Education with Diagnostician Certification at UT Tyler is a fantastic opportunity for Texas educators seeking to enhance their skills and impact in the field of special education. The program’s online format allows for flexibility, making it an excellent choice for working professionals. Enroll now and make a difference in the lives of special needs students!