Master of Science in Special Education with a Specialization in Reading Online

Better support students in special education when you diagnose reading issues, plan individualized reading interventions and evaluate students' literacy progress. Apply your improved skillsets with hands-on field experiences.

Apply by: 1/6/25
Start class: 1/21/25 Apply Now

Program Overview

Expand your career pathways with our online M.S. in Special Education with a Specialization in Reading

Design, implement and direct reading programs for students in special education when you earn an online M.S. in Special Education with a Specialization in Reading from TAMIU. Meet the rising demand for special education experts who can diagnose and support reading difficulties in the special education population.

Gain cutting-edge tools to help students in special education programs overcome their reading disorders. You will work closely alongside distinguished faculty to administer diagnostic assessment, perform remedial interventions and evaluate student literacy progress. Master the theories, principles and strategies for executing developmentally appropriate reading programs for pre-kindergarten to adult learners. Specialize in reading from a unique special education lens with core coursework that covers special education law and ethical responsibility, issues in disability throughout a lifespan, behavior management of exceptional children, and foundations of educational research.

This career-advancing master's in special education online gives you the special education and reading expertise that schools need, making you a competitive hire for any institution. Accelerated, 7-week courses enable you to finish your degree in as few as 12 months.

**This program is eligible for the TEACH Grant.

Graduates of this M.S. in Special Education online program will be able to:

  • Use assessment to make educational decisions for individuals with exceptionalities
  • Integrate scholarly inquiry to select evidence-based strategies to meet the needs of individuals with exceptionalities
  • Demonstrate leadership skills by advocating individuals with exceptionalities
Graduates of this M.S. in Special Education online program will be able to:+
  • Use assessment to make educational decisions for individuals with exceptionalities
  • Integrate scholarly inquiry to select evidence-based strategies to meet the needs of individuals with exceptionalities
  • Demonstrate leadership skills by advocating individuals with exceptionalities
+
+

Also available:

Texas A&M International University offers a variety of in-demand online education programs. Explore all of our online education programs.

Total Tuition $12,111*
Duration 12 months
Credit Hours 33

Accreditation

The State of Texas Education Agency

The Texas A&M International University College of Education is accredited by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification.

Also available:

Texas A&M International University offers a variety of in-demand online education programs. Explore all of our online education programs.

Apply Now

Need More Information?

Call 844-872-8712

Call 844-872-8712

Tuition

Earn your degree affordably with our low-cost tuition

Tuition for the M.S. in Special Education with a Specialization in Reading online program is affordable and can be paid by the course. All fees are included.

View additional tuition information+

In-State Tuition:

The following tuition applies only to Texas residents.

Program Per Credit Hour Per Course Per Program*
M.S. in Special Education – Reading $367 $ $12,111

Out-of-State Tuition:

Program Per Credit Hour Per Program*
M.S. in Special Education – Reading $1,030 $33,990

*Tuition subject to change.

Tuition breakdown:

Total Tuition $12,111*
Per Credit Hour $367

Calendar

Review important start dates and deadlines

The M.S. in Special Education with a Specialization in Reading online program is delivered online, featuring 7-week courses and six start dates each year. Choose the start date that is best for you.

Graduate Programs Degree Plan

View full calendar  + 

SessionProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Spring I1/21/251/6/251/13/251/17/253/8/25
Spring II3/24/253/10/253/17/253/21/255/9/25
Summer I5/19/255/5/255/12/255/16/257/5/25
Summer II7/7/256/23/256/30/257/7/258/22/25

Now enrolling:

Apply Date 1/6/25
Class Starts 1/21/25

Ready to take the next steps toward earning your next degree?

Apply Now

Admissions

Get started on your application today—here's how

Applying for the M.S. in Special Education with a Specialization in Reading online program is a simple process. Learn more about the admission requirements below.

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA on the last 60 hours
View all admission requirements +

International Transcript Evaluation:

TAMIU does their own foreign credential evaluations. Graduate School does not require third party evaluations nor are obligated to accept the results, or GPA calculations, if an evaluation is submitted. If an applicant submits an official evaluation, the evaluation does not replace official transcripts or certificates of graduation.

Official transcripts from all institutions attended can be sent to:

Texas A&M International University
Graduate School
Senator Judith Zaffirini Student Success Center, Suite 223
5201 University Boulevard
Laredo, TX 78041
OR
Electronically to [email protected]

Former TAMIU students do not need to submit TAMIU transcripts.

