Department of Education
Education programs are designed to prepare the professional educator to: 1) understand and meet the educational needs of a diverse student population, 2) function in a global society which requires all students to be life-long learners, and 3) provide opportunities for participants to gain the skills and vision to be leaders in schools faced with the challenges of the 21st century.
The state standards for educator preparation are embedded in the coursework in the degree programs offered by the Education Department. Please note: The University confirms course completion and readiness for certification exams, but does not grant state certification. Certification is granted by the Texas Education Agency. Completion of coursework and recommendation for certifications in no way guarantees employment after graduation.
State Board for Educator Certification
Texas Education certification may be earned as follows:
Student Services and Professional Certificates:
Principal, Educational Diagnostician, Reading Specialist and School Counselor. The department is completing students enrolled in the program but is not admitting new students as of this time for the following certificates: School Librarian, Master Technology Teacher (Moratorium as of Spring 2012) and Master Reading Teacher (Moratorium as of Spring 2012).
Applicants for professional certificates are required to pass the appropriate certification test (TExES) and document two years of classroom teaching experience on teacher service record. All applicants for Texas Certificates are also screened for a record of felony or misdemeanor conviction through the Texas Department of Public Safety, as prescribed by state law.
Supplemental Special Education Certificate:
A Texas Education supplemental certificate may be earned in Special Education as follows:
Special Education 21-hour Supplemental Certificate
Requirements:
- Prerequisite: Valid Texas Teacher Certificate
- TExES requirement: Special Education EC-12
- A minimum of 12 hours (excluding SPED 8314 or equivalent) must be credit earned at Our Lady of the Lake University
Individual Differences: Advanced Studies |
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Language of Children and Youth with Exceptionalities |
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Behavior Analysis and Intervention |
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Structuring the Educational Environment |
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Assessment and Evaluation: Students with Exceptionalities |
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Professional Seminar: Special Education Law |
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Practicum: Generic Special Education |
Master’s Degree Programs in Education
The department offers three master’s degrees (MEd, MA and MAT) in the following areas:
Master of Education: |
Master of Arts: |
Curriculum and Instruction Learning Resource Specialist (Moratorium as of Spring 2012) Principal School Counseling |
Special Education |
Master of Arts in Teaching: |
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Education |
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Master of Education
Admission Application Requirements
Regular Admission
- Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions previously attended must be submitted in support of an admission application
- A grade point average of 2.75 with a 3.00 on last 60 hours
- Miller Analogies Test must be taken if GPA is below 2.75 or if the student has grades of D or lower in two or more advanced level courses
- Two letters of academic/professional recommendation not more than a year old (forms will be supplied by the University)
- A copy of a valid Texas Teacher Certificate. This is not required for MEd in Learning Resources or the MEd in School Counseling. Applicants who do not hold valid Texas Teacher Certificates must submit verification of local and state Criminal History Records. To obtain Texas certification as a school librarian or school counselor, one must document two years of classroom experience as teacher of record in an accredited public/private school setting
- An interview is also required for admission to the MA in Special Education, MEd in School Counseling and MEd in Principal
- In the Master Technology Teacher program, evidence of Technology Application Standards knowledge and skills must be submitted (arranged with Master Technology Teacher program adviser)
International Students
An international student seeking admission into the graduate program for a Master of Education should refer to page 35 of this bulletin for additional information on credentials needed for admission.
Conditional Admission
Conditional admission is granted on the merits of each case. In some circumstances, applicants who do not meet all of the requirements for regular admission may be admitted conditionally, providing they fulfill the conditions listed in their letters of conditional admission within the period of specified time. If conditional admission is given because of missing official credentials, the period of time to provide those documents will not extend beyond the first term of attendance.
