Frequently Asked Questions

Our M.Ed. in Special Education degree is a 36-hour program. This applies to all concentrations.

You will receive your degree plan (or degree audit) after you are accepted to the university. You can access your degree plan online. 

All Special Education classes required for the concentrations are offered only at the San Marcos campus. Because we value the face-to-face experience in the classroom, a couple of classes are offered as a hybrid format; none of our courses are offered fully online. 

Your advisor will work with you to provide individualized instructions about the recommended or required sequence of courses for your degree that is compatible with your full- or part-time status. It is not recommended that you advise yourself because course offerings by semester change. 

Full-time students take 3 classes during the fall and spring semesters and are eligible for graduate assistantships. Part time students take 1 or 2 classes during the long semesters. Summer attendance is optional.

Graduate classes are held in the evening during the fall and spring semesters. Classes either meet twice a week from 5:00 pm - 6:20 pm or once a week from 6:30 pm - 9:20 pm. Classes meet daily for two hours each in the summer. Two four-week summer sessions are available.

The 'comps' refer to the special education comprehensive exams. End-of-program comprehensive exams are required by the university for our master's programs. Comprehensive exams may be taken after you have completed 18 graduate hours but are usually taken during your last semester before graduation. Each concentration has slightly different versions and requirements for comps. Ask your advisor for more information.

Everyone is assigned an advisor; however, many of the faculty and staff may be able to answer your questions or direct you to the right person. 

CASE students typically pursue EC-6, ESL, and all-level special education certification. Other certification areas are possible but may require additional coursework. You will be certified to teach special education, all grades. You may also be certified in another general education area, such as EC-4 Generalist, 4-8 Generalist, or another area. Most CASE students choose EC-4 Generalist or 4-8 Generalist for their general education certification; your coursework is designed to prepare you for the TExES exams in these areas (state certification exams).

As a certified special education teacher, you will be qualified to teach elementary special education classes, secondary inclusion or special education support, or life skills.