Master of Arts in Special Education

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.shsu.edu.

This 36-hour degree plan is designed for individuals who are seeking board certification in behavior analysis. Students have the option of earning an MA (thesis) or MA (non-thesis).  The MA (thesis) option requires successful completion of a master's thesis defense. The MA (non-thesis) requires successful completion of a research project or literature review. The degree plan originates in the School of Teaching and Learning. The candidate must successfully complete a comprehensive examination. Candidates must be enrolled in coursework during the semester they take comprehensive examinations.

To be regularly admitted to the graduate school, applicants must submit to the Office of Admissions:

  1. Graduate Application
  2. Application fee
  3. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, both undergraduate and graduate (Note: A minimum GPA of 2.5 in undergraduate and graduate work is expected)
  4. Two letters of recommendation
  5. Acceptable writing sample

The priority deadline for applications is May 1st. The final deadline is August 1st. Applications are reviewed for Fall semester start dates only.

Master of Arts in Special Education (Low Incidence Disabilities and Autism Program)

Master of Arts in Special Education (Low Incidence Disabilities and Autism Program)
Courses
SPED 6301Applied Behavior Analysis *3
SPED 6302Seminar In Autism Spectrum Dis3
SPED 6303Behvrl Intervntn & Change Proc *3
SPED 6304In-Home Training & Family Iss3
SPED 6306Eval & Measurement Of Behavior *3
SPED 6307Behvrl Assmnt Iss & Proc *3
SPED 6314Thesis I-Rsch Mthd-Bhvr Analys3
SPED 6315Thesis II 13
or SPED 6317 Applied Research In Spec Ed
SPED 6318Ethics for Behavior Analysts *3
Select one of the following:3
Stdy-Cogntve/Low Incidn Dsblty
Tch Mthd-Lrnrs/Mild-Mod Dsblty
Std Behavior Disorder Children
SPED 6329Personnel Supervision in ABA *3
SPED 6331Advanced Concepts and Principles in ABA *3
Total Hours36

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers.  Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.

The MA in Special Education is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:

  • Apply scientifically derived principles about variables in the environment that affect socially significant behavior.

  • Use Applied Behavior Analysis to manage the behavior of persons with intellectual disabilities or autism.

  • Complete coursework needed to qualify to take the Behavior Analyst Certification Exam.