Special Admission
Students who wish to earn master’s degree credit for supplemental certification only, for special interest, for professional certification or to transfer credit to a home institution may be admitted as special students. Before registering, an applicant for special admission must:
- Submit an official transcript(s) showing degree awarded, to include master’s degree, if applicable. (Transient students need only submit a letter of good standing from their home institution verifying master’s degree status)
- GPA of 2.75, or permission from the dean
- Submit personal statement for special interest
Students who wish to register as degree-seeking candidates, but who do not have time before registration to complete requirements for regular admission, may also be admitted as special students until the program criteria are met. No more than 12 semester hours earned as a special student may be applied toward a degree. There is no guarantee, however, that courses taken in this category will be accepted as part of the degree curricula, or that admission as a special student will lead to regular admission as a degree-seeking student. Regular admission must be approved by program coordinator and the dean of the School of Professional Studies.
Admission Deadline
The deadline for submitting a completed application for the degree program is 10 working days prior to the first day of the regular registration for the semester.
Academic Requirements:
Students will be expected to complete the following requirements in addition to required coursework:
- Comprehensive Examination or the Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES)
- Computer literacy requirement
Master of Education Specialization: Curriculum and Instruction Concentration: Bilingual
Texas Teacher Certification Required
36 semester hours
Foundation Courses:
Multicultural Foundations of Education |
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Research Methods and Procedures |
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Applied Learning and Development |
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Curriculum Development |
Professional Courses:
Individual Differences: Advanced Studies |
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Classroom Assessment |
Concentration Courses:
Instructional Techniques for Content Areas: Bilingual |
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Reading and Language Arts: Bilingual |
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English as a Second Language Methodology |
Elective: Six semester hours
Master of Education Specialization: Curriculum and Instruction Concentration: Early Childhood
Texas Teacher Certification Required
36 semester hours
Foundation Courses:
Multicultural Foundations of Education |
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Research Methods and Procedures |
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Applied Learning and Development |
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Curriculum Development |
Professional Courses:
Individual Differences: Advanced Studies |
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Classroom Assessment |
Concentration:
Advanced Childhood Growth and Development |
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EDUC 4367G |
Organizing School Programs: Early Childhood |
Teaching Young Children |
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Language of Children and Youth with Exceptionalities |
Elective: Six semester hours
Master of Education Specialization: Curriculum and Instruction Concentration: English as a Second Language
Texas Teacher Certification required
36 semester hours
Foundation Courses:
Multicultural Foundations of Education |
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Research Methods and Procedures |
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Applied Learning and Development |
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Curriculum Development |
Professional Courses:
Individual Differences: Advanced Studies |
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Classroom Assessment |
Concentration Course:
Language Acquisition Processes |
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Languages and Society |
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General Linguistic Theory |
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English as Second Language Methodology |
Elective: Six semester hours
Master of Education Specialization: Curriculum and Instruction Concentration: Integrated Math Teaching
Texas Teacher Certification Required
36 semester hours
Foundation Courses:
Multicultural Foundations of Education |
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Research Methods and Procedures |
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Applied Learning and Development |
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Curriculum Development |
Professional Courses:
Individual Differences: Advanced Studies |
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Classroom Assessment |
Concentration Courses:
Algebra for Teachers |
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Geometry for Teachers |
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Probability and Statistics for Teachers |
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Problem Solving for Teachers |
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Current Issues and Research in School Mathematics |
Choose one:
Concepts of Calculus |
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History of Mathematics |
Master of Education Specialization: Curriculum and Instruction Concentration: Integrated Science Teaching
Texas Teacher Certification Required
36 semester hours
Foundation Courses:
Multicultural Foundations of Education |
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Research Methods and Procedures |
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Applied Learning and Development |
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Curriculum Development |
Professional Courses:
Individual Differences: Advanced Studies |
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Classroom Assessment |
Concentration Courses:
Choose four courses, no more than one from each of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Geology
Elective: Six semester hours (approved by adviser)
Master of Education Specialization: Curriculum and Instruction Concentration: Master Technology Teacher, Admission Moratorium as of September 2011.
Texas Teacher Certification Required
In the Master Technology Teacher program evidence of Technology Application Standards knowledge and skills must be submitted (arranged with Master Technology Teacher program adviser).
