Special Education
Excel in special education with experience in our unique on-campus lab schools.
Our master’s in special education program prepares you to support individuals with diverse learning needs in a range of settings. Using evidence-informed practice, you’ll gain hands-on experience designing effective instruction and creating inclusive learning environments for students.
A defining feature of the program is access to TCU’s two on-campus laboratory schools— Starpoint School and KinderFrogs School — where you’ll connect what you learn in the classroom to practical experience working with young learners.
This 30-hour program is designed to advance professional knowledge and does not lead to initial teacher certification.
Contact
- Lori Kimball
Graduate Coordinator - 817-257-7661
- coegraduate@tcu.edu
Apply
Programs Offered
Admission & Financial Aid
To apply to the special education program, applicants must submit:
- A completed application
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
Full-time graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, graduate and teaching assistantships, research assistantships, graduate instructor positions and merited tuition.
Faculty & Research
You’ll learn from faculty with expertise in learning differences, inclusive instructional practices and family-professional collaboration. Faculty integrate research and applied teaching strategies to prepare you for a range of roles in the classroom and beyond.
Featured Faculty
Professor
Dr. Faggella-Luby’s primary research interest focuses on embedding instruction in learning strategies into subject area courses to improve reading comprehension for all levels of learners.
Professor
Dr. Kyzar is an active member of the Council for Exceptional Children Division for Research’s committee research and families of individuals with disabilities.
Professor
Dr. Lindo is co-editor of a top research journal, Exceptional Children, and has served on the editorial boards of many other special education research publications.
Sample Courses
- Critical Issues in Special Education
- Literacy Methods in Special Education
- Motivating and Managing Students in the Classroom
- Planning & Instruction for Academically Diverse Classrooms
- Understanding Children & Youth At-Risk
- Research Literacy & Communication
View Courses & Degree Requirements
What Sets Us Apart
- Two on-campus laboratory schools: Gain hands-on experience at the Starpoint School and KinderFrogs School —unique environments that connect research to real-world practice.
- On-campus special education institute: The Alice Neeley Special Education Research and Service (ANSERS) Institute offers students and faculty an environment for innovation through teaching, research and community engagement.
- Nationally recognized faculty expertise: Learn from leaders in literacy, inclusive education, family-school partnerships, bilingual special education and equity-focused research.
- Strong focus on evidence-based practice: Develop the skills to design, implement and evaluate effective instruction and interventions across settings.
- Integration of research and applied practice: Engage in coursework and projects that translate research into meaningful, practical outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
This program has been incredibly flexible and meaningful. I’ve been able to travel, gain hands-on experience and take a deep dive into topics I’m passionate about. It has truly been a transformative experience.
—Lainey Clark, M.Ed. ’23
Career Prospects
You’ll be prepared for a wide range of roles supporting individuals with disabilities across educational, clinical, advocacy and community settings, as well as specialized learning environments beyond traditional education.