For documents other than transcripts, please upload to your application portal located here. If transcripts are uploaded to the portal, you will be asked to resend all official transcripts by mail or email and will delay the application process.

Have a question? Call us at 844-872-8712.

Courses

Check out the online master's degree in special education curriculum

The M.S. in Special Education – Reading curriculum is comprised of 11 courses (33 credit hours). Students are required to take seven core courses and four specialization courses.

Expand All
You must take the following courses.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This is an introductory level course for candidates seeking a MS in Special Education. Course content includes an overview of special education eligibility categories and evidence-based practices for students with disabilities. This content addresses the Texas Special Education Teaching Standards and the Council for Exceptional Children Common Core Standards. Course activities include lectures, case studies, and the evaluation of evidence-based practices. Prerequisites: Graduate standing. Fixed 1st Course.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This is an intermediate level course for candidates seeking a MS in Special Education. Course content includes the history of special education law, provisions of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act, Every Student Succeeds Act, legal trends and issues in special education, and special education professional ethical principles and practice standards guided by the Council for Exceptional Children Common Core Standards. Course activities include lectures, case analysis, and special education legal case briefs. Prerequisites: Graduate standing
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This is an introductory level course for candidates seeking a MS in Special Education. Course content includes the unique culture of disability across the lifespan and the impact of disabilities on an individual across the lifespan. In addition, this course examines characteristics of children and youth with major biological risk conditions and disabilities with a focus on the impact of these conditions on development over time. Course activities include lectures, group discussions and assignments, demonstrating the complexity of development with a disability.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This is an intermediate level course for candidates seeking a MS in Special Education. Course content includes descriptive statistics, psychometric properties of a test reliability and validity, interpretation of test scores, norms, scales, and grades, and some of the current controversies in testing. Additional topics such as data management, progress monitoring, test accommodations and modifications, and cultural and linguistic considerations are covered. Focus of attention is on the use of assessment information for making educational decisions. Course activities include lectures, interpretation of scores, and case analysis.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This is an intermediate level course for candidates seeking a MS in Special Education. Course content includes the major concepts and techniques of effective classroom and Applied Behavior Analysis for children and youth with disabilities experiencing academic and/or behavioral difficulties. Course activities include lectures, group discussions and assignments concerning effective classroom management, as well as behavior plan development for students with disabilities.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed to develop the knowledge and skills needed to effectively collaborate and consult with families, school personnel and community members in educational settings. Other topics include team membership, co-teaching, supervision of paraprofessionals, partnerships with families and development of interagency agreements to address the needs of individuals with disabilities.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This is an advanced level course for candidates seeking a MS in Special Education. This course examines the historical, relevant, and timely topics of concern to educators involved in making decisions regarding special education. This content addresses the Texas Special Education Teaching Standards and the Council for Exceptional Children Common Core Standards. Course activities include lectures, debates, and the evaluation of issues and trends in the field of special education. This course may be repeated once when topic changes.
You must take the following courses.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with an in-depth understanding of children's early development in reading and writing. The course will have a field-based component so that students can assess children and design and implement an instructional program integrating the processes of written language. Ongoing assessment will be a key factor of the children's program. Students pursuing the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) must be admitted to and in good standing in the College of Education.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on the methods, materials and organization of reading programs, with emphasis on the scope and sequence of the total reading program from pre-K through 12th grade. Theories, principles and strategies for designing and implementing developmentally appropriate reading programs will be reviewed, and programs will be evaluated to prepare the Reading Professional to make appropriate instructional decisions. Attention will be given to professional development models and professional ethics. Prerequisite: Graduate standing
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
In this course, students will use formal and informal instruments to diagnose reading problems. Students will review a variety of case studies and develop their own case study throughout the semester as they monitor and assess students with reading difficulties. This course may be taken as a core course by individuals pursuing the Master Reading Teacher (MRT) Certificate. Prerequisite: Graduate standing
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This advanced course focuses on literacy interventions (reading and writing) for learners from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Course activities include the administration of diagnostic assessment instruments and procedures for implementation of individualized strategies and lessons. Reading professionals engage in critical reflection and response to intervention for diverse populations. Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

**The maximum grant amount can vary by year. TEACH Grants are available to qualified applicants who enroll in a TEACH Grant eligible program and require approved recipients to sign a service agreement for certain teaching service obligations. If you do not meet the requirements of your service obligation, the grant will turn into a loan that must be repaid, with interest. For more information, please visit: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/teach#eligibility or contact the Texas A&M International University Financial Aid Office.

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