Special Education, MEd

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Overview

Unlock their potential

Ready to make a profound difference in the lives of students who need you most? Earning your graduate degree in special education prepares you to become a highly skilled advocate and educator. You'll gain the advanced tools needed to design effective lessons, navigate complex legal requirements and step into high-demand leadership roles in schools.

School districts everywhere are facing a critical shortage of specialized educators. This flexible program shapes you into a top candidate for advanced teaching positions or specialized diagnostic roles.

Flexible pathways to leadership

We offer distinct concentrations designed to fit your current experience and career goals. Each 36 credit-hour option focuses heavily on real-world application so you can immediately use what you learn.

Educational Diagnostician concentration
- Best for: Certified teachers with at least two years of classroom experience.
Visual Impairment concentration
- Best for: Educators ready to meet a high-demand niche in Texas schools.
Orientation and Mobility concentration
- Best for: Professionals holding a bachelor's degree who want to work with children or adults in various settings.

Apply to SFA's special education master's program

The Special Education, MEd application is a two-part process. Your acceptance into the program is contingent upon successful admission to SFA's graduate school. You should complete all pre-admission requirements for your degree path prior to submitting your graduate studies application to the university.

All the information you need is below, or you can contact us with specific questions.

Before applying to the graduate school, you must email the department to get access to a shared Microsoft OneDrive folder. You will upload the following pre-admission items there:

Practicum letter: A signed letter from your district's special education director approving a future 160-hour practicum (spread over two semesters).
Professional documents: A copy of your official teacher service record, current résumé, and undergraduate/graduate transcripts.
Certifications and forms: A copy of your current teacher certifications and a completed advanced certification-seeking tracking form.
Letters of recommendation: Three signed letters (two professional, one community member).
Written statement: A 3-to-5 page typed, double-spaced essay detailing your experience, teaching philosophy, and why you are a strong candidate.
Introduction video: A maximum 5-minute video introducing yourself, your teaching experience, your certifications, and your motivation for the program.

Note: After reviewing these items, faculty may invite you to a short online video interview. Once formally accepted by the program, you will be cleared to submit your official graduate school application.

The program coordinator will advise you on next steps and whether to continue your application through the Graduate School.

These paths use a cohort model with classes starting in the summer.

To apply, you must:

Apply to the Graduate School.
Send the following items directly to the program coordinator:
- Pre-admission items indicated through online interest form.
- Three letters of recommendation, one of which should be from a direct supervisor in your current position.
- Three- to five-page paper distinctly describing your:
  - philosophy of education
  - understanding of the profession you're seeking
  - and reasons for pursuing the field of visual impairment.
Have an overall GPA of 2.75 or better, or a 2.75 GPA on the last 60 hours of work completed
GRE is not required.