36 semester hours
Foundation Courses:
Multicultural Foundations of Education |
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Research Methods and Procedures |
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Applied Learning and Development |
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Curriculum Development |
Professional Courses:
Special Education Technology |
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Classroom Assessment |
Concentration:
Education Technology Foundations |
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Teaching Education Technology |
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Leadership in Instructional Technology |
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Designing Professional Development for Teachers |
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Advanced Educational Technology |
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Telecommunications for Instructional Purposes |
Master of Education Specialization: Curriculum and Instruction Concentration: Reading Specialist
Texas Teacher Certification Required
36 semester hours
Foundation Courses:
Multicultural Foundations of Education |
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Research Methods and Procedures |
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Applied Learning and Development |
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Curriculum Development |
Professional Courses:
Individual Differences: Advanced Studies |
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Classroom Assessment |
Concentration Courses:
Critical Issues in Reading Assessment and Interventions |
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Curriculum and Instruction in Reading |
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Clinical Practice in Reading |
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Content Area Reading in Secondary Schools |
Choose one:
Young Adult Literature and Related Media (for Secondary Certification) |
Choose one:
Reading and Language Arts: Bilingual |
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English as a Second Language Methodology |
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General Linguistic Theory |
Master of Education Specialization: Principal
Texas Teacher Certification Required
36 semester hours
Foundation Courses:
Multicultural Foundations of Education |
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Research Methods and Procedures |
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Guidance and Counseling Services |
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Applied Learning and Development |
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Internship: Administration |
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The Principalship |
Concentration Courses:
Curriculum Development |
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School Administration |
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Business Administration of Public Schools |
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School Law |
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School Supervision |
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Elective |
Three semester hours |
Master of Education Specialization: Learning Resources Specialist, Admission Moratorium as of September 2011
36 semester hours
Foundation Courses:
Multicultural Foundations of Education |
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Research Methods and Procedures |
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Applied Learning and Development |
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Curriculum Development |
Concentration Courses:
EDUC 5351G |
Instructional Media |
Observation and Practice |
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Cataloging and Classification |
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Young Adult Literature and Related Media |
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The Learning Resources Center in the School |
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Selection and Acquisition of Materials |
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Information Sources and Services |
Master of Education Specialization: School Counseling
48 semester hours
Foundation Courses:
Research Methods and Procedures |
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Life Span Development Psychology |
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Applied Learning and Development |
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Normal Family Processes Across Cultures |
Concentration Courses:
Vocational and Aptitude Assessment |
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Guidance and Counseling Services |
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Life Planning and Career Development |
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Group and Family Processes |
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Counseling Theories: Methods and Techniques |
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Child & Adolescent Counseling |
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Practicum: School Counseling I |
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Practicum: School Counseling II |
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Psychopathology: Etiology, DX, TX Planning |
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Professional Practice: Skills and Issues |
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Pre-Practicum Counseling Laboratory: Basic Interviewing Skills |
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
The academic requirement for Licensure as a Professional Counselor in the State of Texas may be met by successful completion of the MEd in School Counseling.
For Master of Science in school psychology, see PSYCHOLOGY.
Master’s Degree Programs in Special Education
Master of Arts
The master’s degree program in special education offers a program that leads to special education Texas teacher licensure. The program is designed to facilitate the learning and preparing of current certified Texas educators to enhance their teaching pedagogy and culturally responsiveness, while delivering academic and behavioral instruction to students with disabilities. In addition, training is offered through case study presentation, formal research, and other techniques to enhance professional development. Course scheduling affords individuals the opportunity to continue their present employment and also obtain a master's degree.
Admission Application Requirements
Regular Admission
- Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions previously attended must be submitted in support of an admissions application
- An overall grade point average of 3.00 or a 2.75 with a 3.00 grade point average for the last 60 hours toward the bachelor’s degree
- A satisfactory score on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the last five years
- An interview with the Special Education adviser or designated faculty member
- Two letters of recommendation not more than one year old (forms will be supplied by the University)
International Students
An international student seeking admission into the master’s degree program for a Master of Arts in Special Education should refer to page 35 of this bulletin for additional information on credentials needed for admission.
