Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi College of Education

Graduate Degree Program in Special Education

The primary objective of this program is to provide graduate students with an eclectic graduate program in special education that interfaces theory and pedagogy from both the language minority and special education areas. Program participants will receive specialized training that is unique and specific to the needs of language majority and language minority exceptional students. The competencies will include: (1) foundations for understanding linguistically and culturally diverse students and exceptional students, (2) first and second language acquisition, (3) cultural variables and their effects on behavior, teaching and learning, (4) teaching methodologies to develop reading and language skills, and (5) teaching methodologies to facilitate content-area learning and practical problem solving.
Also, program competencies will focus on social and behavior strategies used with students demonstrating antisocial behaviors.
Finally, program participants will receive training in collaboration and consultation strategies in order to work effectively with parents and regular education personnel in designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs for students with disabilities.

MS SPECIAL EDUCATION DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
(36 Semester Hours)

FOUNDATION COURSES (9 Semester Hours)

EDFN 5301 Introduction to Research
BIEM 5345 Developmental Linguistics
SPED 5385 Foundations in Language Minority Special Education.

CORE COURSES (15 - 21 Semester Hours)

SPED 5315* Exceptional Children & Youth in the Schools
SPED 5320* Application of Learning Principles
SPED 5380 Children and Adolescents with Behavior Disorders
SPED 5386 Reading and Language Strategies for Exceptional Children
SPED 5387 Content-Area Strategies for Exceptional Children
SPED 5388 Current Issues in Special Education
SPED 5397 Special Education Practicum

* Required courses for students who have no degree or certification or endorsement in special education.

ELECTIVE COURSES** (6 - 12 Semester Hours)

** Elective courses are to be selected in consultation with the faculty advisor.

Admission to the Program

Obtain an Application for Admissions form on-line or contact the TAMU-CC Office of Graduate Studies. (361) 825-2177
Official transcripts of all work taken at any accredited college or university must be mailed to the Office of Graduate Studies, TAMU-CC.

Filing a Degree Plan

Download a Master's Degree: Special Education Plan (PDF file)
or obtain a degree plan from the College of Education Office. (361) 825-2668
Download Special Education Course Offerings Schedule (PDF file)

PDF files are viewed with Acrobat Reader
A special education degree plan must be filed within the first semester of the program.
Complete a special education degree plan by contacting an Academic Advisor.

For assistance contact

Faculty Advisor:

Dr. MaryAnn Zipprich, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Special Education
(361) 825-3331
Internet: MaryAnn.Zipprich@tamucc.edu

Academic Advisor
For degree plan information contact an academic advisor:

(361) 825-2662.
Faculty Center 201

MaryAnn.Zipprich@tamucc.edu