CASE FAQs

A student will typically need 48-51 semester hours (16-17 courses) of general and special education courses depending on previous coursework. See the sample course sequence for more information under Coursework.

Maybe, if you have not already completed the required undergraduate core for certification. A completed certification plan will reveal any undergraduate deficiencies.

The course work may begin in the Fall, Spring, Summer I, or Summer II semesters. After successful completion of the course work, you will have the option of enrolling in a two-semester internship in which you are hired as a full-time certified teacher for one year.

No, a master's degree requires no extra course work provided all graduate college requirements have been met, and all courses are taken at the graduate level.

• Apply to the Graduate College as a degree-seeking student. *Remember, applying as a degree-seeking student requires official transcripts from each college or university attended, a minimum GPA of 2.75 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work, and requires at least a combined score of 900 on the GRE.  For additional information please refer to the Graduate Catalog.
• Declare major in Special Education with a minor in Methods and Materials.
• Take all courses at the graduate level (5000 or above).
• Take a comprehensive exam at the end of the program. (Thesis is not required.)
• Receive master of education degree in generic special education!

However, you may elect to become certified without garnering a Master’s Degree.  In this case, you will apply to the Graduate College as a certification-only candidate.

Please visit the Texas State Graduate College for more information and requirements.

Typically, about 10-15 students start the CASE program each year.  The program has been in operation since 1993.

Upon successful completion of the internship and the state certification test(s) (TExES) you will obtain an all-level Texas Teaching Certificate in the field of Generic Special Education and a K-6 ESL Texas Teaching certification.  This will make you highly qualified to teach any subject to all SPED students, preschool through grade 6; language arts and math to SPED students in grades 4-8; any subject to students in Life Skills classes, grades 8-12; and any subject in inclusion placements at any grade level. More information can be provided by CASE advisors.

Refer to the graduate catalog for more information about tuition and fees, and out-of-state tuition and fees. 

Yes, applicants may apply for financial aid through the financial aid office at Texas State.  The entire process to establish financial need takes approximately 3 ½ months.  Contact the financial aid office for more information.

You may be eligible for the Troops to Teachers program or other benefits.  For more information, try the Texas State Office of Veterans Affairs.

No, a few courses are available online and others are offered in North Austin at the RREC (Round Rock Education Center) and a few courses can be taken online.

You will be eligible to take the state certification exam(s) (TExES) during your last semester of course work. Practice tests are required in order to obtain approval.

A great place to start is the Texas State College of Education web site.

Texas State web site for a variety of information about the university and the surrounding community.