Conditional Admission
Conditional acceptance is granted on the merits of each case. In some circumstances, applicants who do not meet all of the requirements for regular admission may be admitted conditionally, providing they fulfill the conditions listed in their letters of conditional acceptance within the period of specified time. If conditional acceptance is given because of missing official credentials, the period of time to provide those documents will not extend beyond the first term of attendance.
Special Admission
If a student wishes to earn master’s degree credit for supplemental certification, endorsement, special interest or to transfer to another institution, that student may be admitted as a special student.
Before registering, the applicant must:
- Submit official transcript(s) from regionally accredited institutions showing degree awarded, to include master’s degree, if applicable
- Have earned an overall grade point average of at least 2.75
- Personal statement for special interest
Students who wish to register as degree-seeking students, but who do not have time before registration to complete requirements for regular admission, may also be admitted as special students until the program criteria are met. No more than 12 semester hours earned as a special student may be applied toward a degree. There is no guarantee, however, that courses taken in this category will be accepted as part of the degree curricula, or that acceptance as a special student will lead to regular admission to the master’s degree program. Admission as a degree-seeking student must be approved by the director of the special education program and the dean of the School of Professional Studies.
Admission Deadline
Deadline for submitting a completed application to the Graduate Special Education Program is 10 working days prior to the regular registration for each semester.
Academic Requirements:
Students will be expected to complete the following requirements in addition to required coursework:
- Comprehensive Examination or the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES)
- Computer literacy requirement
Master of Arts Specialization: Special Education
Texas Teacher Certification in Generic Special Education Required
36 semester hours
Core:
Applied Learning and Development |
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Research Methods and Procedures |
Concentration:
Language of Children and Youth with Exceptionalities |
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Behavior Analysis and Intervention |
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Structuring the Educational Environment |
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Assessment and Evaluation: Students with Exceptionalities |
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Emotional Disturbances and Related Disorders |
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Professional Seminar: Special Education Law |
Support: Nine hours (selected from the following with adviser approval)
Choose one of the following:
Multicultural Foundations of Education |
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Bilingual Special Education: Assessment and Instruction |
Choose one of the following:
Elective |
Three hours (additional hours selected from EDUC, COUN, PSYC or SPED with adviser approval) |
Thesis: Special Education (optional) |
Master of Arts Specialization: Special Education (EC-12)
Texas Teacher Certification required
36 semester hours
Foundation Courses 12 hours:
Multicultural Foundations of Education |
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Research Methods and Procedures |
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Applied Learning and Development |
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Individual Differences: Advanced Studies |
Concentration Courses 15 hours:
Language Issues in Special Education |
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Behavior Analysis and Intervention |
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Methods and Strategies for Students with Exceptionalities |
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Special Education Assessment |
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Professional Seminar: Special Education Law |
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Practicum: Special Education |
Support: Six hours (selected from the following with adviser approval)
Critical Issues in Reading Assessment and Intervention |
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Reading and Language Arts: Bilingual |
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Student Exceptionalities LD and GT |
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Emotional Disturbances and Related Disorders |
Master of Arts Specialization: Special Education Concentration: Educational Diagnostician
Texas Teacher Certification required
43 semester hours
Some courses offered on weekends
Core:
Research Methods and Procedures |
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Professional Seminar: Special Education Law |
Concentration:
Psycho-educational Assessment |
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PSYC 6345 |
Assessment and Evaluation: Students with Exceptionalities |
Applied Learning and Development |
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Critical Issues in Reading Assessment and Interventions |
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Individual Differences: Advanced Studies |
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Language of Children and Youth with Exceptionalities |
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Behavior Analysis and Intervention |
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Structuring the Educational Environment |
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Bilingual Special Education: Assessment and Instruction |
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Emotional Disturbances and Related Disorders |
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Practicum in Educational Diagnostician |
Student must meet all academic and practicum requirements of the State Board of Educator Certification when completing an endorsement as part of the degree; comprehensive examination required (requires two years of teaching experience).
Master of Arts in Teaching
Admission Criteria
- Official transcript from all regionally accredited institutions previously attended must be submitted in support of an admission application
- A grade point average of 2.75 or better on the last 60 hours
- If cumulative GPA is below a 3.00 a satisfactory score on the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the last five years.
- Two letters of academic/professional recommendation not more than a year old (forms will be supplied by the University)
- A resume or Curriculum Vitae and personal statement
- Verification of cleared state Criminal History check required
- An interview is also required for admission to the MAT
International Students
An international student seeking admission into the graduate program for Master of Arts in Teaching should refer to the appropriate pages 35 of this bulletin for additional information on credentials needed for admission.
Conditional Admission
Conditional admission may be granted in rare circumstances based on the merits of each case. In such circumstances, applicants who have incomplete admission files or do not meet other criteria may petition for such admittance to the Education Department. If admitted conditionally, all conditions must be met with a given time period and no later than the end of the first semester of attendance. If conditions are not met by this time, student will be unable to continue program.
Special Admission
Students who wish to earn master’s degree credit for certification only, for special interest, for professional certification or to transfer credit to a home institution may be admitted as special students. Before registering, an applicant for special admission must:
- Submit an official transcript(s) showing degree(s) awarded, to include master’s degree if applicable. Transient students need only submit a letter of good standing from their home institution verifying master’s degree status.
- GPA of 2.75 or permission from the Dean
- A personal statement for special interest students
NOTE: Students who wish to register as degree candidates but do not have time before registration to complete requirements for regular admission may be admitted for one semester as special students until program criteria are met. No more than 12 credit hours earned as a special student may be accepted toward the M.A.T. Additionally, there is no guarantee that courses taken as a special student will be accepted as part of the degree curricula or that admission as a special student will lead to subsequent admission as a degree-seeking student. Admission as a degree-seeking student must be approved by the education department and the Dean of the School of Professional Studies.
Admission Deadline
The deadline for submitting a completed application for the degree program is November 1 for spring admission, May 1 for summer admission and July 1 for fall admission.
Academic Requirements:
Students will be expected to complete the following requirements in addition to required coursework:
- Comprehensive Examination or the Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES)
- Computer literacy requirement
STATE CERTIFICATION INFORMATION
Teacher certification is not awarded by the university but by the State of Texas based on completion of designated courses and passing scores on the exams required by the State Board of Educator Certification. The department certification officer will work with individual students to guide them through this process.
State teaching certificates that may be earned:
- Students may earn an initial EC-6 teaching certificate upon completion of the required core courses and successful completion of state exams.
- Student seeking certification to teach at the intermediate or secondary levels must complete the required core courses as well as the courses in either the Math or Science set.
- Students who complete the special education courses will have a foundation for the state exam. Successful completion of that exam may require additional courses.
Master of Arts in Teaching Specialization: Education
Choose one concentration: Math, Science or Special Education
30-33 semester hours
Required Core Courses:
Curriculum and Instruction in Multicultural Settings |
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Instruction and Assessment Practices for the Multicultural Classroom |
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Pedagogy Instructional Methods |
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Applied Learning and Development |
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Classroom Organization and Management for the Multicultural Settings |
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Content Area Reading in Secondary Schools |
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Individual Differences - Advanced Studies |
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EDUC 6386 and |
Internship I: Elementary Internship II: Elementary |
EDUC 6388 and EDUC 6389 or |
Internship I: Secondary Internship II: Secondary |
Student Teaching |
Math Concentration (For intermediate and secondary certification only) Grades 4-8 (Intermediate). Take the following 12 hours:
Algebra for Teachers |
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Geometry for Teachers |
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Probability and Statistics for Teachers |
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Problem Solving for Teachers |
Science Concentration (for intermediate and secondary only):
Grades 4-8 (Intermediate): four graduate Science Education courses (as per advisor approval); must have SCED prefix. Note: Courses may be either three or four hours each.
Grades 8-12 (Secondary) two graduate Science Education courses (as per advisor approval); must have SCED prefix. Note: Courses may be either three or four hours each.
Special Education Concentration:
Take the following 12 hours:
Language Issues in Special Education |
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Behavior Analysis and Intervention |
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Methods and Strategies for Students with Exceptionalities |
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Special Education Assessment |